What to Pack for France

Clothing

• 5–7 tops (mix of casual and a few nicer shirts for dining out)
• 2–3 bottoms (jeans, trousers, or skirts; slim, versatile styles work well)
• 1 dress or smart outfit (for nicer restaurants or evenings out)
• 1 light sweater/cardigan (evenings can feel cool, especially in spring/fall)
• 1 waterproof jacket or trench coat (useful for rain in Paris and northern France)
• 1 compact scarf (fashionable and practical in cooler weather)
• 7 days of underwear and socks (pack quick-dry if traveling light)
• Sleepwear
• Activewear or loungewear (for long train rides or hotel downtime)

Footwear

• Comfortable walking sneakers (France is best explored on foot)
• Dress shoes/flat shoes (for evenings and nicer venues)
• Waterproof shoes or boots (helpful in rainy seasons)
• Sandals or loafers (summer travel or casual wear)
• Sock liners/blister prevention socks (for heavy walking days)
• Insoles or arch support inserts (for cobblestones and museum days)

Toiletries & Health

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo/conditioner in travel size
• Face wash and moisturizer (air travel and city air can be drying)
• Sunscreen (especially for southern France and summer)
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer and tissues (handy for public transit and restrooms)
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever, antihistamine)
• Prescription medications in original packaging
• Motion-sickness tablets (for car or train travel in winding regions)
• Personal grooming items (razor, nail clipper, hair ties)

Electronics & Gear

• Phone and charger
• Power bank (long sightseeing days)
• Type C and/or E plug adapter (France uses Type E sockets; C also often fits)
• Universal adapter (useful if connecting other European stops)
• Camera or action camera (optional, if you want higher-quality photos)
• Headphones or earbuds
• eSIM or unlocked phone setup (for easy local data access)
• Charging cable organizer
• Small day bag or crossbody bag (pickpocket-safe and practical)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe in most places)
• Lightweight umbrella (city rain showers can be sudden)

Documents & Money

• Passport (valid for your trip and beyond)
• Visa or ETIAS-related documents if applicable
• Flight/train confirmations
• Hotel reservations and any tour bookings
• Travel insurance details
• Driver’s license and International Driving Permit (if renting a car)
• Credit and debit cards (notify your bank before travel)
• Some euros in cash (for small shops, markets, or backups)
• Digital and paper copies of important documents
• Emergency contact list
• Student ID or museum discount cards (if eligible)

France-Specific Essentials

• Type E plug adapter (France’s standard socket; Type C may also work)
• Card with chip-and-PIN support (some French terminals prefer it)
• Contactless payment setup (widely accepted on transit and in shops)
• Local SIM card or eSIM plan (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, or Free are common options)
• Small crossbody or anti-theft bag (busy metro and tourist areas)
• Slightly dressier casual outfits (French cities often lean polished)
• Metro/RER ticket or transport app setup (especially for Paris)
• Compact umbrella and light rain layer (weather can change quickly, especially in the north)
• Modest outfit option for churches/cathedrals (shoulders and knees covered when needed)
• French phrasebook/app (basic greetings and phrases go a long way)