We will be in southern France in early June. Is it acceptable for men to wear shorts during the day while touring the Luberon and Riviera?

Yes.

Definitely yes.

Do you have the legs for shorts? If the answer is yes, and the shorts are of a relatively fashionable nature then wear them with caution. However, it is not necessary to wear shorts unless you are on a beach, the weather is not so intolerably hot that need to expose your legs.

the majority of the men wear long shorts. But very clean, neat and with a nice top.

Trousers look so much smarter always. Shorts are worn by people who should know better, but don't.

Some designers do feature them in their collections, but note, they are to be worn by men strictly under thirty, not some fifty-something who has to take the largest size. It just doesn't look the same.

Besides, summer trousers are more comfortable in the heat anyway. If you're on the beach then wear swimming shorts, if not, trousers, I do not understand this urge to wear shorts.

I've spent over 25 weeks in this region since we retired (early) in '99. I wear long pants for dinner - but that's the only time I wear long pants. There have been some major heatwaves in Provence in June in the past couple of years - I can't imagine NOT wearing shorts. My legs are not that great.... I wear deck shoes with no socks - bright white running shoes with "strident" white socks would be a "no-no"!!!

Stu Dudley

No socks? How Miami vice Stu...but with a name like that.

It's not chic, and it's not so hot. I spend time in places with temperatures around 45 degrees Celcius, I wear jeans that I wear in the summer in London. I do hope you don't go topless with your shorts. A thought best forgotten.

Is the no-sock thing out?

ALL the Provençals wear shorts. Tourists wear pants(fine dining the exception, of course)

I'm a woman, and I don't wear shorts in public, and I plan on wearing slacks or skirts to Italy in August. However, I do disagree with the following statement:

>> summer trousers are more comfortable in the heat anyway<<

I've never owned a pair of slacks that were cooler than shorts or even capris.

If my hubby was going on this trip, I know he'd be wearing nice looking shorts. There's no way I could get him to wear long slacks on a hot summer day.

So true Maire, but that poster joined another forum after being banned and knocked fodors and several posters here. Now it's back to cause conflict.

interesting