The Perfect Paris Packing List (By a Local)

Flying smart means making the most of your carry-on allowance. Start your trip off right with a roomy bag that doubles as your “personal item” on the plane. The perfect personal item bag should fit easily under airplane seats while offering plenty of organization. 

The Osprey Transporter Boarding Bag is my favorite personal item bag. It’s versatile, with a laptop sleeve that makes going through security simpler and a detachable shoulder strap.

Power Adapter

One big mistake visitors to Paris make is waiting until they arrive to buy a power adapter. Buy one before you go to get the best quality for your money. Otherwise, you’ll end up overpaying for a sub-par adapter. 

I love the 2-Pack European Power Adapter because it works in different EU countries. It also has USB charging stations, including a rare USB-C port. 

Travel Insurance

A good insurance plan helps you focus on enjoying your trip. Consider getting trip insurance to cover the cost of travel delays, cancellations, and theft. Travel medical insurance will also cover health issues that may arise. 

I like VisitorsCoverage for travel insurance of both kinds. Compare quotes for either or both types of insurance. This helps ensure you get the coverage you really need. 

📚Related Reading: Is Paris Safe for Travel?

Travel Pillow

A travel neck pillow makes a long-haul trip more comfortable, even in economy. It’s also a great addition to a hotel bed if the provided pillows aren’t enough. However, it’s important to get a pillow that’s strong and durable while remaining soft and comfy. 

The Trtl Travel Pillow is Travel Lemming’s favorite neck pillow. Its light design makes it easy to carry, while still providing the perfect combination of support and coziness.

Wind-Resistant Umbrella

Paris is often rainy, but umbrellas can be expensive. Pack a compact and sturdy umbrella to keep yourself covered in the rain. 

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is the perfect travel umbrella to bring to Paris. It’s small and light, weighing only 13 oz. It also comes in a variety of colors to go with any wardrobe palette.

Travel Laundry Bag

Nothing’s worse than opening your bag to find your clean clothes smelling dirty because your garments have been mixed up! A travel laundry bag is the easiest and cheapest way to keep your unworn clothes fresh during travel. 

The JHX Dirty Laundry Bag with Handles is my favorite laundry bag for travel. The lightweight bag comes with aluminum handles for easy carrying to a laundromat. 

VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) keeps your information safe on public WiFi networks. You can also use it to mask your location, as some US banks and other sites won’t allow you to access their sites from Europe. 

I use Express VPN. It’s fast and reliable. Meanwhile, the many location settings have made it easy to keep track of my US accounts while abroad.

Portable Power Bank

A portable charger means that you won’t spend a second of your trip waiting in your hotel room for your phone to charge. Instead, you can charge it on the go!

I like the INIU Portable Charger for its features. This lightweight power bank comes in four colors, has a flashlight feature, and offers two USB ports as well as a USB-C port.

Crossbody Bag

One of my worst traveling habits is packing too many purses. At least, it was until I got a crossbody bag. A medium-sized black bag can go anywhere with you, eliminating the need for other purses.

The North Face Berkeley Crossbody Bag is the perfect bag for Paris. It comes in nine colors. Meanwhile, the nylon material and zipper make it durable and safe.

Reusable Water Bottle

Walking through Paris can make you thirsty, and you don’t want to stop to look for water every few blocks. Instead, pack a collapsable, reusable bottle. Fill it up from the tap in your hotel room or a carafe at a café. 

The Opard Collapsible Water Bottle is my favorite water bottle for travel. Its silicon design makes it lightweight and easy to clean. It also collapses into a tiny package for packing.

Laptop Sleeve

Keep your device safe by packing it in a lightweight laptop sleeve. The last thing you want is to ruin a trip to Paris by spending hours waiting for a computer repair. 

The Osprey Arcane Laptop Sleeve is my choice for a travel laptop sleeve. It’s elegant without losing practicality. The side handle and external pocket are especially useful features, too.

Travel Backpack

Anyone who can avoid baggage claim at Charles de Gaulle airport should! A travel backpack will help you make the most of your luggage allowance. 

