Formal dress. One of the pleasures of Paris is the opportunity to dine well. Travelers can eat meals in top restaurants manned by world-renowned chefs. They can also choose to dine more simply yet equally elegantly in a Parisian café such as Les Deux Magots. Many elegant restaurants require equally elegant dress. Pack at least one nice outfit. A little black dress with a small beaded wrap is ideal for any season. Men should pack a dress shirt, tie and long pants. Formal clothing also works well if you are planning to visit a church. Cathedrals such as Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur do not require visitors to dress formally for a quick visit. However, they do strongly encourage people to do so particularly if they are planning to attend religious services.
The right shoes. Paris is well served by a system of taxis and subways. Visitors can easily hail a cab or find a local metro station. However, cabs may be costly. Many metro stations do not have escalators and require travelers to climb multiple flights of stairs. Major Paris museums such as the Louvre are often very large and require visitors to travel between sections if they wish to see major exhibits. Nearby attractions such as the Palace of Versailles are greatly spread out, making walking around a virtual necessity. Be sure to purchase a good pair of comfortable walking shoes before you visit for maximum support. A good pair should provide firm support for your feet and ankles. Consider purchasing cushioned insoles as well.
Bring a light coat and rain gear. Paris has an oceanic climate that helps city residents avoid temperature extremes. Snow is rare during the winter and temps are mild for much of the year. Summers are warm but not humid. A well-insulated jacket can be extremely helpful during most months, even in the summer when temps may fall into the mid-fifties at night. Rainfall is very common during much of the year. Tuck a raincoat or umbrella into your bag before you leave.
