What to Pack for Paris
Packing for an international trip can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done it before or it has been a while. I hope you find my tips below helpful and relieve some stress when packing for a trip to Paris. This will help ensure you have a great time in my favorite city!
What to Pack for Paris
Paris is a bucket-list destination for travelers. It was on the top of my list when I was younger, and I finally made it a reality just before my 21st birthday. I have been going back ever since and now consider myself an expert in the city. It truly is my second home.
Paris Packing List
The city of Paris can be expensive. I would compare the prices to those of any major city like New York City. To help reduce any additional costs from traveling, it’s essential to pack everything you need instead of paying any additional costs that may eat into your travel budget. I always forget to pack a scarf and have picked up many at Galleries Lafayette in a pinch.
If you find packing lists helpful, I created this Paris packing list PDF that you can download and print to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.
What to Pack for A Trip to Paris
Parisian Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Paris is considered to be one of the world’s fashion capitals. If you want to fit in and not stand out as a tourist, you want to dress the part. I always take notes when in Paris on what the Parisian women are wearing. This blog post is about the fashion trends I spotted on my last trip.
If you want helpful ideas on what to pack in a carry-on, I put together this capsule wardrobe post with essential items and neutral colors (vs. bright colors) that can help you build a stylish wardrobe with different outfits without bringing a giant suitcase. I typically pack in a carry-on bag. This is the easiest way to ensure you have all your belongings when you land and take the stress out of travel. There are so many bags being lost and travel headaches right now.
The streets of Paris are pretty flat unless you are walking up towards Montmartre, where you will encounter cobblestone streets. There are several ways to get around the city. I think walking is the best. You get to see so much of the city this way. When you compare how long it will take to get to your destination via metro/bus or walking, I would walk if it isn’t too much of a difference and you have the time.
In terms of safety, I try to stay away from a travel backpack.
It’s easy to get in and out of if it’s on your back and you’re not paying attention. I highly recommend a top zip tote for my day bag. I use this one from Cuyana. It holds my camera, a small travel wallet, a reusable water bottle, and a small umbrella inside.
A crossbody bag is a great idea if you travel light around the city. I typically bring one out in the evening for dinner. Rive Droite is a modern take on the “fanny pack” worn across the chest. This trend is very popular among Parisian women.
Way before Google Maps, I learned about the city of Paris by walking and getting lost. I love the side streets, passageways, and hidden gems you can discover while seeing the city on foot. It’s how I found all my best photos for The Print Shop.
The Best Walking Shoes for Paris
You will want at least one pair of comfortable shoes for walking around. I love these Madewell sneakers, which are under $100. I wear an 8.5. My feet swell a bit when I walk a lot, so it is always great to have some wiggle room. I recommend adding this Moleskin to the back of your sneakers and any other shoes before bringing them to Paris.
This adds a little extra cushion at the back and reduces the chance of blisters. I also recently purchased these Vejas sneakers, part of Parisian fashion. Just make sure you break in both shoes before traveling. This is the best way to avoid any blisters.
French women won’t wear high heels much around Paris unless it’s for Fashion Week. Heels aren’t the most practical when it comes to cobblestone streets. Depending on the season, stylish walking shoes, flats, and boots are the way to go. For ballet flats, I love these from Margaux NYC.
Coats to Pack for Paris
In the spring/fall, I recommend a good trench coat and leather jacket for transitional weather. Summer can be tricky; having at least one layer for rainy days or in case the temperatures drop at night is good. I love a denim jacket for this. A good wool jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf are essential for colder months. Winter can be damp and chilly.
The weather forecast in Paris can be unpredictable. You will want to prepare for rain during any season. We were fortunate to have some fantastic weather in October. This is not always the case. Water-resistant shoes, a raincoat, and a travel umbrella are good.
Packing List for Spring in Paris
The weather in spring in Paris can vary from rainy and cold to warm weather and sunny. It’s best to be prepared with layers, an umbrella, water-resistant shoes, and a coat. I highly recommend packing a leather jacket and a trench coat if possible. These great layering pieces keep you warm and dry in the spring. For a light sweater, I highly recommend this one from Sézane.
There are some important things to note when traveling to Paris in different seasons. Packaging a little black dress any time of the year is an excellent option. You never know when you might need it.
These Madewell walking sneakers are my favorite for the spring/fall.
What to Pack for a Trip to Paris in the Summer
The weather in Paris in the summer months can be sweltering. Typically, Parisians leave the city in July/August and escape to the beach or South of France. August can be empty, which is usually when Americans want to travel to Paris due to vacation schedules. Many businesses and restaurants will close in August and reopen in September. I always mention that to friends as they book trips to Paris in the summer.
I visited Paris in July, and there was a heat wave. It was 10:00 p.m., and the sun was still out, and it was hot. I was lucky to have air conditioning in my hotel room. Apartment rentals are not always that lucky. Make sure to take that into account when you are making summer bookings.
Pack light layers, linen, dresses, and skirts. Don’t forget sunscreen and a jacket if it does turn cool in the evenings. I like to travel with a light coat and scarf as an extra layer, even in the summer, as the planes are always chilly. This is a great way to pack a layer by wearing it on the plane.
If you are curious about wearing short shorts in Paris, you can read this blog post and make your own decision.
Packing List for Paris in the Fall
The fall is one of my favorite times to visit Paris. The weather can be warm and beautiful in October before transitioning to colder weather in late October and early November. I have had some fantastic weather weeks in the fall. You will still need to pack layers, and I highly recommend waterproof boots. Blondo is my favorite brand for comfortable waterproof boots. Blondo boots will have more styles in the fall. I anticipate they will restock a boot similar to this photo. For me, this was THE BEST selling item of 2022 for a good reason.
