I'm a teenager and I'll be traveling this July to Paris, Provence, the Riviera and Spain. I know that in Europe they are more "trendy" than we are in the US and I don't want to look like a tourist. However, I still want to be comfortable since we are going to be walking a lot. Most importantly, I want to look cute while not frying in the hot weather. I also want things that are versatile so I can pack less. Any suggestions?
3What should I wear in Paris, Provence, Riviera
February 24, 2008
By francecom
3 Comments On What should I wear in Paris, Provence, Riviera
SalB
Hello. Welcome to France.com. Don't worry about looking like a tourist; it doesn't matter what you wear, you will look like a tourist. The goal is to look like a "together" tourist. LOL
My first rule is never wear all new clothes. Nothing looks more touristy than a bunch of brand new clothes with all the hanger marks and folds still in them. If you get new, wash them before you go!
Are you male or female? I'll assume you're female until I hear differently. You will find jeans are skin tight on teens in France and Spain. If you don't have the figure for it, wear slacks, cargoes or better yet, skirts instead.
 You're right; it will probably be very warm although that's not a guarantee. It can be chilly in the early morning and after sunset so take a light jacket and a sweater. I take several tee plain shirts. They're cute and can be used on the beach or with a blazer for dress.
Sneakers are comfortable and okay but be sure you get the kind that have the very thin soles, absolutely not the huge basketball-type athletic shoes with 1.5-inch thick soles worn in the US. I know Skechers has sneaks with thin soles and I think other brands do too. Sandals are always okay if they are comfortable.
You could buy a couple things when you arrive and then you'd look like a real native and have some neat souvenirs!
Finally, don't take a bunch of things you won't wear. A few pairs of slacks or skirts, a few tee-shirts, a bathing suit, a couple pairs of shoes, a blazer and a sweater and your undies should do it. It is not fun lugging around a bunch of clothes you will never wear. France is definitely more casual in summer than in winter so enjoy it.
For toiletries, take small sizes of toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Remember you can buy anything over there that you can buy at home . . . and it's often much nicer.
When you arrive, if you need a few things, find a Monoprix store. It's like Target in the US. They have anything you could possibly want at very reasonable prices.
Don't drag a hair dryer along; your hotels will probably have them if you need them . . . or get your hair cut; it's easier.
Be sure to take a digital camera and a battery charger. Check the charger to see if it's dual voltage. Look on the back of it for 120-240 v. You can use it without a voltage converter in all the countries you are going to visit. You will need a plug adapter for it because they use two-prong round plugs there. You can get a plug adapter at Target, WalMart, any luggage store or Radio Shack. If you get stuck, ask at the hotel desk for a loaner but it's safer to take your own.
When you get back, post some photos here for us to enjoy. 8^)
Hi, just wondering if you could help. We are planning a trip to France this summer and apart from Disneyworld, where else can we go. We’re a family of five (2 adults and 3 boys – 13,11 & 7), they do enjoy the beach and surfing…Thanks
SalB
Hi. How long do you have?
A few suggestions:
(1) Go to Disneyland if you must, but I'd rather take the kids to Parc Asterix. It's a theme park, like Disneyland, but a very French theme park. It's based on the characters from the French cartoon Asterix and Obelisk, hysterical history. Perhaps it could be a second theme park day if they insist on Disney. Here's the web site (in English) so you can all check it out. http://www.parcasterix.fr/v2/default.asp
(2) Depending on the amount of time and mode of travel, you might consider visiting the Normandy beaches . . . no, not the D-day ones, the surfing ones nearby. Mom & Dad might enjoy Cabourg and the boys would love the long lovely beach there. We've seen them wind and sail surfing. I'm not sure the waves would be good enough for normal surfing but the boys might enjoy the other kinds and you could rent the things there. The Grand Hotel is right on the beach and is spectacular. Marcel Proust stayed there back in the Belle Epoch period. Their restaurant overlooks the beach. There is also a small swimming pool for nervous swimmers.
(3) For real surf, you need to head south to the Atlantic in the Bairritz area and I'm not familiar with it. Check some of the towns on the Atlantic coast and see what they offer for surfing. If you don't have much time, you would have to take the train and rent a car because driving takes quite a bit of time. France is the largest country in Europe so distances are deceiving when you look at a map.
(4) Puy de Fou Parc is another interesting historical theme park. It is meant to be educational, but is lots of fun and a great way to pick up some history. Check it out at http://www.puydufou.com/uk/
(5) They might enjoy a visit to the Loire Valley. Some of the chateaus have sound and light shows at night that are spectacular. Chambord and Versailles both have terrific equestrian shows if any of you enjoy horses. Here is more info:Â http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/
http://www.chambord.org/educ/libre-GB.htm
If you will give me a timeline of some sort and your mode of transportation, I'll see if I can come up with some more specific suggestions for you to research.
Have a great trip!