Help! We leave in 4 days for Alsace Lorraine and Paris with 2 kids. Do we need to pack jackets?? Some days the paper says the high in Paris is in the high 70's; other days it's 69...I'm concerned that if we have some of that weather, evenings/mornings may be cool. Would appreciate advice. Thanks

I'd take some kind of light jacket, sweater, etc. It can be "very variable" in France!

Mornings can often be cool in Paris even when it gets into the 80s in the afternoon in summer. I usually wear a lightweight cotton sweater in the mornings in summer. Last year I wished I'd had a rain jacket as it got even cooler and rained a lot for hours and I was very cold and wet. It's a gamble, you never know if you'll need them or they will be something you drag along and don't use. Lately it's been rainy and cloudy and in the 70s in daytime and down into 50s at night in Paris. So, I would definitely take them if they are rainjackets and lightweight, as well as a sweater.

<BR>Be careful. I remember it snowing in Alsace a few Julys ago. Bring warm clothes!

i just left paris about 5 days ago. i didn't pack a jacket. i froze. i rushed to the gap and bought a jacket. i wore pants everyday. in the afternoon it heats up, but thats only for about 3 hours a day. if u take the boat tour at night( so pretty) you will freeze. good luck

<BR>I'd advise you to wear mittens and a scarf as well. Lately it has been freezing cold at night. Leave your loose, light clothes at home!

Layer, layer, layer. Big bulky jackets are rarely the answer when travelling (unless you are truly going to the arctic), but lightweight shells (or blazers for the grown-ups if you'd like something a bit dressier) and a number of layers like turtlenecks, cardigans, T-shirts, and camisoles will come in very handy. Know that you will re-wear lots of these clothes, don't bother trying to pack millions of everything. The kids don't care, and for you just make sure things coordinate. <BR><BR>I've gone from temps in the 40s (Fahrenheit) to the 80s in a single day in parts of Europe, and the layering approach never fails.

No, no, no. In summer people in western Europe wear or shorts(sun)or trousers(no sun). A light pullover will be sufficient. For the eventually rain a umbrella and a light jacket (genre K-way) is enough. <BR>And for the moment is is good weather in France. And next weekend it will even be hot in Paris (28°C) In Alsace it is always a little less and in the Alps it can snow on the tops, yes. But that is normal.

<BR>Well, bring at least 1 heavy jacket. You should think about a puffy down jacket. After all, it is almost August. Boots and wool socks are optional but recommended!

Hi<BR><BR>check out an atlas.<BR><BR>Paris is much further north than Toronto.<BR><BR>And the gulf stream cools the north in summer.<BR><BR>It could be hot, or not !<BR><BR>If you want better weather head south<BR><BR>Peter<BR>http://tlp.netfirms.com<BR>

If anyone tells you what the weather in Paris will be at any particular time, don't believe them. They don't know, I don't know, you won't know until you get there. Paris is so changeable and unpredictable nobody really knows. Could be sunny, mild, cold, cloudy, nasty, windy, rainy. People have been cold in July and warm in October. So be prepared with layers to put on or take off, umbrellas, hope for sunny, mild weather and you'll be fine. For more Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

Peggi: We were in Paris the first three days of July and it was FREEZING - two days we had downpours, too. You should ALWAYS pack rain and cold gear for Paris, no matter when you're going. And especially since you're going to Alsace, which should be cooler than Paris, bring the rain gear and layers. I always bring a light sweater and a waterproof mid-length jacket with hood because I hate toting an umbrella around.

And why would'nt you also bring your rubber boots? The Seine could flood... No kidding, it will be hot this weekend in Paris, and if it is not, it won't be freezing! And if it is, you can always buy a beautiful sweather.There a nice dress shops in France. Don't take to much with you because you have to leave some place in your suitcase for the souvenirs...

I recommend a sou'wester and wellies.

Peggi You know when you get there you will by a souvenir why not a paris sweatshirts ?

I just got back from from 2 weeks in Strasbourg. You need layers. Sometimes it felt like it was 30 degrees Celsius (it was quite muggy), nd many buildings (including restaurants and hotels) aren't air-conditioned to North American standards (or air-conditioned at all). Even on the cooler days, it never felt cold - because of the humidity. I never needed more than a very light, breathable rainshell (I have a black running shell that doesn't look too sporty) and a lightweight silk cardigan for evenings. Long-sleeved shirts were often too warm for daytime - but it wasn't so hot that I needed shorts either (and besides, shorts make you look like a tourist). Don't forget to back something cool to sleep in since you might have to close your windows to block out street noise. PS - I loved Alsace, and there's a great guidebook published by the French publisher Hachette - the book is rather tall and green (looks like a Michelin guide but isn't). It had tons of detail, great ideas for itineraries, and lots of pictures. I bought mine in London.

Thanks for all the sound advice!! I'm grateful!