Check out this post for more details on what to pack for Paris in the fall. I break down the best boots, coats, sweaters, and accessories.
A capsule wardrobe should consist of a pair of wide-leg jeans or trousers, a blazer, sweater, blouse, scarf, and trench coat. A wool coat is ideal for colder months in the fall.
What to Pack for a Trip to Paris in the Winter
A hat, gloves, scarf, and a nice wool coat are essential to keeping warm in the winter. Sézane has some great coats. This one below has been a part of my wardrobe for three years and sis till going strong. It’s a classic staple. Investing in a high-quality coat that will keep you warm is an excellent idea if you have the budget.
Winter in Paris is filled with colder days, and thick sweaters are essential. I like to pack at least one thick sweater for café days when it is too cold or rainy to do anything but people-watching. Cafés on some main streets like Saint Germain des Près are great places to wait out rain while staying dry. It may not be the most beautiful weather, but I think Paris in the winter is one of the best times to see the city as more of a local without tourists. You will get the authentic feel of the city and see how the French people live.
You can download the full PDF printable packing list here
Travel Essentials I Pack in My Carry-On Bag for Paris
A travel adapter is always a good idea. I have this inexpensive one with USB chargers on the side so that you can charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Hand sanitizer, an extra charger or (power bank) for charging on the go, and melatonin gummies (I swear by these) should be in an easy-access pocket in your item. There have been too many times when I have struggled to locate them once I had boarded my flight.
Extra things to remember for What to Pack for a Trip to Paris
Contact your bank before traveling to ensure there are no issues when charging items on your credit card or using the ATM.
For security reasons. I keep my belongings safe in my Paris rental apartment or hotel. I only bring one credit card while walking around with my ID. Also, I keep a small wallet with room for euros in it. Most of Paris accepts Apple Pay or Touch payment. You will run across some cash-only places, so it is a good idea to carry some on you at all times. The boulangerie will take cash unless it’s a larger order, and you can use a card. If you pick up a croissant, you will need a few euros. Also, this goes for the same the local market. Cash is preferred, but a card will most likely be an option if you order a few pieces of cheese or more produce/veggies.
Cell service. I can switch my Verizon plan on for $10 a day. This ORANGE SIM card is a great and affordable option if I have a more extended trip. You swap out your current SIM card for the ORANGE one and switch it back at the end of the journey. I recommend using WhatsApp instead of text messages to avoid confusing threads.
Don’t forget the travel insurance. I use World Nomads for trips out of the country.
All photos were taken of me by Katie Donnelly Photography
*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission off of items purchased through my 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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Very helpful information, My daughter and I will be traveling to Paris in September for my 63rd birthday I am so excited.
Heading to Paris in march , didn’t want to stay in a commercial type cookie cutter hotel , wanting something parisan, new, 4..3 star and up haha
Thank you
Hi Evelyn,
There is a whole post up on the blog on where to stay in Paris. Some good options for you! https://everydayparisian.com/where-to-stay-in-paris/
I enjoyed reading some of your column because I just returned from a 3 week trip to Italy and France. Of particular interest was the visual list of suggested clothes to pack. I added up the total of the items still available. It came to a whopping $5517. That is more than my trip cost in total. I understand your readership may travel differently than I and my friends did. And the athletic shoes? Everyone, and I mean everyone, was wearing some style of non-dressy street shoe. Even with a very fashionable outfit, the shoes were well suited to the uneven and treacherous sidewalks and streets. And also, wide-legged and waist high pants are also in fashion.
Love this guide, Rebecca! Your posts are so helpful and well put together. Do you have an equivalent guide for men’s fashion/ what to pack for our partners we may be travelling with so they can pack as efficiently, stylishly, yet functionally as this post does for women? I tried searching the site, but didn’t find anything comprehensive.
We are going to Paris the first week of October. My first time and super exited! What are your thoughts on outfits for dinner at night? We are going with a group of people. Thanks so much for putting this checklist together!
Fall or Winter….a black cashmere turtleneck. Goes with jeans or a nice pair of trousers.
Simple. Classy. Light and easy to pack,can steam out in the shower.
I travel with two,usually.
Thank you so much for putting this together. I’m planning a trip for the end of June/beginning of July. Putting my capsule wardrobe together in my head. I only do a carry-on bag so trying to pick just the essentials that can go with everything. Would you be tempted to bring your Madewell leather jacket that time of the year or definitely too hot? Jean jacket is on my list but then if I wear blue jeans I feel like I need to have a different jacket for that day. I’m also maybe planning to bring a light black blazer so that could work with the jeans if needed. Thoughts? What about sandals (comfortable for walking but not ugly ones, LOL)- yes or no for Paris?
Hi Audrey,
I am so happy this helped! I would skip the Madewell jacket in July, it’s pretty hot. Unless for some reason the weather has a cold front, your jean jacket should be a great option.
In terms of sandals, comfortable walking ones will be perfect for Paris. I don’t have any specific recommendations. I can let you know if I come across some in the next couple of months. Make sure there is good padding for the concrete.
Safe travels and have so much fun! xo
For me, a crossbody bag is a must for Paris, I buy way too much stuff each day and need a hands free way to carry some essentials, like water bottle, etc. also, I had a good experience with Allianz as my travel insurance, they offer Covid related delay coverage, in case you get Covid and need to stay in Paris for quarantine, they will cover hotel and expenses. At least that was my policy when I travelled in December 2021. So helpful and it gave me peace of mind! I didn’t catch COVID but I ended up getting stomach flu and had a doctor visit me at my hotel. Allianz covered the doctor visit plus my Pharmacie medicines, no problem, it was easy to submit my claim and get a check in the mail. Bon voyage everyone!
Thanks for the detailed post!