I am making an assumption that you are female, so apologies if that is wrong. I take lightweight clothing, with layers...plan to wear the same thing or a slight rematch a couple of times. I usually wear one pair of slacks and pack 2 more, wear one long-sleeve 'tee', and pack 3-4 more, wear one pair comfortable shoes and pack one pair more. Plus the undies, socks, nightgown... Then, a lightweight jacket and maybe a windbreaker or sweater... Maybe one nicer 'blouse' or sweater with a scarf or some costume jewelry for dinners.

I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again- you guys amaze me.

I fix a date, sometimes as little as 4 days in advance. I buy the tickets. I pack. I leave.

Anything else is the icing on the gingerbread

Everyone has posted some great advice. I have a few things to add. Figure out your daily itinerary with the group and from that make your wardrobe plan. This may sound like overkill but I have done it for years and it saves me tons of time and grief. Once I figure out what the planned "events" are, I can work around those to plan what clothes to take (mix and match ALWAYS!).

Additionally, I suggest if you are a member of Netflix to load up on travel DVD's of your destination, especially since this will be your first trip.

If you give us an idea of your itinerary we can also suggest movies that either are about the location(s) you are visiting or movies that were filmed in those locations. You can watch those ahead of time and it will give you a great preview of what to expect.

I agree with everyone regarding learning some french ahead of time. If you are an Ipod owner, go to Itunes and there are dozens of free podcasts teaching the french language. Additionally, you can google and find plenty of sites that offer french language drills or lessons on line.

Also, check your local library for travel books and langugage courses you can check out. You might even have time for a quick 8 week adult introductory course at a community college close to you.

A great series is called "Culture Shock" and you can get a "Culture Shock: France" book which will get you up to speed on etiquette and customs and some fun and interesting things to know about the destination and the french people.

I also think you should check with your tour company to see if they have forums on their web site. For example, Trafalgar Tours has forums where you can go in and put your info in the "roll call" section and you can start corresponding with others on your trip before you leave the country. You'll feel like you know many of the people before you meet them in person, and that is a great boost to forging new friends and travel buddies.

Hope this helps!

Kind of old post, but I wanted to add something that I didn't see listed.

Spend some time getting into good walking shape, if you are not already. I got very sore walking all over the place, and I thought I was in good shape!

I think the problem was that I do a lot of low-impact activities (bike, elliptical machine, etc.), and my legs, feet and back weren't ready for all of the impact on pavement, cobblestone and marble.

To prepare for my upcoming trip to France, I am making sure to do a few good walks a week - especially in my hilly neighborhood. And I wear the shoes that I'll take on my trip.

Have fun!