weather - clothing first two weeks in May in Paris
 

We are going on a river cruise from Paris to Normandy the end of April through early May. It looks like the weather is cool at that time of year. So, I'm wondering is it too early for cropped pants? Too early for sandals during the day? I am in my late 60's - can I wear jeans? jeggings? Thanks.

Why should you not be able to wear jeans? Virtually everyone in Europe does. The "jeggings" depend on how you look in them.....

I personally think it won't be warm enough for sandals, and would recommend walking shoes anyway.

The best plan is always the "onion principle" -- layers, layers, layers. T-shirt, lightweight shirt, cardigan, fleece jacket for early morning or late evening, and shed layers as needed.

And be sure to take a rain jacket as one layer. You are likely to have some showers in April.

Think this time heading north from Paris will be way too cool for sandals or cropped pants, unless they are the travel- convertible type that fold from ankle to knee. (Columbia, Northface, REI, etc) I would bring silk thermals, merino base layer, thin fleece. Once wet, jeans take forever to dry -- I never bring them to Europe. Black, gray & khaki thin knits + accent of coral or citron for spring, plus hooded lightwt but waterproof jacket should complete your needs, along w/ couple cozy long scarves to accent and warm neck. On our last trip to Paris in late March had to purchase a longsleeve wool base layer at Galeries Lafayette to wear under my sweater & raincoat; we were also in northern France one October but our day in Normandy was rainy and cold. Waterproof walking shoes also always come w/ me; I dont tour w/ sneakers anywhere except on trails (and will take them to Switzerland).

If you're going to the D Day beaches they will be freezing in April/May. You'd also need closed shoes to walk on the sand. I would not bring cropped pants nor sandals to northern France during that time.

Bring a variety of clothing as the weather can turn warm in the afternoon; short-sleeved and long-sleeved tees, waterproof jacket, gloves (my hands are always cold in the cold weather), pashminas, etc.

Wear what is comfortable for you, both in style and temperature. I would not wear sandals or crops because I think the weather too cool but then again, I've seen crazy people ;;) wear flip flops in winter.

We usually travel to France in early May and typical weather seems to me too cool for sandals/crops. Layers are definitely the best choice beginning with silk long underwear. I like to pack a couple of sleeveless tops for those bonus warmer days but I don't think they happen often enough to plan a wardrobe around them. Have a great trip, Deborah

It's March....

What I would recommend is as you get closer to the trip start checking the weather and adjust accordingly. (I am always amazed that folks start packing 60 days in advance!)

It could be hotter or colder then normal and right now no one has a clue LOL!

Thanks - I didn't realize it would be so chilly. But I agree with Carol A - I will be obsessively checking the weather as the date comes closer. I never pack til the night before.

One more thing - what about a leather jacket? I have a nice medium weight, shortish, fitted - stylish and warm-ish. I will definitely take a raincoat too.

I wouldn't take cropped pants but I would take a pair of walking sandals myself.

Yes, think leather jacket would be great -- if it's warm enough to walk on beaches, you can always go barefoot; we did beaches in Dieppe but did not wear sandals. Will you get to Mont St. Michel (hopefully)? Now, cropped pants are just above ankle and skinny, am now wearing them always, guess I was thinking of capris; perhaps yes to cropped w/ ballet flats, and no to capris. Yes, satellite weather very accurate these days, but my Europe packlist does not vary much regardless, esp. w/ lack of prints and colors.