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Complete Paris packing list + downloadable checklist for a 7-day trip
Unsure of what you should pack for your trip to Paris? Follow along for the ultimate Paris packing list and a downloadable checklist you can use when packing your bags.
August 20, 2024
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Paris is a bucket list destination for millions of people worldwide. It’s a cultural and architectural hub that few other cities in the world can compare to. You’ll find some of the most popular museums and iconic architectural landmarks here, complemented by great food and a unique culture.
That said, packing your bags for a trip to Paris can be a bit of a headache. You don’t want to stand out from the stylish crowd in the City of Light, nor do you want to be uncomfortable, as you’re bound to do a lot of walking.
No need to worry, though. We’re here to solve your headache with the ultimate Paris packing list that should help you prepare to visit France’s capital.
Stay connected when visiting Paris
Get the Holafly eSIM for France and enjoy unlimited data wherever you go. Use the code MYESIMNOW5 at checkout for 5% off your purchase.
Clothes to pack for Paris
Like most European destinations, Paris has four distinct seasons, so you’ll need to choose clothes that match the weather. Thankfully, even winters rarely see freezing temperatures, so you’ll be able to save a lot of room in your luggage by leaving that heavy winter coat at home.
If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, you might want to avoid sportswear, fanny packs, or extra colorful outfits on your Paris packing list. Parisians tend to stick to more natural tones that blend in and complement the surroundings instead of standing out too much.
Summer clothes
Summers in Paris tend to be quite warm, with an average high temperature of 77°F (25°C), so pack light. Early mornings and late evenings can be a bit cool, but one or two pieces of warmer, long-sleeved clothing should be more than enough.
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Comfortable shoes
- Sundress
- Skirt
- Linen shirt
- Light sweater
- Silk scarf
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Socks and underwear
Winter clothes
Although not quite freezing, with average highs at 46°F (8°C) and lows at 37°F (3°C), winter can get quite chilly. That said, there are still plenty of things to do in Paris during the winter months. It’s a great time to explore the museums or sample local food and drinks. And if it gets really cold, Paris has a great public transportation system to help you get around.
That said, you need to pack clothes that’ll keep you warm and dry in winter conditions. Winter months don’t get much sunlight, and while heavy rains are rare, light drizzles are to be expected.
- Warm base layers
- Sweaters
- Rain jacket
- Warm jacket
- Pants/jeans
- Coat
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Over-knee boots
- Long-sleeved dress
- Warm scarf
- Warm socks
- Underwear
Spring/fall clothes
Both spring and fall have similar weather tendencies in Paris, with average highs ranging from 55-68°F (13-20°C). Your packing list should differ slightly depending on the month of your visit, as it’s much cooler in November or March than it is during September or May.
That said, the cool but not cold weather, combined with the beautiful nature of these seasons, makes both fall and spring perfect for exploring the breathtaking gardens in Paris. No matter what you do, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as this is arguably the best time to go exploring the city.
- T-shirts
- Light jacket
- Dress shirt
- Dress pants
- Comfortable shoes
- Dress
- Skirt
- Light sweater
- Jeans
- Silk scarf
- Trench coat
- Socks and underwear
Luggage
In some cases, the luggage you use to pack your goods can significantly improve your travel experience. Paris has no shortage of cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks, which makes regular travel suitcases on tiny wheels quite an uncomfortable option. Not to mention the fact that many buildings don’t have elevators, so you have to carry your luggage upstairs.
Using a comfortable travel backpack as your carry-on makes life a lot easier. Carrying a lightly packed backpack is much easier than dragging a suitcase over uneven streets.
That said, keeping your valuables there isn’t a great idea in a city as densely populated as Paris. You might want to pack a tote bag with a zipper or a crossbody bag and keep your valuables close. Just make sure it’s not a fanny pack, or everyone will be able to tell you’re a tourist from a mile away.
Travel documents
Having essential travel documents with you is a must for any Paris packing list. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enter the country, regardless if you’re just flying in from London to Paris for a weekend getaway or traveling halfway around the world to visit the City of Light.
Here are some of the main documents you won’t want to forget:
- Passport
- Flight tickets
- Driver’s license
- Health and travel insurance
- Visa (if applicable)
Your passport and flight tickets are the two most important documents to have with you. Some countries outside the Schengen zone, including the US and the UK, don’t need a visa to travel to France for less than 90 days. If you live inside the Schengen zone, you can stay for any period of time without a visa.
If you’re not in one of these countries, double-check whether or not you need to get a Schengen visa to travel within Europe.
