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What to Pack for Paris in the Spring

what to pack for Paris in the spring 
Palais Royal in bloom

Spring in Paris is one of my favorite times to visit. My birthday is in April, and I am trying to schedule a trip around this time. The weather can be cold and rainy or gorgeous and sunny. I would recommend preparing for all. I have spent the most time in Paris during the spring months, and nothing surprises me. March can be cold with hints of warmth and sunshine, April is typically warm and sunny with some rain, and May has been the rainiest month. I hope you enjoy this post on what to pack for Paris in the spring.

what to pack for Paris in the spring everyday parisian

What to Pack for Paris in the Spring

I always recommend packing an umbrella and waterproof shoes. Keep your umbrella in your everyday bag because you never know when a shower might pop up, even on the sunniest days. You can see this post for ideas on where to visit Paris in bloom. Paris will start to pop with color in March and continue through May. A scarf is always a great accessory for any spring Parisian outfit.

I am heading back to Paris in April and cannot wait; I hope this helps with your packing and preparation for Paris. If you have a friend headed to Paris this spring, please pass this post along.

what to pack for Paris in the spring 
Notre Dame cherry blossoms in bloom

Spring Jackets for Paris

rebecca plotnick trench coat in Paris

For spring, I recommend three jackets. A trench coat, a denim jacket if you can fit it in your luggage, and a leather jacket. I invested in this Madewell jacket last fall and am so happy I did. (I sized up to a medium) The leather jacket is a great piece; I know I will wear it for years. A trench and leather jacket were the two key jackets I saw on repeat back in October and continue to see on French women.

what to pack for Paris in the spring everyday parisian trench coat sezane

Madewell leather jacket perfect for spring weather in Paris wearing a size medium

Blazer Jackets for Spring

I love a good blazer jacket for spring to layer up. Throw this over a blouse or button-up. Paris is showing them in bright, bold colors. I am not there yet and prefer my basic navy, camel, and black staples. You choose what is best for you and go with it!

sézane camel blazer spring everyday parisian what to wear in Paris

spring in Paris everyday parisian

The Best Walking Shoes for Paris

Comfortable walking shoes are essential when discovering Paris. You never want to get a blister or have sore feet on vacation. Paris is best explored on foot. I highly recommend flats instead of heels. The cobblestones aren’t so easy to navigate in heels. For sneakers, I love these from Madewell. It would be best to walk around your neighborhood to break them in. To prevent blisters, I swear by Moleskin inside of your shoes. You can buy it on Amazon or at your local drugstore. For flats, go for Sarah Flint or Margaux Demi. (wearing below)

Margaux Demi flats a comfortable shoe option for exploring Paris by foot

Sneakers are HOT right now in Paris, and I am not talking about your Nike running shoes. Veja, a French shoe brand, is available at Nordstrom or shops in Paris. This is a brand I saw all over Paris, and has two pairs myself. You will want to wear no-show socks with them.

the best walking shoes for Paris Veja a French brand

Madewell sneaker perfect for walking around Paris runs true to size

spring market basket and black flats for walking the city

Paris in the spring left bank everyday parisian

Skirts and Dresses for Paris

Dresses for Paris everyday parisian

I love skirts and dress weather. Paris allows you to dress up a bit with flats and a scarf. Have fun with this, and enjoy your vacation. The French aren’t typically dressed in leggings and sweatshirts. Leave those at home and pack these instead for some inspiration for some of my current favorites. See below. This A-line skirt is already a reader’s favorite.

Spring Layers for Paris

Trench coat for Paris a classic French look everyday parisian by Sézane

leather jacket madewell paris in the spring

Spring weather in Paris will surprise you. I highly recommend packing layers. It snowed last April 1st. A camisole, sweater, scarf, and light jacket should do the trick. Depending on the month, there will be cold days, and you will want warm closed-toed shoes. The Gaspard from Sézane is one of my favorite layering pieces. Even in the spring months, when it is warm, you can throw it over a tank or dress.

Gaspard Sézane sweater for Paris in the spring

Sweaters are great for Paris in the spring. You will need an extra layer under your trench or leather jacket in the colder months.

Shirts for Paris in the Spring

A button-down shirt and blouse are my go-to shirts that work with pants and skirts. Throw a leather jacket or trench coat on top to complete the look.

j.crew white button up spring

Pants for Paris

Jeans are perfect and completely acceptable dressed up. They are wearing them all, high-waisted, cropped, and skinny jeans. I am crushing on trousers these days and just bought these. ( I sized up one size)

Paris packing for the Spring

Spring Accessories for Paris

An umbrella is essential when visiting Paris in the spring—also, good comfortable walking shoes. You want sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, depending on how sunny it is. Make sure to pack a top zip bag for walking around Paris. You always want to keep your belongings secure. My favorite bags include a simple Longchamp bag from Cuyana and Polène, which fits my camera, phone, and everything I need.

In terms of safety, I recommend you brush up on these tips. I keep a small wallet with one credit card and an ID; the rest is in the apartment or hotel safe. If lost, one always has a backup to get through the rest of the trip.

Packing List for Paris in the Spring

PDF Packing List for Paris everyday parisian

Download the Packing List Here

P.S. for ideas on what to do in Paris in the spring, you can check out this post.

*This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission from items purchased from my links. Merci.

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  1. Hi. My wife an I live in the UK and enjoy the occasional weekend in Paris. Ever thought of doing an article for men? What to wear, what to pack? Thanks.

  2. I definitely recommend taking one heavy sweater and some gloves. I was there for 3 weeks from late March through early April 2022. We went from 70’s when I arrived to snow on April 1st and then back to 50’s (normal)

  3. Hi – fellow Chicagoan here…this is great! I am headed to Paris the last week in April. Do you think a wool coat is necessary? I was planning on bringing it, but now thinking maybe I just need the trench and heavy sweater or two. Thank you!

    • Hi! Paris weather is a bit warmer than Chicago in April. Keep an eye on the forecast as you get closer to your departure date but you should be good with a trench and a heavy sweater. The spring weather can be unpredictable which is good to check and confirm before you go. A wool coat would probably be too warm at this point.

  4. Bring a crew neck cashmere pullover in navy or black. Not only very French but ridiculously practical. I bring several. Cashmere takes up little space or weight in your suitcase,and can be steamed out in the shower when you unpack.

  5. I love your blog. I’m reading it time to time and always find something great and interesting 😻❤

  6. I’m traveling to Dordogne, France, April 1-10. Your guide is very helpful. I am just catching up with jean style. A French ex-pat sales clerk helped me choose a dark wash lighterweight denim straight leg and a pair of dark slim jeggings. Are jeggings acceptable? They feel/look just like jeans.
    I also hope my conservative skirts and dresses from Nik&Zoe will work as we sightsee for 10 days.
    Congratulations on your engagement.