What to Pack for Paris: The Master Guide

Packing for your Paris Vacation

Knowing what to pack for Paris can be overwhelming. Follow this comprehensive Paris packing list and I can almost guarantee you’ll have everything you need and maybe even more.

Basic Essentials to Pack for Paris

Passport pouch – Prevent pick-pocketing with this little pouch which makes it next to impossible for anyone to access your valuables. It fits nicely under your clothing and protects your passport, cash, and credit cards. Pickpockets are most likely to operate in crowded areas such as Metro stops or around the Eiffel Tower etc. 

Wallet –  With cash, debit and credit card(s), ID, and a duplicate copy of the front page of your passport.  ATMs are widely available therefore it is unnecessary to carry large amounts of cash.  It’s advisable to keep excess cash in your room safe. You should always let your bank know you’re travelling before departure. 

Travel documents –  Including passport, travel insurance and visa if necessary. In some countries, children travelling without both parents are advised to obtain a consent letter for children travelling abroad.

Medications – Carry all of your medication, even vitamins and supplements, in their original, labelled containers in a clear plastic bag in carry-on luggage. Prescription medication is exempted from the liquid restrictions but must be presented to the screening officer separately from your carry-on baggage. Carry a copy of the original prescription and ensure that both the generic and trade names of the medication are included in case of loss or theft. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport all match.  A doctor’s note describing why you are taking the medication is also recommended.

Toiletries – When travelling via air, always keep in mind the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on.  The 3-1-1 rule limits the amount of liquid you can bring on an airplane in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller. All containers of liquid must be kept in a 1 qt., transparent, plastic, resealable bag. Only one bag is allotted per passenger. Some travellers use bars of soap instead of body wash and others experiment with dry shampoos to make more room in their quart-sized bag. A fantastic option is to purchase everything locally once you’re in France.

French Power Adapter – When travelling from outside of Europe you will most likely need an adapter to plug into the power outlets.  The French power outlets are unlike the ones in North America. It’s wise to choose one that works in many countries so that it can be used elsewhere. 

Scarves or Wraps – Pashmina scarves, in particular, are one of the best travel accessories. Lightweight and easy to pack, they are extremely useful. Not only are they fashionable and provide warmth, but they can also be used to cover your shoulders when entering churches and other sites. 

Clothes and shoes – Most hotels and apartments in the area have laundry facilities or can wash your items for a small fee. Travellers only need about a week’s worth of outfits and a few pairs of shoes. It is more economical to do one or two loads of laundry than checking an additional bag.

Windproof Umbrella – The weather in Paris can be unpredictable and it often rains without warning. Having a quality windproof umbrella is a must-have for any of the seasons in Paris.

What to pack for a week in Paris

Packing for Paris in the Spring

When travelling to visit Paris during the spring visitors need to pack for warm, sunny days as well as chilly, rainy days. Layering is essential and your list of spring clothes to pack for Paris should include a few basic, easy to combine items. Light, breathable fabrics, which are easy to dry are ideal.

Check the weather forecast before your departure and choose what to pack for Paris accordingly.

Essential items include:

• A trench coat or rainjacket and closed-toed shoes for cool, wet days
• Pants or jeans and tops to create different outfits
• A sweater/cardigan or two
• Shawl/scarf to give you an extra layer in case you get chilly
• Quick Dry Socks
• Sunglasses
• Foldable umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes are perfect to walk the city’s cobbled streets

Packing for Paris in the Summer

Summer in Paris is the driest season. Temperatures average from 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F). Despite the warmer daytime highs, it can cool down significantly at night.  Did you know that most French people don’t wear shorts unless at the beach? So, if you want to avoid looking like a tourist in Paris, women should pack skirts or summer dresses, and men should pack a few pairs of pants.

Check the weather forecast before your departure and choose what to pack for Paris accordingly.

Essential items include:

• For women: Nice blouses or t-shirts and skirts or a couple of dresses
• For men: Nice shirts and pants
• A sweater/cardigan
• Shawl/scarf to give you an extra layer in case you get chilly
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunglasses
• A light hooded rain jacket
• Comfortable shoes such as sneakers or flats. When the weather is too hot you can replace your flats or sneakers with a pair of nice comfortable sandals.

Packing for Paris in the Fall

If you visit Paris during the fall you can expect moderate temperatures with daily highs ranging from 11 C° to 21 C°. There are still some sunny days and blue skies, combined with cooler, wet weather. Much like the springtime, layering is essential for fall in Paris, and your list of things to pack should include light, breathable fabrics, and some simple, easy to combine items.

Check the weather forecast before your departure and choose what to pack for Paris accordingly.

Essential items include:

• A trench coat or jacket and closed-toed shoes for cool days
• Pants or jeans and tops to create different outfits
• A sweater/cardigan or two
• Shawl/scarf, hat and gloves to give you an extra layer in case you get chilly
• Quick Dry Socks
• Sunglasses
• A light hooded rain jacket
• Foldable umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes are perfect to walk the city’s cobbled streets

Packing for Paris in the Winter

Winter is tied with spring for the rainiest season in Paris. Snow in Paris is rare, even in the coldest months of January and February. When travelling to Paris in wintertime, always bring a warm coat, scarf, and hat.

Check the weather forecast before your departure and choose what to pack for Paris accordingly.

Essential items include:

• A rain jacket and closed-toed shoes for wet days
• A warm coat with a hood
• A hat, gloves, and scarf in case you get cold
• Wool socks
• Pants or jeans and tops or long-sleeved shirts to create different outfits
• Sweaters/cardigans, poncho
• Foldable umbrella
• Comfortable boots for cold days

Packing Tips for Paris

Don’t include unseasonable clothing when packing for Paris. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before your departure. Include a few additional layering items if necessary.

Don’t pack skimpy clothes even in the height of summer. Europeans reserve this attire for the beach and there aren’t many near Paris. Depending on if your hotel has a pool it may be appropriate to pack a swimsuit.

Don’t pack non-essential valuables. Items such as jewellery can easily be lost. They also make you a more likely target for theft. Protect yourself by familiarizing yourself with the common scams in Paris before you leave.

Don’t pack camouflage gear. While acceptable in most of North America, in Europe, camo clothing is exclusively for those in the military. 

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