I was at the mall today and was looking at Pumas (as well as many other type walking shoes) and I just wasn't sure about the support. Glad to hear you like them Scat. Last time I was in Paris and London- walked everywhere all day long I ended up with major blisters and aching feet. I have sworn on this trip I would avoid that at all costs. That is why I probably will go ahead & take my very comfortable Nikes (because I know they won't bother me) and like your suggestion (cig.)to take some dressier shoes in a tote. I can't tell you how many trips i have spoiled by aching feet. I love to walk..

Please post the hot-weather photos. I live in a city where it's (almost) never hot and I have no idea what people wear <b>anywhere</b> when it's very warm. We had a heat wave here in San Francisco earlier this week and I was late for work every day just staring at my closet of black sweaters and woolens thinking, WTH? I do have some bikinis and flip flops, but now that I'm in my late-30s I no longer think these items are appropriate city wear.

p.s. to traveltheel, I bought some Pumas in Italy in 2000 that I still wear occasionally. My pair have good-not-great support. You can always buy an over-the-counter orthotic, just make sure your shoes are big enough to accommodate it. I used to live in Chuck Taylors and Vans but last fall I developed plantar fasciitis and now need arch and heel support.

All my ballet flats are now worthless.

I think that anybody who visits a "walking" city like Paris should not give one thought to footwear fashion and choose only their most comfortable shoes.

Europeans on holiday wear practically nothing but sneakers or sandals when they go to any other country.

Hey Kerouac and others who are there or just returned--
I'm arriving in Paris on May 5th for 8 days and this is my first spring trip. Is this linen season yet? Not necessarily white, I have some washable black/chocolate linen pants and tops already in my wardrobe that are tres comfortable--just don't want to be chilly. Should I bring some or leave them for when I come in the true summer?

There is an expression in France:

<i>En avril, ne te découvre pas d'un fil.
En mai, fais ce qu'il te plaît.</i>

Translation: "In April, do not remove a stitch of clothing. In May, do whatever pleases you."

How wonderful . . . a philosophy for everything.

Merci!

I guessed wrong!!! I thought for sure the american couple/person was the guy with the camo pants on, a back pack, and a beard and hat & female in tow. They even looked a bit lost. Were they from another country (aside from US or France)?

MORE! this is fun to see esp if there is the side game of "pick the American".

PS. The brown is killing me. Thank god for basic black. I couldn't dress in that color... looks good on others I guess, but not my taste. When will it switch to navy????

~Jay

don't worry, jay, I saw alot of navy.

more pictures would be interesting, but (if you can) in another area of Paris.
Perhaps, where you work?

If I took photos of the neighborhood where I work, more than 50% of the people would be tourists and also wealthy expats from the Middle East.