What to pack for Paris
Packing for Paris: What to Bring for a Stylish and Comfortable StayWith its cobblestone streets and unpredictable weather, packing for Paris is more than just throwing on a beret and striped ensemble à la Emily in Paris. To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks on what to pack - and some things that are better to leave at home.
Perhaps you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, planning a romantic honeymoon, or taking your first solo trip - packing is one of the parts of the planning process many travelers stress about. Baggage weight restrictions are the first roadblock, but what about that sudden cold snap? Heat wave? Unexpected trip to wine country? And then there are the essentials: electronics, medications, walking shoes, etc. Luckily, Paris is a city of convenience, so if you forgot something crucial, you’ll most likely be able to find a replacement somewhere in town.
General Style Tips for Paris
Hotels usually have an umbrella you can borrow, but rain is common and quite unpredictable more or less all year. For that reason you may want to pack a mini umbrella or purchase one while you’re in Paris to use during your stay. It’ll be a lifesaver during an unexpected shower.
The fashion capital has influenced style for some time now, birthing couture designers and ready-to-wear brands alike. Nothing could be more Parisian than a khaki trench and Breton striped T-shirt – a look worn by starlets like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin that are still admired today. The one cliché seen in movies is how formal fashion can be in Paris. In fact, it’s the opposite. Parisians have mastered the effortlessly chic look because they’ve had to – when you’re running up métro stairs or across town, comfort is key.
Shoes to Pack
Anything with ankle support and a chunkier heel will hold up to the medieval streets and elevation in neighborhoods like Montmartre.
Unless you’re attending an event for Fashion Week, there are a few occasions where you’ll need stilettos. You can also save your evening dresses for another trip. Sneakers are one of the most popular choices of footwear, but not just any – opt for a more fashionable option like French sustainable brand Veja or New Balance. Loafers or ballet flats are another stylish choice that add a polished look to pants, dresses, and shorts. When the weather warms up, sandals of any style are an easy addition to throw in your suitcase.
Some More Options to Have in Mind
Small-group fitness classes like yoga, spin, or Pilates are one of the ways I explore the culture in a city, and Paris has tons of great studios like Reformation and Dynamo.
Drinking water in Paris is some of the best in the world, so bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up in your hotel room or at one of the many dedicated water fountains around town. Swimwear is always a good idea to pack if you plan to use the hotel pool (or visit one of the infamous ones around town like Piscine Molitor), sauna, or steam room at the spa. During Paris Plages in summer, you can take a dip in one of the swimming pools along the Seine. If you plan to go for a run or to a fitness center or a class in town, bring gym gear like sneakers, and workout outfits.
Medicines & More
Pharmacies are one of the highlights in Paris since they’re the holy grail of French beauty, skincare, and wellness. Many travelers visit the capital just to go to the pharmacies and stock up on French brands harder to find back home. If you need an over-the-counter medication (for motion sickness, for example) or advice, pharmacists often speak some level of English and can help guide you in the right direction. But don’t rely on them to fill prescriptions from abroad—it’s better to bring anything you need in terms of essential medications.
Products for Hair & Skin, Toiletries
If you want a blow-out at a salon, the French call this “un brushing” and it could mean anything from a typical blow dry to straightened or styled with waves.
This is the land of beauty, so if you want to save space on toiletries in your suitcase, you’ll find a variety of products in pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, and other shops. Hotels provide amenities, but if you want something specific, it’s better to bring it. The water in Paris is safe to drink, but the minerals can be harsh on your hair, so you might want to consider a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to soften the effects.
Electronics
One travel accessory worth investing in is a universal travel adapter. Most hotels will have adapters you can borrow, or you can purchase one when you arrive in town (avoid the airport shops – it’s usually pricier). France uses plug types C and E and the standard voltage is 220 V. You most likely won’t need a converter unless you’re bringing appliances like hair straighteners, but be careful – unless you have a strong converter, these are likely to have an issue. Wi-Fi is all over town, but some phone providers offer international data or phone plans you can purchase during your stay. More and more places are accepting Apple Pay, so you won’t have to bring your entire wallet out.
What Not to Pack
CBD is now legal in France, so you can purchase products at a number of shops throughout Paris.
France is strict when it comes to counterfeit items, like imitation designer purses, and it’s illegal to bring narcotics and drugs like hallucinogenic mushrooms, amphetamines, and cannabis. If you’re using something for medical purposes, it must be under a certain amount and you’ll need to show a doctor’s ordinance. You may also want to bring a medical note for needles, syringes, or pens you may need for injection.
In France, covering your full face with a veil or balaclava is illegal, but a hijab, or headscarf, is allowed in public spaces. Apart from that, the dress code is pretty liberal in Paris, but the city is not one where you’ll see a lot of exposed skin, even in the summer. To be on the safe side, you might want to avoid wearing anything too revealing.