The South of France is a region full of so many beautiful destinations which is why it is usually one of the most visited regions for summer travel. You have the countryside of Provence with its ancient villages and rolling hills and charming markets. And you have the seaside French Riviera full of glamorous and charming towns like St. Tropez, Antibes and Cannes. As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I regularly visit the South of France so I can help my travel clients make the most of their trip.

When is Summer in the South of France?

June, July and August are some of the most popular months to travel to the South of France as this is when you’ll find the warmest weather and can take advantage of all the coastline has to offer. 

South of France Summer Packing List

With summer temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, think breezy linen dresses, light cotton shirts, and woven bags. The summer style in the South of France is laid back but elevated with lots of neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched. Basically, channel your inner French woman meets Nancy Myers aesthetic and you can’t go wrong! I tend to pack whites, blacks, creams and navy blues with a mix of pattern mixed in, too. Particularly summery patterns like gingham and stripes.

Read on for my Packing List for South of France summer trips. I also always recommend you try on your outfits before you put them in your suitcase and keep a Notes app in your phone of what you plan to wear each day and night. This will ensure you don’t overpack and know exactly what’s in your suitcase! And of course don’t forget a dual voltage travel sized steamer for all the linen!

Related: What to Pack for a Flight to France

You can pin the below image or save it to your phone as you prepare for your trip.

1. White Dress

This pretty cotton dress was made to be worn in summer in Europe! The pleating on the bodice is such a gorgeous detail. I packed this for my recent trip to Provence and sized up to an 8. I love a simple white dress that can be dressed up or dressed down for maximum versatility.

2. Linen Maxi Dress

You can’t go wrong with an elegant and lightweight linen maxi dress. Wear it with bare shoulders on warmer days, or throw a lightweight cropped jacket on for cooler days. I love how elegant this dress looks while still being super packable. I own and love this style, I sized up to an 8.

3. Midi Dress

This midi dress is so good I own it in three colors. Pair this dress with sneakers for exploring cobblestone streets during the day, and dress it up with espadrille wedges at night. This dress is super versatile as seen in my One Midi Dress, Three Ways post.

4. Linen Mini Dress

Perfect for daytime exploration or throwing on atop your swimsuit for a boat day. 

5. Swimsuit

A white swimsuit is so chic against the bright blues of the South of France’s Mediterranean sea. This brand makes some of my favorite flattering styles.

I also love the back on this swimsuit and this minimalist option!

6. Straw Hat

For sunny days by the pool or strolling around local markets on extra hot and sunny days, a straw hat is a must! This wide brim Panama hat from Cuyana is also a great option.

7. SPF

Parts of the South of France boast 300 days of sunshine a year so SPF is a must! I like the French pharmacy brands for body that I’ll buy once I arrive but I always travel with my preferred face sunscreen to apply every day.

8. Striped Sweater

Evenings near the water can be a bit crisp so an added layer should be a welcomed addition to your suitcase. 

You can use code MEGHANDONO15 for 15% off this style. 

9. Linen Trousers

I love that wide leg trousers are having a moment! A comfortable linen pair are the perfect addition to your Provence wardrobe because they are light, breezy, and super chic. These trousers from Abercrombie have a cult-like following (size up). Everlane also makes a great pair. Dress them up or dress them down.

10. Linen Jumpsuit

A nice change from a lot of dresses is the addition of a linen jumpsuit to your rotation. I own this style in black in a size 8. See it on below.

11. Brown Leather Sandals

I definitely recommend packing a sandal that you can throw on and go, and this timeless slide can be easily dressed up or dressed down. 

12. Black Leather Sandal

I always travel in summer with a pair of brown and a pair of black sandals. Emme Parsons makes beautiful, elevated styles that are really chic and can easily go from day to night which make them great for travel.

13. Sleek White Sneakers

Parts of the South of France are atop hills and feature loads of cobblestone streets. For daytime longer walks and other excursions you’ll want a pair of sneakers in your suitcase. I love this pair because they go so well with dresses.

14. Market Tote

You simply cannot travel to France in summer without a chic basket tote and this one from Loewe has long been a favorite, I love the option to have shorter or longer straps. It is my most used bag of summer!

This under $100 option from Mango is also cute, and if you’re looking for a woven bag that can lay flat in your luggage this is a great option.

Related: My Bag Collection

15. Espadrille Wedge

These shoes are a summer staple for me and the only type of heel I typically bring to the South of France in summer due to all the hills and cobblestones. I love how these espadrilles pair with midi dresses and they’re comfortable enough to wear all evening. 

Related: My Favorite Shoes for Summer

16. Sunglasses

This pair of sunglasses from Le Specs have long been one of my favorites. For a splurge, these designer sunnies are my personal favorite!