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is perfect for short trips or light packers. The 40L bag will fit in overhead compartments. Meanwhile, the front-loading feature and internal pockets make this an incredibly practical choice.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes make more space in your bag by compressing and separating items. A big bonus is that they also keep your items organized, making it easy to identify and find what you need upon arrival. 

The Well Traveled Packing Cubes are my favorite set. The different sizes make them incredibly versatile. The compression they offer maximizes your space even more.

Travel Medicine Kit

One of the last things you want to do is spend a Sunday morning trying to track down an open pharmacy for some ibuprofen. A travel medical kit will help you avoid this by equipping you with basic medications for common scenarios. 

The TravelPak Rx Travel Medicine Kit is the perfect travel medicine kit. It provides basic pills for everything from nausea to headaches. 

Scarves

Seasoned travelers know to pack a fairly basic wardrobe when coming to Paris. However, it’s useful to have a lightweight accessory to make your outfit more chic for special occasions. A colorful silk scarf is the perfect way to do this. 

I like Grace Scarves 100% Silk Scarves for the patterns, edges, and price point. Use these scarves to elevate a basic outfit with a pop of color.

Other Paris Essentials to Pack

• Passport
• Toothbrush
• Facemasks 
• Contact lens solution
• Passport
• Razor
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Ear plugs
• Phone charger
• Laptop charger
• Medications
• Jewelry and accessories
• Travel insurance information
• Books or Kindle 
• Nail clippers

Clothing to Pack for Paris

Pack a capsule wardrobe when coming to Paris. Include items that you can mix and match with each other. Choose quality over quantity, and look for durable, comfortable items. These include everyday favorites like jeans and sneakers. But don’t forget to pack a few stylish items like a blazer or sports coat, for more upscale occasions.

So what clothing should you pack for Paris? Here is a quick clothing checklist for Paris: 

• 2-3 dresses or one suit
• 1 blazer or sport coat
• 1 jacket or coat
• 4-6 t-shirts
• 1-2 dressier shirts
• 2-3 pairs of pants
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of dress shoes or heels
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks

As you pack, you may realize that you’re missing some basic items. Here are my recommendations for classic clothing that will let you move comfortably around Paris while still looking chic: 

Comfortable Shoes

There’s nothing less glamorous than stumbling through cobblestone streets or Paris parks in uncomfortable shoes. Plan for this walkable city by packing comfortable sneakers (and breaking them in beforehand!). 

The Dr Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker is a great travel shoe for women while the Dr. Scholl’s Traveler Oxfords are a great option for men. The supportive yet lightweight design of these sneakers lets you walk in comfort. The Time Off sneakers for women are also washable, so you don’t have to worry about coming home with dirty shoes!

Black Dress

The perfect Paris outfit should be chic enough for a fancy Paris restaurant with a dress code, yet relaxed enough to wander around Notre Dame. The solution? A little black dress. 

My favorite version of this wardrobe staple is the Calvin Klein Women’s Tulip Sleeved Above The Knee Sheath Dress. This short-sleeved dress has a classic silhouette with tulip sleeves for a modern twist.

Rain Jacket

Bring a raincoat that can double as an everyday jacket for maximum packing efficiency. This will save you room by letting you avoid packing an umbrella. At the same time, you’re prepared for all kinds of weather. 

I love the SaphiRose Women’s Outdoor Raincoat as a trench-coat-style jacket. Its lining makes it look more expensive than it is, while the hood will keep you dry on the rainiest days. This COOFANDY Rain Jacket is a good raincoat option for men as well. 

Straight Leg Jeans

French style is more relaxed than most people think. Dark jeans are the perfect staple. Put at least one pair on your packing list and in your capsule wardrobe. 

The ARIAT Women’s Straight Leg Jean are my favorite blue jeans for Paris. The mid-rise and medium-dark wash make it classic, while the stretch makes it comfortable. These Levi’s Men’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans are a good, similar option for men. 

Lightweight Jacket

Bring a jacket, even if you’re coming to Paris in summer. Evenings can get cold, and you don’t want your memories of Paris at night to be of goosebumps!

The Amazon Essentials fleece jackets for men and women are the perfect lightweight jackets for travel. These jackets are inexpensive, soft, and (unlike leather jackets) don’t take up much room. They also come in plus sizes. 

