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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
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.
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 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.
Sweaters are great for Paris in the spring. You will need an extra layer under your trench or leather jacket in the colder months.
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.
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)
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.
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P.S. for ideas on what to do in Paris in the spring, you can check out this post.
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