Essentials for Paris Packing List BY SEASON
So you have decided to pack for Paris? Congrats! You are in for an amazing time. Even if you have been to Paris before, it’s always good to be prepared.
Wondering what to wear to Paris? Packing for Paris can be tricky because you want to be fashionable but also comfortable.
Planning a trip to France should be stressful, but you must do some planning to be prepared. This post will tell you exactly what you need to pack for a trip to Paris at any time of the year!
Above all, remember that this is just a guide. You know how you like to travel and you know what you need best.
What to Pack to Travel to Paris
While it may be simple to pack your favorite clothes and shoes, there are essentials that are a MUST.
Without packing the items listed below, you’re risking not being able to go on your trip, not being able to get home, or not having the items to thrive and have fun while traveling.
Documents & ID
- Identification: You’ll need identification to get to Paris, travel around the country, and come back home as well. Not only that, but you may also have to show identification at various payment locations.
- Credit Card / Wise / Cash: Make sure that you plan ahead and have enough money for your travels. Spending cash and emergency cash are two very important things to prepare for.
- Travel Insurance: Do you have a plan if something happens on your trip? Travel insurance can help you recoup some of your costs without losing it all if you get an illness or have an emergency happen.
- Medication: Having the right medication packed is super important. You will be far away from home and unable to obtain what you need unless you bring it with you.
The most important thing to pack for Paris is your documents and ID. This includes your passport, credit cards, travel insurance, and medication. If you have a passport, make sure to pack it in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.
It’s also a good idea to make copies of your passport and credit cards in case you lose them while in Paris.
Travel insurance is also essential in case you get sick or injured while you are in Paris. Make sure to pack your insurance cards and any medication you may need.
The above items are essentials for your trip to Paris. Please remember that your list of essentials may vary, so always plan and write out a must-take list so you don’t overlook anything you need.
Personal Items
When it comes to packing personal items, you have to remember to take only as much as you can pack.
Personal items are typically ones that you can take in your carry-on so that you can have them as you need them easily without having to access a suitcase.
Be sure that you’re also packing items that are airline approved, or you’ll have a lot of things getting pulled and dumped in the trash.
Some recommended personal items to pack for your trip to Paris include:
- Your phone and charger
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toiletries
- Glasses/eyewear
- Headphones
- Charger/USB
- Aspirin/Advil
- Makeup
- Extra clothing
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
- Tissues
- Wet wipes
- Sunscreen (you can buy it in Paris, but it probably is cheaper on Amazon)
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- and cash
Your phone is important to pack so you can stay connected with your family and friends back home.
Lip balm and deodorant are essential for keeping your skin soft and smelling fresh. Tissues and wet wipes are always handy to have, especially on a long day of sightseeing.
Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the harsh Parisian sun. And a hat and sunglasses can help keep the sun out of your eye. A water bottle is key to staying hydrated while walking around Paris.
You can also pack snacks so you can snack while you walk around. Cash is also important to have in case you need to take a taxi or buy something from a street market.
Packing for Paris doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure you have your documents and ID, personal items, and a few fashion essentials, and you will be all set for an amazing trip.
Small Backpack or Bag?
One important question you should ask yourself before packing for Paris is: Should I bring a small backpack or a small bag?
Of course, this decision will depend on a few factors, such as how long you will be in Paris and what you plan on doing while you are there.
If you are only going to be in Paris for a few days, then a small bag may be all you need. But if you plan on doing a lot of walking, then a small backpack may be a better option.
Our choice is that small backpacks are the best! Not only are they roomier than they look, but they’re super simple to transport and easy to carry.
Filling them fully and then tossing them on your back to walk around and carry will help to disperse the weight and is much easier to carry than a bag
One other thing to consider is the weather. For example, if you are visiting Paris in the summer, you may want to pack a bag you can easily carry with you.
But if you are visiting in the winter, then a small backpack may be a better option to keep your hands free. For me, there are two options which I really love to use when I travel.
The first is the Tropicfeel Nest’s everyday adventure backpack. This backpack is perfect for carrying all my essentials and has a built-in rain cover.
The second is the cross-body bags from Horizn studio. These bags are not only stylish, but they are also very functional. They have a lot of compartments and pockets, which are perfect for organizing all of your belongings.
In conclusion, there is no right or wrong answer when deciding between a small backpack and a small bag. It all depends on your personal preferences and the trip you are taking.
Paris Packing List: Carry-on or Backpack?
If you plan to bring a carry-on or backpack with you on your trip to Paris, you will want to ensure it meets the size and weight restrictions for air travel.
My own choice of backpack is the Shell Backpack or the Tropicfeel Nest. The first one is bigger, so if you stay more than a couple of days, I recommend taking the Shell.
This backpack is made from durable and eco-friendly materials and is the perfect size for carrying all my essentials while on the go.
And my choice of carry-on and other kinds of backpacks is from Level 8. They make high-quality, stylish carry-on and suitcases that are perfect for any trip.
Electronics
No matter how long your travels to Paris, you will want to pack your electronics.
Electronics are a must – no matter where you are in the world. Be sure to pack the following electronics and anything else that you use on a daily basis:
- Cell phone
- Noise Machine
- Headphones
- Camera
- Laptop
If you are bringing a laptop, make sure to bring a power adapter to recharge your device. You will also want to ensure your phone is unlocked so you can use a Paris SIM card.
And don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture all of your unforgettable memories from your trip.
Maybe, you need a universal adapter to charge your devices.
Printable
Outfit Planner
EXTRA TIP: plan what you will take in advance so you take everything you need and do not have to make extra expenses at the destination. You can download the PDF here; the price is up to you!
What Clothes to Wear to Paris and not Look Like a Tourist?
