Hi Fodorites. I need some advice. I'll be in Paris (for the first time) for ten days from April 13th. I live in Florida and of course all we wear here are bright colors and the lightest (in weight) clothes possible. I haven't worn a long sleeved blouse in 6 years. But when it falls to 70 degrees here we all put on heavy sweaters or even jackets. So - in April in Paris what weight clothing will I wear? Shall I bring long sleeved sweaters and blouses? Short jackets and or wool suits and pants suits and wear a sweater underneath? or will I need a coat? Or will I not need that heavy clothing? I have no idea and any help will be appreciated.

The average low temperature in April is around 44° F, and the average high is around 58° F, although recent years have been warmer. Weather tends to be highly variable during the month, and sunny blue skies often alternate with brief, light showers during the day, although this sometimes manifests as several days of sunshine, several days of rain, several days of sunshine, etc.

Hi M,

It will be chilly for you, and often windy.

You will want to wear layers. Bring a raincoat and an umbrella.

Have a nice visit.

Thanks guys.

I've read on Fodor's that the women wear dark clothes and dark coats, but today (pics of Paris on tv) I see some women wearing obviously a white or light colored coat - betcha cashmere.

Any suggestions from ladies?

EVERYTHING goes! But stylish and neat.

Dear M,

No matter what you bring from the US will set you off as a tourist.

If you want to look like a Parisienne, buy your clothes there.

Not true, , the clothes in all the shops are the same styles as here in Boston. And all clothes in the less expensive shops like here are not made in France.

mahya - I agree with the layering concept. I will be in Paris fron the 9th to the 15th and will take a raincoat with zip out lining, an umbrella, a hat and gloves. I will mix and match some Chico's travel pieces that I regularly wear. Where in Florida are you? We are right outside of Tampa. My biggest problem will be wearing shoes, as I wear sandals 95% of the time. Oh the price we pay to live in paradise.

Hi Parisonmymind,

I'm in Delray, just above Boca - same here..all I wear are sandals or open toed shoes...even my comfy walking shoes are open toed rubber soles...my poor toes are going to be in shock at being closed in - and wow - going to wear nylons !!

Am traveling with another gal from our travel club and we'll be staying across from the Louvre.

How bout you?

MAHYA, I just returned from 7 wonderful days in Paris (hopefully I will get a report out soon) and according to the Parisians it was much colder than usual. Everyone was commenting on the cold. Don't know if that will last but you do A LOT of walking in Paris so you need to be comfortable outside. I was very happy for my many layers (camisole, sweater, coat, and multiple SCARVES.) Every woman, young or old wears scarves in Paris. Dark clothes were most often noticed, but scarves can be bright and of many textures and patterns. For spring bright, bohemian clothes styles were very evident in the windows, very bright colorful but since it was still winter I didn't notice them yet on the streets. I love scarves and found that I could wear the most basic black or beige pants and top and have an outside scarf for over my coat and then even a lighter beautifu silk scarf to leave on with my sweater and I felt well dressed for a dinner. Layers are definately the key and I found that I used some scarves as stoles as well. They also like their interiors very warm in Paris, so if you have any problems with heat you will want to be able to put things on and off. During one concert I took my coat, then my sweater, and watched the performance in a camisole and then redressed before the lights came up!
Whatever the weather you will have a wonderful time. We LOVED our days in Paris.

marchacarlin- I feel like I've been stalking you the past couple of days. I thought you might be home and jetlagged by now. I'm very interested to hear how your trip went and if the 5th was fun for you and if the little studio suited you.

HI amwosu! LOVED our trip. The 5th was great.....I was actually just answering another thread asking whether they should stay in Montmartre or the Latin Quarter and I was saying how much we loved staying on Rue Mouffetard. Once the big blue door closed I could believe how we couldn't hear ANYTHING from the street noises day or night. We have a home on a lake in NH and it was quieter in our studio on Rue M in the middle of Paris than it is there.
I am a bit jet lagged since we arrived home Wed night and Thur morning I drove 4 hours from NJ to Providence, Rhode Island to attend an art gallery opening of my son's girl friend, then drove back Friday morning, then drove to Long Island to day to take care of plans for my oldest sons wedding, ugh........I don't really know where I am or what time it is yet but I realy miss and am dreaming about Paris. Hopefully I will get it together to start a report tomorrow. So much to tell. Thanks so much for the advice. We loved the studio......perfect......but tales to tell too.....The 5th was fun, we were there for the demonstrations and walked in and through them many times. Intersting to read the news reports after the fact and compare them to the how it felt to actually be there....can't always believe what you read....

Can't wait to hear! Sooooo glad you enjoyed your trip! Crepes, crepes, crepes just outside the big blue door! Mmmmmmmm.....

mahya -
My husband and I will be in the 7th. We're looking forward to a Segway tour on the 10th - our new thing this trip. I really hope you enjoy your first visit to Paris - we keep going back because we enjoy it more each trip.

I live in Paris but buy my clothes in the US; they sell black there too -- and no I do not stick out! Patterns are iffy and no plaids.

Remember that 17 April is a holiday and things may have different hours or be closed.

MOxie,

thank you, I didn't know about 17 April being a holiday! I'm wondering if the hop on hop off bus and boat will still run? And will there be some restaurants open? Museums closed or open?

OOPS

thank you all for your help, but just now I've found out we have another problem

British Airways was supposed to book mini van transfers from Charles De Gaulle to our hotel in the 2nd arr.
They didn't. They say because we didn't book the hotel through them.

We won't take the subway from CDG, so can any Fodorite recommend a mini van from CDG that I can book online?

The advice you all give is invaluable, by the way!

Hi M,

A shuttle aill be about 18E pp. A cab about 50E.

See www.parishuttle.com, www.beeshuttle.com, www.bluevan.com