A driver’s license is handy if you plan on renting a car and also serves as a secondary form of ID in case you lose your passport. Health and travel insurance also isn’t mandatory to enter France but can save you a lot of headaches whether you’re traveling to Paris alone or in a group.
Toiletries and hygiene essentials
You definitely don’t need to worry too much about toiletries or hygiene products for your Paris trip. After all, you’ll usually find some essentials in your hotel room, and you can easily purchase the rest when you arrive.
That said, if you don’t want to spend extra money and want to have them readily available when you travel, here are some toiletries and hygiene essentials you might want to pack:
- Skincare products
- Feminine hygiene products
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Travel-sized shampoo and shower gel bottles
This should just about be enough to keep you fresh during a long trip or if none of the above is provided at your accommodation.
Tech essentials
While there’s no need to stuff your bags with every piece of electronics you own, you’ll probably want to have your phone, a way to keep it charged, and a way to stay connected to the internet.
Here’s what you should have in your bag to avoid running out of charge or data during your trip to Paris:
- Mobile phone with eSIM
- Charger
- Travel adapter
- Power bank
Remember that sockets in France are different from those in the USA or the UK. Make sure you pack a travel adapter, or you’ll find yourself looking for one around town with a dead phone.
When it comes to having internet, an eSIM for Paris is the best way to stay connected. You can buy an eSIM months before your trip and activate it as soon as you land in Paris for instant connectivity. It’s also cheaper and more convenient than other alternatives, such as buying a tourist SIM card or paying excessive data roaming charges.
What to pack for a 7-day trip to Paris
Following a checklist is easily the best way to stay organized when packing your bags. We’ve created a downloadable Paris packing checklist to help you get on the right track.
Of course, the things you pack may differ slightly depending on the time of your visit and personal preferences, but this should provide a solid base with all the essentials for visiting Paris. Download the PDF, print it out, and follow along when it’s time to pack your bags.
Not got time to print off our week-long Paris packing list? See the items for yourself below:
Clothing
- 3-4 T-shirts
- Comfortable shoes
- 1-2 pairs of jeans/pants
- A pair of shorts
- A silk scarf
- 2-3 light sweaters
- A light jacket
- 2-3 dresses or skirts
- 1-2 linen shirts
Other essentials
- Passport
- Plane tickets
- Driver’s license
- Travel insurance
- Visa (if applicable)
- Skincare products
- Feminine hygiene products
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Travel-sized shampoo
- Travel-sized shower gel
- Mobile phone with eSIM
- Charger
- Travel adapter
- Power bank
Packing tips for Paris
Before you start packing your bags, we have a few more packing tips for you. These aren’t exactly things you need to pack, but rather something to consider before packing.
- Check the weather forecast: While it’s best to be prepared for any weather, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast a day or two before your trip to get a better idea of what clothes you need to pack.
- Prepare for a lot of walking: Paris is a city that’s best explored on foot. Many tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Luxembourg Garden, are within walking distance from one another. So make sure to pack comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Make sure you have internet access: Whether it’s checking the maps, using a translator app, or getting a ride, having internet access makes navigating the city a lot easier. Using an eSIM is an affordable and convenient way to stay connected, and Holafly even offers unlimited data, so you’ll never lose connection.
- Make a packing checklist: whether you’re using our checklist or making one of your own, make sure you have a checklist ready before you start packing. It’s the best way to ensure you don’t forget anything essential for your trip to Paris.
- Make a list of things to do: Paris has a lot to offer, and you probably won’t cover it all in one trip. The activities you take on may impact the things you pack, so follow an online Paris travel guide that feels right for you, or even consider hiring a local guide for a full Paris experience.
- Don’t look like a tourist: Make sure to leave your sportswear, fanny pack, and ball cap at home if you want to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist. Parisians tend to dress in neutral colors that blend in rather than stand out, so choose your wardrobe accordingly.
With all that in mind, you should be ready to visit Paris and enjoy everything that the City of Light has to offer.
FAQs
The classic French style doesn’t include many bright colors and is generally pretty neutral. Depending on the season, consider wearing something like a linen shirt and linen pants combo, a black dress with over-knee boots, or a simple sundress with a silk scarf.
The amount of money you need for your trip to Paris really depends on what you plan to do there. On average, a week of vacation in Paris will cost between $1,000 and $3,000 USD.
Yes, you can wear a backpack in Paris. In fact, it’s one of the most comfortable ways to carry things around the city. That said, make sure you have your valuables close to you instead of keeping them in the backpack.
