What to Pack for a Trip to Paris?

Are you heading to Paris for the first time? If you’re unsure of what to pack for a trip to Paris, keep reading!
My first trip to Paris was in mid-August through early September and the weather was gorgeous, but if you’re planning to go in the spring, you might need a few extra items to make your trip more enjoyable!

What to Wear to Paris in the Spring? Click here

What to Pack for your Paris Trip

Umbrella – So many songs about Paris in the rain can’t be wrong. Paris in the spring is especially rainy, so you want to be prepared! I love these little Davek umbrellas because they are so small and fit nicely into a backpack or purse (best suited for kids, though!). They also come in the traveler size for adults in a wide variety of colors. The umbrellas who win the price and durability race, however, are the LifeTek Windproof Travel Umbrellas. View on Amazon

Travel Wallet, Passport Pouch – Avoid being a victim of a Paris pickpocket and secure your money, passport, cards and important stuff in a travel wallet. Don’t bring a wallet and wear it in your back pocket, please! This little pocket pouch creates a safe place to stash important items and makes it nearly impossible for anyone to steal. It fits your passport, cash, and credit cards in various compartments. Wear it concealed underneath your clothing. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Pickpockets like to prey on unknowing tourists and in areas where they can go unnoticed (Eiffel tower, subways, fleas, crowded markets, etc.) Grab one of these passport wallets and avoid the drama. View on Amazon.com ➜

France Compatible Power Adapters – Your power cords will not work in France if you don’t have a French power adapter! Don’t leave home without a few of these for your laptops, cell phones or other electronic devices. It’s a good idea to have a few different adapters, just in case you find yourself in other destinations like London or Germany. This universal multipack adapter (pictured) works in 150+ countries and has built-in device protection via a safety fuse.
View on Amazon.com ➜

Portable Charger – If you’re like me, you’re always using your smartphone for info or photos when you’re on vacation. My Samsung is awesome for photos, but it uses a lot of juice. Carry a charger and avoid running out of battery life (Especially if there is an emergency and you need to use your phone). These little compact chargers make it easy to recharge your phone while you’re out, as opposed to finding a cafe or going back to your hotel to recharge. It uses regular USB cables. View on Amazon.com ➜

Voltage Converter – If you plan to bring other electric devices such as a beard trimmer or flat irons, blow dryers or steam irons you’ll want a voltage converter. Travel adapters do not convert voltage, this little adapter will. Use with U.S. and Canada Electric Products abroad like hair dryers, steam irons, electric kettle, laptop, iPhone, MacBook etc. This travel converter and adapter combo is 2000 watts max. Adaptor mode for DUAL VOLTAGE (110-220V, 100-240V) devices. View on Amazon

Travel Insurance – We have USAA, so we’re covered pretty well with travel insurance. If you don’t have travel insurance, please look into getting it before you leave. It doesn’t cost that much and it’s worth it. Don’t take the chance, just get the insurance.

Activated Charcoal – Travel tummy is NO FUN. Grab a bottle of activated charcoal, Immodium or Pepto. Finding items like these is a lot more difficult in France. You’ll be glad you have it in the event you need it. (hopefully, you won’t!) View on Amazon.com ➜

Packable Jacket or Coat (Warm and water-resistant is good!): The daily temperature in Paris averages around 41°F in the winter and 65°F in the summer. A nice peacoat, basic black quilted jacket or a classic short trench is a good option. Because of the weather variations, packing layer-able clothing is best! My favorite stylish coats are wool peacoats and duffel coats. When it comes to coats, I prefer to spend more for something classic and quality, too. If you want a good used coat that won’t break the bank, I suggest ThredUp or eBay for second-hand designer finds. (i.e. Burberry, Marc Jacobs, etc.)

Smaller Backpack or Messenger Bag – You’ll want a good lightweight bag to carry your daily essentials. I like to carry a small Fjallraven Kanken backpack when I’m trekking through the city, but a good lightweight messenger bag is also comfortable for daily carry. A good lightweight option is anything by. The nylon fabric is lightweight and the styles offer a lot of pockets and compartments. I prefer a basic black bag when traveling (pictured). View on Amazon.com ➜

Packing cubes – Nothing is better than an organized suitcase. Packing similar items together only makes sense if you need to find something quickly, or if you’re sharing a luggage with your mate. These handy packing cubes make travel a lot easier! No rummaging, no mess on the floor.
View on Amazon.com ➜

Comfortable, stylish boots or flats – Paris is not only one of the best places to walk, but it’s also a very fashionable place. You don’t want to stand out too much and scream “tourist,” but you also want to be comfy as you explore the city. This one was the hardest ones for me because I want to be stylish and comfortable. Picking a good flat or boot was challenging, but I did manage to narrow it down to a few styles that you will love wearing with almost anything. For ballet flats or sneakers, nothing compares to the rave reviews for the Superga Cotu sneaker or the Joseph Seibel Pippa Ballet Flat. For boots, nothing beats a comfy cobblestone-proof boot like a pair of broken in Docs or the Joseph Seibel Selena Boot

Hoodie, Cardigan – You never know where you might be when the weather gets cooler, so I advise bringing a lightweight, easy to pack cardigan or hoodie. This one, pictured below, is lightweight, packable, windproof and waterproof.

Scarf or Wrap – Nothing is more Paris chic than a scarf (or, foulard). Scarves are a wardrobe staple and one of the best accessories to have with you when you travel anywhere, especially Paris. They’re good for dressing up a simple outfit, or keeping you a bit warmer if the day gets cooler. l prefer to keep the color of my scarf either neutral or act as my one “pop of color,” but there are so many choices, you can pick whatever suits your style. In fact, find your scarf when you GET to Paris. It will make a lovely souvenir that will always remind you of your time there!

French Translator App – Don’t Speak French? Bring a foldable quick phrase guide or download an app that translates French to English to French, just in case you’re in a place where you need to communicate something important. I learned my very sparse French using Pimsleur’s French course and the Duolingo app. When traveling to Paris, you’ll want to be able to know a few key phrases. Most importantly, “Do you speak English”, “where is the nearest metro?” “bank” “Consolate” or “an Americano with two sugars and cream.” The French in Paris are usually multi-lingual and most speak English, but they always appreciate the effort from tourists. For example, saying Bonjour when you walk into an establishment is usually standard.