Parisians dress differently than tourists. It’s just a fact. If you want to dress like a Parisian, you need to plan on wearing striped or plain shirts, darker-colored jeans or black pants, sunglasses or sun hats, and scarves.
The best way to not look like a tourist in Paris is to dress like a Parisian. Parisians are known for their chic and effortless style. To dress like a Parisian, start by packing neutral-colored clothing.
Black, white, and gray are all excellent options. Then, add a few pops of color with scarves, hats, bags, shoes, or jewelry.
Finally, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes. Parisians love to walk, so make sure you pack shoes that you can walk in all day. Leave at home your heels!
If you really want to not look like a tourist and can afford new clothes, then Paris is a beautiful city for shopping. Yes, there are famous department stores and high-end designer labels.
Both are great places to shop in Paris. However, the concept stores all around the city have made the fashion scene in Paris what it is today.
European designers, in particular, have found Paris to be a great place to test the market and find a home.
There is a reason the runways are considered to be so influential, with buyers from all around the globe flocking to Paris to snap up the most Cutting Edge designs.
No other city offers such a broad view of cutting-edge fashion, contemporary design, and all-around fabulousness.
So with all of this in mind, how can you set up shop and hunt plays to dress up for the most fabulous location of all?
10 Paris Packing Essentials for all seasons
1. A Good Pair of Shoes: Parisians love to walk, so you will want to pack a good pair of comfortable shoes.
2. A Scarf: A scarf is a must-have accessory for any season.
3. A Hat: A hat is a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes in the summer or the cold out in the winter.
4. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are another essential for any season.
5. Extra suitcase or backpack: This way, you can bring all your new purchases home without worrying about them fitting into your carry-on.
6. A raincoat: A raincoat is essential for rainy days in Paris.
7. Credit card and some cash: Having credit cards and some cash on you is as important as your ID and documents. So make sure to carry some.
8. A sweater and a light jacket: Sweaters and Jackets are essential for chilly days in Paris.
9. Toiletries: A few things you will need include your toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, soap, and a razor.
If you wear makeup, pack only the products you use on a daily basis.
10. Paris guidebook: A guidebook is a great way to learn about all the best sights, restaurants, and activities in Paris.
Pro Packing Tip
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when packing is that they don’t pack correctly.
Folding clothing is nice and neat looking, but it takes up a bunch of extra space. To get the most room out of your suitcase, carry on or backpack, roll your clothing items and pack them inside.
You’ll be able to pack so many more items, and they won’t be wrinkled when you arrive and unroll them!
Paris Packing List Spring
When packing for Paris, it’s important to pack comfortable clothes that are easy to layer. In addition, the weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so you will want to be prepared for both warm and cold days.
A few essentials to pack include a pair of jeans, a light jacket, a sweater, a scarf, and comfortable shoes. You may also want to pack a dress or skirt for dinner or going out at night.
If you are traveling in the springtime, make sure to pack an umbrella just in case it rains!
- Light jacket
- Long sleeve tops
- Short sleeve tops
- Pants and shorts
- Sandals and shoes
- Fanny pack
This list does contain a mixture of clothing because Paris has a mixture of weather this time of year sometimes.
A lovely place to visit in Spring is Giverny, it’s pretty close to Paris.
Paris Packing List Summer
When packing for Paris in the summer, it’s essential to pack light and airy clothes that won’t make you too hot. A few essentials to pack include a sundress, shorts, a tank top, and sandals.
You may also want to pack a light cardigan or sweater for cooler evenings. If you are traveling in the summer, make sure to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun.
- Water bottle
- Swimsuit
- Personal fan
- Hand fan
- Tank tops
- Hair ties
During the hot summer months, you will want to pack items that keep you nice and cool.
Invest in a good water bottle that will keep the ice cold so it will keep your water cold while you’re touring and traveling.
Water Bottle Collapsible for any type of travel.
Paris Packing List Winter
When packing for Paris in winter, you will want to pack warm layers. Some essentials to pack include a heavy coat, a scarf, a hat, gloves, and a pair of boots like this one from Hunter.
You will also want to pack a few sweaters and long pants to keep you warm during the colder days.
Finally, if you are traveling during the holidays, you may want to pack a festive outfit to wear out at night.
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
- Leg warmers
- Winter cap
- Scarves
- Winter coat
Most “extra” items that you need to pack for a winter trip to Paris are items to keep you warm.
Paris Packing List Fall
When packing for Paris in the fall, you will also want to pack clothes that can be layered. In addition, the weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so you will want to be prepared for both warm and cold days.
A few essentials to pack include a pair of jeans, a light jacket, a sweater, and comfortable shoes. You may also want to pack a dress or skirt for dinner or going out at night.
If you are traveling during the fall season, make sure to pack an umbrella just in case it rains!
This means that the air is crisp, and the city’s vibe is full of energy. Before your arrival, make sure to pack the following items.
- Leggings
- Ankle Boots
- Blazer
These would be in addition to your favorite blouses, shirts, and bottoms. (and shoes – don’t forget about shoes!)
Final Thoughts
Don’t get stressed out when planning your trip to Paris. This is a time to celebrate and think of all the fun to come.
The easiest way to stay stress-free and stay on track with your packing goals is to use a printable outfit planner! It’s a simple way to plan out what you’ll wear daily on your trip so that you know exactly what to pack – so that you don’t overpack.
Having a plan in place for your daily wardrobe will save you tons of packing room, stress, and time. This will also help you not pack a ton of extra stuff you won’t even use.
When packing for Paris, remember to pack clothes that are comfortable, versatile, and neutral in color. Black, white, and gray are all good colors to pack.
You will also want to pack a few items that can be layered, as the weather in Paris can be unpredictable.
Finally, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes, as Parisians love to walk.
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