If you’re in need of a South of France summer packing list, you’ve come to the right place. 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. After Paris, it’s the most popular destinations we book for clients.

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.

This post will help you develop a packing list for the South of France and plan your outfits. Don’t miss the shoppable widget and outfit ideas in this post!

South of France Summer Packing List

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.

I 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 (or my favorite wrinkle release spray).

Related: What to Pack for Europe in Summer

What to Pack for Provence vs. the French Riviera

While many pieces can work for both destinations, I do make a few packing adjustments depending on where I’ll be spending most of my time. For Provence, I prioritize easy daytime dresses, comfortable sandals, linen separates and a chic basket bag that can handle mornings at the market and afternoons exploring quaint villages. For the French Riviera, I tend to pack a few more elevated pieces such as a chic swimsuit and cover-up, statement sunglasses, a polished dress for the evening (maybe a sparkly accessory or two) and versatile sandals that can transition from a seaside lunch to dinner overlooking the water. Regardless of where you’re headed, effortless pieces in a neutral color palette will always feel right at home in the South of France.

How I Plan My Outfits for Travel

1. White Dress

This pretty cotton poplin dress was made to be worn in summer in Europe! I love a simple white dress that can be dressed up or dressed down for maximum versatility.

2. Maxi Dress

You can’t go wrong with an elegant and lightweight 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 many styles from this brand and typically size up.

3. Midi Dress

This midi dress is so good I own it in three colors. Pair this dress with sneakers for wandering 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! Plus, I’m quite sure that this French blue hue was made for Summer in the South of France.

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 this sculpting swimsuit (use code WITWHIMSY15 for 15% off) 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!

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.

This portable SPF setting powder is also so handy, I like to keep one in my bag! 

8. Striped Sweater

Evenings near the water can be a bit crisp so an added layer should be a welcomed addition to your suitcase. Drape it over your shoulders or pair with linen pants.

9. Linen Pants

I love that wide leg pants are having a moment! A comfortable linen pair are the perfect addition to your Provence wardrobe because they are light, breezy, and super chic. This pair of cotton poplin pants look equally as stylish.

10. Linen Jumpsuit

A nice change from a lot of dresses is the addition of a linen jumpsuit to your rotation.

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. 

14. Basket Bag

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 of those that I love the most for the season.

Mango has a wide selection of budget-friendly woven bags!

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

They’re a splurge, but these designer sunnies are my personal favorite (and have held up for years!)

South of France Summer Outfit Ideas

If you’re looking for ways to put together outfits for the South of France, this post should help you. 

White Dress with White Sneakers

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

White 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 MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off! My beloved Sézane market tote is the perfect accessory and I love tying a little scarf on it to change up the look.

Woven Accessories

No South of France packing list is complete without a straw tote and straw hat! If you’re traveling with a hat, I highly recommend this handy little tool.

Related: What to Pack for France in Summer

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 a striped cardigan. A 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.

Matching Set

A linen vest styled with linen shorts looks so chic, plus you can mix and match with other looks while traveling.

Abercrombie, Reformation, and Gap all make loads of cute matching sets.

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.

Swimsuit and Cover-up

You can’t go wrong with a sleek black swimsuit and chic poolside accessories. 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 cotton poplin style under $200, and this darling linen mini dress.

Gingham

Such a perfect summery pattern for the South of France. This gingham dress and this one look similar!

I paired the dress above with this woven bag and black sandals.

Swimsuits

I like shopping for mine from Hunza G, Andie, J.Crew, Stylest (use code WITWHIMSY15 for 15% off), and Left On Friday.

Slip Dress and Sandals

I love a slip dress for trips because it is so versatile to style a myriad of ways. The effortless drape makes it deal for dressing up or dressing down.

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 paired with trousers for visiting a morning market in a Riviera town.

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

Little Black Dress

A strapless black dress can easily be dressed up or dressed down (this one looks similar.) Styled above with my favorite Margaux sandals.

J.Crew is also a go-to destination for me for beautiful dresses for summer trips! 

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.

Linen Maxi Dress

An easy, breezy linen maxi dress is a must for the South of France in the Summer! Perfect for days of exploring or lunch by the sea! You can even wear them as a cover up! This style is similar to what I’m wearing above, from one of my favorite Aussie brands.

Linen Jumpsuit

A linen jumpsuit can be a nice and easy throw on and go comfortable outfit idea for exploring.

South of France Packing List FAQs

What colors should I wear in the South of France?

I tend to pack mostly white, cream, navy, black and light blue when visiting the South of France. These colors feel timeless, photograph beautifully and make it easy to create multiple outfits from fewer pieces. If you want to add a print, I love stripes, gingham and polka dots for summer.

Do I need to dress up for dinner in the South of France?

Generally speaking, yes. While the South of France isn’t overly formal, you’ll likely feel more comfortable in a dress, matching set or elevated separates than you would in activewear or beachwear. I usually pack a few dresses that can easily transition from sightseeing during the day to dinner in the evening with a simple shoe and handbag change.

Are sneakers appropriate in the South of France?

Definitely. In fact, I highly recommend bringing a pair, you’ll likely wear them more than you expect. I would suggest opting for a sleek white sneaker as opposed to something more athletic or sporty.

What shoes should I pack for the South of France?

If I could only bring three pairs, I’d pack white sneakers, flat leather sandals and espadrille wedges. Between cobblestone streets, hilltop villages and long days of exploring, comfort is key. Leave the stilettos at home! 

Is linen worth packing for the South of France?

Absolutely. Linen is one of the fabrics I reach for most when traveling in Provence and along the French Riviera. It keeps you cool during hot summer days and always feels right at home in the region’s relaxed (but polished) atmosphere. I suggest looking for 100% cotton pieces as these are great on hot days as well. One thing I highly recommend is bringing a dual voltage travel sized steamer or wrinkle release spray.

What’s the biggest packing mistake people make when visiting the South of France?

Overpacking. I see it all the time. Most travelers need far fewer outfits than they think they do. Before every trip, I plan each day’s outfits in advance and save them in my Notes app. Not only does it help me avoid overpacking, but it also makes getting dressed while traveling completely effortless.

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

 

 

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You May Also Like:

• What to Pack for France in Summer.
• What to Pack for Europe in the Summer.
• What to Wear in Provence in Summer.

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