 

South of France Summer Outfit Ideas

White Dress with White Sneakers

These white Veja sneakers and these canvas Superga sneakers are great alternatives to my beloved Common Projects. Also sporting one of my favorite straw bags!

White Linen Dress and Brown Sandals

Easy, breezy and perfect for the Riviera – you can’t go wrong with this outfit combo. Pin the above image for later and shop the styles seen here.

Slip Dress and Market Tote

This Jenni Kayne midi dress has long been a favorite (I size up to a Large) and is always in my suitcase for the South of France. I love the adjustable straps and figure flattering silhouette. Use code MEGHANDONO15 for 15% off! My beloved Sézane market tote is the perfect accessory and I love tying a little scarf on it to change up the look.

Floral Dress

I don’t always go for color, but this gorgeous floral A-line dress was calling my name (wearing a size 6)! Styled with the espadrilles I’ve been wearing for years and my favorite little raffia bag.

Simple Jewelry

The French are understated in their accessories and simple gold jewelry is best to pair with your outfits. Avoid anything overly flashy in general. This brand and this brand make some of my favorite affordable jewelry. 

Espadrille Wedges

This style has been worn for decades for good reason. Comfy and perfect for evening dinners in Provence, especially on cobblestone.

Midi Dress with Draped Cardigan

This is one of my favorite ways to style a cardigan or light sweater when you need just a bit of warmth or added coverage. I’m wearing my favorite STAUD dress above with this striped cardigan. This mini woven tote is the perfect purse to pack for Provence!

Classic Black Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must in the South of France. You’ll want a great pair to lay by the pool if your hotel has one, too.

I swear by my indestructible Celine sunglasses but this pair is my favorite affordable pair.

Midi Dress

This STAUD dress has become such a favorite of mine, I now own it in three colors! It’s a gorgeous silhouette and effortlessly chic. For chilly days I drape a cardigan over my shoulders, and on warmer days the cotton is nice and airy! This dress really is so versatile.

I recommend sizing up. I’m wearing an 8.

Shirtdress and Espadrilles

A timeless style that was made for Provence. Pin this image for inspiration later and shop the styles here.

Black Dress

This is one of my absolute favorite summer dresses! The lace details makes it romantic and beautiful for evening wear. This is a similar style for the season which I also own and love (I sized up to a Large). It is a maxi vs. a midi like the other style I own.

Other black dresses I love for summer include this super affordable option from Amazon Fashion and this dress under $150 from Reformation.

Gingham

Such a perfect summery pattern for the South of France. The dress above is by LaLigne (wearing a L). This brand makes some of my most favorite special feeling dresses.

Swimsuits

I like shopping for mine from Hunza G, Andie, J.Crew and Summersalt.

Andie also has a lot of cute coverups.

Slip Dress and Sandals

I love a slip dress for trips because it is so versatile to style a myriad of ways.

The Jenni Kayne Rio Slip Dress packs well boasts a slight v-neck, stylized seams, a super-soft silk fabric and an effortless drape that makes it deal for dressing up or dressing down. Wearing a M. 

Linen Button Down and Linen Trousers

Easy, breezy and versatile enough to style multiple ways on your trip. I like to wear an oversized linen button down as a cover up or the above look is also perfect for visiting a morning market in a Riviera town.

A good pair of linen trousers can be dressed up or dressed down.

Little Black Dress

I own this one (size 8) which has a great fabric and could easily be dressed up or dressed down. 

J.Crew is usually a go-to destination for me for beautiful dresses for summer trips, too.

White Dress and Straw Hat

The Hill House Nap Dress is perfect for summer (I wear a small), this high neck linen dress from J.Crew also caught my eye.

For traveling with a hat, I recommend purchasing a TOPTOTE hat holder to clip to your bag. This brand makes some of my favorite straw hats!

Brown Leather Sandals

A classic T-strap sandal like the Hermes Oran are a timeless style that are perfectly versatile for your trip to Provence.

This pair from Talbots is a similar favorite of mine. I find Talbots shoes to be so well made and so well priced! The pairs I’ve owned are super comfortable and hold up well.

Maxi Dress

This easy, breezy linen maxi dress is a must for the South of France in the Summer! It also comes in a lovely ecru color. Perfect for days of exploring or lunch by the sea! I even wore it as a cover up one day, too. I sized up to an 8.

Pair this look with a poolside tote.

Matching Sets

I love bringing a matching set I can then mix and match with other looks while traveling as seen below. 

Pin this for later and shop the above styles here.

Abercrombie and Reformation both make loads of cute matching sets.

Linen Jumpsuit

A linen jumpsuit can be a nice and easy throw on and go comfortable outfit idea for exploring. I own this one from Reformation – I sized up to an 8.

Shop the Post

 

More Items to Consider Packing for the South of France in Summer

 

 

Heading to France? Book En Route to Rêverie with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip the best one yet.

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