.. need to travel with one suitcase, but want to be prepared for range of weather we're likely to encounter. Any advice?

So much depends on the length of the trip, and how strictly you mean "one suitcase". I always recommend two bags, if for no other reason than it is easier to carry two bags of 15 kg than one bag of 25 kg.<BR><BR>I predict that you will likely want a pretty good coat. At least one of those destinations will drop below 50 degrees F early morning or late evening (and maybe below 40), unless your September trip is crammed all into the first 7-10 days of September - - and with five destinations, I hope not!<BR><BR>The key to being warm enough and packing light will be to wear 2-3 light layers - - any of which can go over the top of the other, so it doesnt seem like you are wearing the same thing every day.<BR><BR>After that, my "cardinal rules" of luggage should apply to this trip as much as any itinerary (in any season).<BR><BR>I have posted them often. Here's one recent thread on which you can read them.<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=1395382<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Thank you..I want to travel with only one suitcase as we will be doing quite a bit of travel by rail and I have two children with me (which means I help them with their suitcases). We'll be gone a total of 21 days, early September, beginning in Montpellier.

just in case: leather jacket for you plus fold up into little case raincoat for you. For kids, a sweatshirt and a sleeveless fleece jacket. Hats if it rains.

up<BR>