My husband and I will be traveling to Paris in August I was wondering if anyone could tell me in their past experiences to Paris what is the proper way to dress while there. I like to wear shorts and gym shoes during the summer but I dont want to be disrespectful either.

My family and I went to Paris last summer. We were like you and wanted to dress proper, I brought lots of skirts, the only problem is I was cold the whole time. I wish I would've brought sneakers because it's a lot of walking. I would most def. recommend some kind of sneakers. As for being disrespectful, I saw a lot of people wearing shorts/pants and sneakers. I hope this helps and have a great time!

My wife and I were in Paris in September and we packed based on the expected weather. Well Mother Nature was playing tricks on the French (and maybe all the Europeans) as August (the French vacation time) was cold and miserable, and while we were in Paris it was 10 - 15 degrees warmer than normal.

As for what to wear most locations allow shorts and sneakers. Some cathedrals may require a head scarf for the women and may not allow bare shoulders.

If you don't want to stand out as a tourist you may want to consider light weight slacks or skirts (skorts) instead.

For traveling around Paris I highly recommend relying on the Metro (http://www.paris.org/Metro/). With the exception of a cab from and to the airport all of our travel was on the Metro. We purchased a five day pass and went everywhere in Paris.

A word of caution: though a single-fare ticket is valid for an entire continuous trip — including connections — be sure to keep your ticket until you leave the system at your destination; being caught without it means an instant fine of €35, payable in cash on the spot (unless you wish to acquaint yourself intimately with the French judicial system)( http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Paris_metro.shtml.

Many of the Metro stations are pieces of art work within themselves. You can find more information on the Metro at http://www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/paris_visite.php#

Travel safe

My fqmily and I are currently in Paris staying at a wonderful little apt in the 3rd district, every thing is very close by, the metro,grocery mart dozens of bistros and fruit stands, we are exploring Paris daily using the metro, our dress have been causul with sneakers and jeans for my teenage daughter and son, we see the ladies wearing a lot of black so far we seem to fit in,everyone have been very helpful. We had one major disappointment, we purchased a 5 day Eurorail pass online before we arrived in Paris, when we went to make a reservation to go to Brusells we were informed of a 15€ fee each way, per trip per destination, travel within France was free, outside of France a fee was charged, I felt scamed.

My boyfriend and I just returned from Paris this past Friday so everything is fresh in my memory!! When we were there it rained every afternoon and the top of the Eiffel Tower at night was VERY cold. Because we were traveling in England and Scotland I packed lots of cold weather pants but I also packed capris. I think buying capri's was the best purchase I could have made. Although I didnt see any people in shorts no one stopped me from going into any churches/cathedrals in my capri's and tennis shoes. Paris is very hilly especially around the Montmartre/Opera district and I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. You will be climbing a lot of stairs!! I am not familiar with the weather in Paris in August but I know I checked the weather weeks before we went and everything said it was very hot but when we got there it wasn't. Granted, you will get hot walking around and up and down the streets and monuments so I would pack a lot of layers. Maybe tank tops you can wear under very light long sleeve shirts or moderate short sleeve shirts and capris or comfortable skirts. We were in Europe for over 2 weeks and I only packed 2 pairs of shoes. My trusty Nike's and a pair of sandals. If you are going to see a show at the Lido or Moulin Rouge then I suggest you pack a pair of heels and a nice outfit other than that stick to your comfy shoes and capris or skirts. Not sure about the shorts, mabye the longer ones, not short shorts. Enjoy your trip, it is an AMAZING city. I found that if I tried to speak my very limited French or asked in French if people spoke English they were very nice and almost everyone there speaks a little bit of English. We got by just fine.