Light Sweater

Paris still has its chilly moments, even during heat waves. A basic sweater in a neutral color is crucial to staying warm in cool moments. 

The SMILING PINKER Women’s Cardigan Sweater is the ideal sweater to travel with. Its classic cut, soft fabric, and choice of colors make it easy to fit into any wardrobe. 

Tailored Blazer

The easiest way to dress up with jeans and a T-shirt is to add a blazer. A tailored item in a neutral color will make it easier to wear any outfit to a more formal occasion.  

The PLOYDIEN Classic Blazer Jacket for women is the perfect blazer for Paris. Its ivory color makes it modern without being too trendy, as does its long length. The COOFANDY Blazer Casual Sport Coats is a similarly good choice for men. 

T-Shirts​​

A short-sleeve t-shirt is the perfect item for any occasion. Dress it up under a blazer and add fancier shoes. Or, dress it down with blue jeans and sneakers. 

These Amazon Essentials basic t-shirts for men and women are a no-brainer. The classic t-shirts come as a two-pack so you can vary colors at an affordable price. The cotton and cotton-blend materials offer enough stretch for comfort. 

Ankle Boots

Tall boots don’t make sense when you have limited space in your bag. But heels can be painful. The ankle boot is the perfect solution for a trip to Paris.

I like the Cole Haan Women’s Ankle Boot for its combination of classic features and modern twists. Plus, the thick heel is perfect for Paris streets, making this a comfortable pair of shoes overall. This pair of Bruno Marc Chelsea Ankle Boots is a good choice for men with its durable yet lightweight design. 

Ballet Flats

Closed-toed shoes may not be your first choice for a summer shoe. But you won’t see Parisian women wearing flip-flops, no matter how hot it gets! Opt for a light pair of ballet flats instead of sandals. 

I love the Jessica Simpson Women’s Mandalaye Ballet Flat. It has a classic silhouette with a ballet-inspired twist. These are the best shoes for fashionably wandering through Paris during warmer months.

Non-Jean Pants

Sometimes you need more than a comfortable pair of jeans. Non-jean pants give you options for going out, whether by dressing up for a more formal occasion or down for a more bohemian one. 

These leather leggings are a great option for a chic, artsy look for women. The high waist, elastic, and shine make them the perfect combination of dressy and comfortable. These pants are a good non-jean option for men with their classic design and light stretch. 

Paris Packing Tips

Pack for Your Itinerary

Pack for the specific activities in Paris you plan to do at the time of year you’re going. Lots of Parismuseums? Pack comfortable shoes and a lightweight jacket for air conditioning. Going hiking on a day trip from Paris? Make sure to bring hiking boots.

📚Related Reading: Perfectly Planned Paris Itinerary

Choose Neutral Colors

French women generally dress in a neutral color palette. Packing items in neutral colors like black, white, and beige will help you blend in and feel comfortable. Doing this will also ensure you can mix and match your items for different outfits. 

Plan Your Laundry

Check nearby laundry options if you’re traveling for more than a few days. This may be in your hotel or at a nearby laundromat (Paris has many laundry options). However, if you don’t plan on doing laundry, make sure you have enough clean clothes for each day you visit Paris.

Assume There Will Be Rain

Assume you will have at least some rain no matter what the weather forecast says for your trip to Paris. Rainy days are common in Paris, even when the weather in Paris is forecast as sunny.

Underdress If In Doubt

Don’t overpack. Instead, bring just the essentials with you. Yes, Paris is a fashion capital and Parisian fashion is gorgeous. But French women generally dress in basics. In fact, many women in the city would prefer to underdress than overdress (except, of course, during Fashion Week!).

Opt for Comfortable, Basic Shoes

You’ll rarely see a pair of flip-flops when visiting Paris in summer. And don’t waste bag space on tall boots. Instead, limit yourself to two pairs of shoes (three if you’re planning on working out): dressy flats and sneakers. Paris is a very walkable city—don’t let your footwear limit you.

FAQs About Packing for Paris

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This ultimate Paris packing list covers all the basics you need for your stay and then some. Did I miss anything, though? Let me know in the comments below.

Next, check out my guide on where to stay in Paris.