My May Paris Packing List
My May Paris Packing List
I wish I could say I was more organized for my latest trip to Paris and planned this post before I left. This post will highlight my May Paris packing list and share what I wore and skipped. I say that because I could easily pack in a carry-on for five nights and still had a few pieces left unworn. Due to the shift in weather, I wish I had packed one or two more sweaters. Chicago has still been colder, and I was looking forward to the warmer weather in Paris. As often as I have packed for a trip to Paris, I never get it right.
My bags are unpacked, laundry is clean, dry cleaning is completed, and life is as usual. Well, somewhat normal. I have been wrapping up the end of my first book, Paris Every Day, and my full attention has been on answering emails and getting edits to my team. Every day brings something new, a chapter to revise, photos to add, and we are so close to sending the whole book to the printer. Do you have your presale order in?
Before I leave for a trip, I will share a Paris agenda. That is coming soon, hopefully next week. I will share a recap of what I did, where I stayed, a few favorite discoveries, and restaurants. My trip was short but so full, and I loved every crazy minute of it.
Paris in May: What to Pack
When it comes to Paris, I always leave wanting more and something to cross off my list for my next visit. You may have seen glimpses of my days on Instagram or Substack. The weather before my arrival was hot, summer temperatures. Of course, as my luck would have it, the weather transitioned the day I arrived. It felt like summer, and the energy was high when my feet touched down in Paris. Just a few hours later, Paris was hit with a storm front bringing hail, and the temperatures dropped significantly. I didn’t mind the temperature shift and embraced the mild spring weather.
My husband jokes that all you need is a passport and a credit card, and you can always figure it out once you land.
What I Packed for Paris in May
Comfortable walking shoes are a must! I wore my Vejas on the plane and occasionally changed into my Margaux flats. I swear by them; they have been to Paris many times since I bought them five years ago.
This blouse from Frame (*gifted) has been a favorite, and I have repeatedly worn it. It was perfect for a night out for dinner with a friend.
This is an outfit that was repeated from my March trip. I packed two pairs of Frame jeans for the win and a Sézane sweater.
The Hero Items of the Trip: What I Packed
I need to carry a zip-up tote bag with my camera and a notepad.
This one from Cuyana is my go-to and folds nicely in my suitcase. When I land, I will move the items to my tote and leave my suitcase at the reception until my room is ready.
Paris Packing List for May
Crossbody bags are currently on trend, and most Parisian women wear one. I love carrying them in the evening when I don’t need my camera. The crossbody bags I typically bring didn’t fit with my sneakers, and I regret it! Polène is a classic French brand that makes a great crossbody bag; I also love Sézane for its styles.
Coats for Paris in May
My Sézane trench was a hero item for Paris in May. Since the weather was chilly, I wore it daily.
I am always cold on the plane and love wearing this sweater from La Ligne. It is a bit oversized and fits over a great pair of stretchy plane pants. Once I got to Paris, I could throw the sweater around my shoulders with a T-shirt.
Beauty Favorites: My May Paris Packing List
I love these Cadence parcels and capsules. All of my favorite products, like my shampoo and conditioner from Roz, fit in these capsules, making them easy to travel with. The parcels are also TSA-friendly, which is a bonus. I typically will check a bag for the flight home; I bought some skincare products, butter, and cheese that needed to be checked. Beauty products will go in my checked bag to make going through security a breeze on the way home. I don’t have to remove all my liquids and stress about having to close up my bag again.
Also, these travel Elemis pieces made my skincare routine easy to pack for Paris.
This post shows you more of my favorite travel essential beauty products.
My Luggage for Paris in May
I am loyal to my Away bags and bring the larger carry-on and the everywhere bag for my personal items. The bag fits my camera, charger, laptop, and other essentials. I typically pack a Longchamp travel bag that rolls up nicely. It is perfect for filling any additional items I buy to carry home. I will have another post sharing what I purchased. Some items were a little unexpected, and I am happy I carried them home for great memories.
What I Packed for Paris in May and Didn’t Wear
I had grand plans to work out at my hotel gym with weights, so I packed workout clothes and sneakers. This took up a good amount of room, and most of the items sat in my closet for the trip. I averaged 25,000 steps a day, and my days were full of being out and about, so it never worked out with timing. My camera battery needed to be replaced, or my phone needed to be charged, which was a quick trip back to the hotel. I did make Pilates a priority, and the fact that it was a scheduled class held me more accountable. A friend recently opened a studio in Paris, and I enjoy her classes. The boulangerie on the walk over has one of the best croissants.
Sunscreen for Paris
Baseball caps are trending in Paris, and more retailers are offering them. I wore mine on the plane and thought I would wear them more often than I did. Sadly, I did not consider that using my camera while wearing a baseball cap was nearly impossible. Sunglasses and sunscreen are always non-negotiables for me. I keep sunscreen in my bag for easy reapplication. The sunscreen sticks are great for the face and are way better for preventing a spill or leak from a liquid. Caudalie makes a great one, and so does Avène. Once the weather turns, pharmacies will have sunscreen products front and center.
May Paris Packing List: Favorite brands I packed with discount codes:
La Ligne: REBECCA10 for 10% off
Frame Jeans: REBECCA15 for 15% off
Elemis: REBECCA20 for 20% off
Don’t miss out on what to pack for Paris in the summer for more packing tips.
*This post includes affiliate links. I receive a small commission from purchases made through these links. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Rebecca, I appreciate you sharing what you wore vs. what you didn’t and how you juggle your tote bags and purses. I have some formulas, but I often end up throwing in a wildcard that I wear the most while other things stay packed. And the weather can be so unpredictable!
Sara, thank you for your recommendation of Village Ronsard. I’ve bookmarked that for my next trip.
Spotted you crossing Place Maubert on market day last week. Looking like a lady on a mission. We have breakfast every day at Village Ronsard when we are staying at our apt in the 5th, and the people watching is great. Highly recommend the tartan and a cafe creme…