Paris in early August can be HOT !!!!, However shorts are normally not worn by the locals. Also, some of the churches frown on "scanty dress". Slacks for the ladies with GOOD walking shoes, and the same for the men. Forget the fanny pack and get a light jacket and have some pockets sew (inside)the jacket with zippers as the pick pockets can steal your underwear they are so good. Watch in the Metro. Ball caps are also a dead tourist giveaway, as are bright colours. Most Parisians wear somber colours. As to the airport transfer, Parisian Shuttles does the job at about 1/2 the price of a cab and will pick you up and drop you off at the hotel door. Parisian and Golden are two that we use on a regualr basis. Metro tickets: a carnet is usually your best deal. 10 tickets for E10.40 but you have to remember to keep the ticket to the end of your journey. They are good for one hour, so in many cases you can use the ticket twice. Nothing in Paris is far from the Metro stops. I think 500 meters is the farthest you will ever be from a Metro stop. Just read the signs in the Metro as well as at the entrance and check the END OF THE LINE where the train is going to make sure you are going the right direction. The Metro is a piece of cake, just plan your journey BEFORE you get in the tunnels. The Metro is an experience and very safe, other than the pickpockets, so watch your wallet and bags. Paris is a city for walking, so get a Michelin map book and you will never be lost.... All the hotels have free metro maps and they all show you how to get to the major dept stores (for the ladies). Men, check out the grocery dept in the big stores...FABULOUS !!!!
Have a good time...and don't worry about not speaking French. Almost everyone in business in Paris speaks some English.. Many of the hotel personnel will speak 10 to 12 languages, so one should never be stuck. Bon Voyage

In March, I went to Paris. The weather can be unpredicable. Most of my trip was wool sweater cold weather but my last day (3.27.07) was warm and sunny almost down right hot. It can also rain without warning but that is what cafe's are for. Besides it's also romantic to walk in a drizzle in Paris with the one you love. All the women wore heels or boots with heels, everywhere. Do not wear white tennis shoes that just screams tourist but do wear comfortable walking shoes that you have broken in. New shoes will kill your feet. Capri's or not so short shorts, sundresses with a lite sweater( for entering churches) are all great to wear. As for French. Learn the basics and use them. Say hello/good morning when you enter a store, then say excuse me do you speak english, all in French of course. They appreciate manners and most speak english and if they didn't we laughed through the sign language. I did not meet one rude french person. You will have a romantic adventure of a lifetime.

I actually went to Paris for the first time in September, but I've been in France in August, and boy is it hot, so definately bring comfortable clothes but I would definately advise AGAINST wearing shorts....I agree with 62956 in regards to the fact that the French do not wear them and none of the clothing stores sell them, and if they do, there aren't many. The French, particularly in Paris and in most of Central/Northern France the way you dress and look is pretty darn important. What I would suggest, is that that ladies or girls in your party bring nice jeans and slacks, and possibly some nice long or knee length skirts: mini skirts are also not worn in France. For the men, bring normal T-shirts, jeans and nice slacks. I would also warn against wearing really loud colors and shirts with a lot of writing and logos, because the French don't wear these either. Also, be sure to carry an umbrella with you because Paris is famous for being very dreary and for raining a lot and I mean a lot! In regards to shoes, definately bring comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot in Paris, even if you use the metro system in Paris. Paris is a very exausting city to visit because there is so much to see and do, so comfortable clothing and shoes will be a plus! I think bringind your sneakers and tenis shoes are okay...I would advise against flip flops because once again, the French do not wear these. In regards to accessories, bring a small bag or purse around with you as you walk around town because Paris is a crowded, busy city and it is famous for its pick pocketing so a small bag will do you better while touring the city than a large one! Sunglasses, I guess you could get away with them. I hope y'all enjoy your visit to Paris! I lived in Dijon, FR for 6 months, so I traveled to Paris several times and enjoyed it everytime I went. Good luck and take care!

We were in Paris last summer and I wore capris and skirts throughout Europe as I was told shorts were pretty much a no-no. I saw some shorts, but it immediately proves you are a tourist. The women in Paris DRESS. It was 95 degrees and the locals were wearing dresses and high heels. Comfortable shoes are a must. I looked like a tourist and I didn't care!