I opted to crochet on the a irplane rather than knit. I kept hearing horror stories about kntting being confiscated, plus crochet is easier to stop in the middle. I made most of a totally utilitarian dishcloth, I only needed to look up how to do crab stitch once we got here.
I also started the Stitch Diva Studios Broomstick Lace Jacket. I didn't get very far, it was hard to see in the airplane light. It's a bit bigger now.
Yesterday I located two stores that sell yarn in Haarlem, but neither was open. One will be open tomorrow, so hopefully I'll have something to report!
the sheep free knitter 
I had two knitting projects with me on the way to Paris, socks on dpn's and my linen bag I'm making for my mom and the only comment I got on it was from the flight attendant who thought my bag was beautiful. 🙂
Good luck on the yarn shopping! I still think you should find a way to get to one of the La Droguerie shops in France. I am still dreaming of that place!
I also didn't want to pack any of my curent large knitting projects and I don't have any socks on the needles rght now. Thanks! I'm still thinking about it, but our time is slowly filling up. 🙂