Are you planning a trip to France? This France packing guide will help you to prepare for a perfect trip to France.
France offers so much – delicious food and wine, stunning architecture, diverse landscapes, and more!
With this France packing guide, you’ll be prepared for all that France has to offer.
Now, let’s get to it! Happy packing!
Related:
- 6 Amazing Places You Need to Visit in France
- 5 Incredible Places Where You Need to Eat on the French Riviera
General Tips
A couple things to keep in mind when packing for France:
- Temperatures can vary depending on which region you’re visiting. Check the temperature for each of your destinations.
- While the French are known for their style, there’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your trip. Just stick to clothes that have clean, neat lines (like straight-leg pants and a fitted sweater) and you’ll fit right in.
Now let’s get on to the France packing guide!
Clothing & Accessories: Warm Weather
During the summer months, France has moderately warm days and somewhat cool nights. Average highs in northern France (including Paris) are in the 70s Fahrenheit (F) and average lows are in the 50-60s F. Average highs in the South of France (including Nice) can get into the 80s F, with average lows in the 60-70s F.
Attire
1. Midi Dress // 2. Maxi Dress // 3. Pencil Skirt // 4. Blouse
When planning a trip to France during the summer months, look for clothes that won’t wrinkle or show sweat. A silk blouse or linen pants might look great in your hotel room. But they won’t look so great after a day of sight-seeing.
Look for items that have clean, neat lines. Like a simple day dress or a skirt and blouse combo.
Shoes
1. Ballet Flats // 2. Loafers // 3. Slide Sandals // 4. Sneakers
French sidewalks and roads are picturesque but not very feet-friendly. Cobblestones and uneven pavement can quickly do a number on your feet if you’re not wearing comfortable (and sturdy) shoes.
I recommend bringing mostly feet-friendly shoes, with one pair of sandals for a day at the sea or at a winery.
Keep in mind that “thong” or “flip flop” sandals may be against the dress code at certain establishments in France. You may want to leave these sandal types at home.
Jewelry
1. Flower Necklace // 2. Rose Gold Bangle // 3. Layering Necklace Set // 4. Chain Bracelet
Some light jewelry can go a long way in styling your summer outfit.
Hats
1. Straw Hat // 2. Fedora // 3. Rancher Felt Hat // 4. Floppy Rim Fedora
A hat might not be very practical in Paris when you’re frequently going inside cafés and museums. However, a hat is perfect for one of the wine regions or the South of France, when most of your day will be spent outside.
Light Scarf
1. Fringed Poncho // 2. Color Block Ruana // 3. Solid Wrap // 4. Sun Washed Travel Scarf
The nights can be cool in France during the summertime. Bring a light scarf to layer on top of your outfit for added warmth.
Clothing & Accessories: Cool Weather
France has relatively mild winters, with average lows in the 30s F. However, the humidity in France can make it feel cooler than the actual temperature. Keep this in mind when deciding what to pack for your trip.
Attire
1. Sweater // 2. Fitted Pants // 3. Wool Coat // 4. Blouse
For winter in France, pack for both warmth and comfort. Look for clothing with simple lines that also provides warmth (like a classic wool coat).
Hats
1. Earmuffs // 2. Pom Pom Beanie // 3. Ribbed Beanie // 4. Pom Pom Beanie
Because France’s humidity can make it feel much cooler than the actual temperature in the winter, you’ll want to dress on the warm side. A hat or earmuffs goes a long way to increasing your warmth on a cold day.
Shoes
1. Black Combat Boots // 2. Gray Boots // 3. Over-the-Knee Black Boots // 4. Brown Boots
Misty days can make France’s cobblestone streets and uneven pavement downright treacherous in the wintertime. I recommend wearing shoes that provide both traction and ankle support. A sprained ankle is a terrible way to end your holiday.
Heavy Scarf
1. Cable Knit Scarf // 2. Fringe Scarf // 3. Ribbed Scarf // 4. Patterned Scarf
A heavy scarf is great for extra warmth on cold winter days.
France Packing Essentials
As you’re packing for your trip to France, don’t forget to pack the items below!
Purses & Bags
1. Black Backpack // 2. Luggage // 3. Crossbody Bag // 4. Red Tote
Just like the rest of your French attire, choose purses and bags that have clean, neat lines. Even better if the items are French brands, like the luggage and tote above.
Sunglasses
1. I-SEA Sunglasses // 2. Ray-Ban Sunglasses // 3. Echo Canyon Sunglasses // 4. Heart Breaker Sunglasses
Whether you’re sitting at a café in Paris, enjoying wine at a vineyard, or lounging on the French Riviera, sunglasses are always in fashion.
Other Essentials
1. Umbrella // 2. Water Bottle // 3. Sunscreen // 4. Plug Adapter
If you’re like me, you like to be prepared for most things as they happen! These last few items are great final touches for your trip to France.
First, bring along an umbrella. I have an extremely expensive umbrella that I bought during a downpour in Paris because I didn’t pack an umbrella.
France has water fountains (even sparkling water fountains!) throughout the country. Bring a water bottle to fill up.
Sunscreen is always a good idea, even during the winter months. And a plug adapter will ensure you can use your electronics once you reach France.
I hope this France packing guide helped you to decide what to pack for your trip! Happy travels!
Comments or Questions?
Have a comment or a question? I’d love to hear from you! Visit me on Instagram @eastbymidwest and leave a comment or DM, or send me an email at pam@eastbymidwest.com.
