Wondering what to pack for France in fall? Fall is one of my favorite times to visit France. After more than 50 trips to Paris and years spent traveling throughout France as the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I find September, October and November some of the loveliest months to visit. The summer crowds begin to dissipate, temperatures become more comfortable for exploring on foot and, depending on where you’re headed, you may still be treated to beautifully warm days.
The key to packing for France in the fall is layers. Temperatures can vary considerably from September through November and, of course, what you’ll want in Paris or Normandy can look quite different from what you’ll need in Provence or the South of France. I rely on versatile pieces in a neutral palette that can be mixed, matched and layered as the weather changes.
Below I’m sharing what I personally pack for fall trips to France, along with the shoes, coats, layers and accessories I recommend after years of traveling throughout the country.
What to Pack for France in Fall
As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I am in France often and can tell you that you should be able to enjoy Fall weather all of September, October and November and sometimes even into early December. But of course, the average temperature will vary depending on whether you plan to be in Central France such as Paris, the North of France or the South of France.
What to Wear in France in Fall by Month
What to Wear in France in September
September can still feel very much like summer, particularly in Southern France. I typically pack lightweight layers, dresses, trousers, jeans, ballet flats or loafers, sneakers and a trench coat or blazer for cooler mornings and evenings.
If you plan to travel to France in September, you may even be gifted with summer weather in the city of light in which case you’ll want to consult my How to Dress for Paris in the Summer guide. It’ll make your life easier as you begin packing for Paris and give you tips on emulating the style of Parisian women.
The South of France can remain considerably milder than Paris and Northern France well into fall, so check the forecast before you pack and consider bringing a few lighter-weight pieces that you may consider packing for France in Summer.
(And don’t miss my South of France Summer Packing List guide.)
What to Wear in France in October
October is when layering becomes especially important. Pack sweaters, jeans and trousers, closed-toe shoes, a trench or car coat and a blazer. Depending on where you’re traveling and the forecast, ankle boots may also come into rotation.
You may find my Paris in October Packing List helpful.
What to Wear in France in November
By November, I pack for decidedly cooler weather: cashmere and wool sweaters, trousers and jeans, boots, tights, scarves and a warmer coat. A trench may still work on milder days, but I would generally bring a wool coat if heading to Paris or Northern France.
You may find my Paris Packing List for November helpful.
A packing note: Always check the forecast for your specific destinations a few days before departure. Fall weather in France can vary considerably not only month to month, but region to region. What I pack for Paris in late November looks very different from what I might bring to Provence in September.
Read on for a handy guide on what to wear and what to pack for France in the Fall. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to shop current styles of what I recommend, too and check out my cozy weekend getaway packing list you can pin or save to your phone for later.
Shoes to Pack for France in Fall
Shoes can make or break a trip to France given how much walking I tend to do. I generally recommend packing two to three pairs that can work across the majority of your outfits and always prioritize styles you already know you can comfortably walk in.
Sneakers
A sneaker is an essential pair of shoes to pack. I usually pack my Common Projects Sneakers for trips to France.
Or alternatively try a pair of Sambas or Vejas which are a French brand and seen all over the streets of France.
Parisians in particular love their classic Converses and I’m very into Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers nowadays for more sporty vibes.
Ballet Flats
My Chanel ballet flats come with me to France every single trip no matter the season!
I also have a more affordable pair by Margaux that are timeless. And J.Crew makes some affordable pairs. Be sure to get protective soles added before you go and walk loads of steps in them.
Loafers
A comfy, buttery leather loafer never goes out of style and is great for Fall trips to France. Above I am wearing my Gucci loafers but I also love this affordable pair by Sam Edelman.
Ankle Boots
I love my Inez Suede Boots for trips to France and almost always pack a pair for Fall trips. (I own both the ginger and black colors and choose whichever pair goes with more of what I have packed in my suitcase).
These elegant boots are ones that I can walk all over in comfortably – even on the common cobblestone streets you’ll find in many villages and across Paris.
The other pair of suede ankle boots I often bring are this pair by Loeffler Randall. Also versatile to be dressed up or dressed down and great for walking lots of steps.
If you’d prefer a smaller, kitten heel, I own this pair and love them. Or for a lower, block heel these are supremely comfortable for lots of walking as well.
Knee High Boots
I find knee high boots great for pairing with Fall dresses and skirts when I am in France in Fall.
This pair and this pair are favorites that I’ve logged a lot of steps in while in France.
Tops & Knitwear to Pack for France in Fall
Layers are the foundation of my fall wardrobe in France. I like tops that can be worn on their own during warmer afternoons but also layer easily underneath blazers, jackets and coats as temperatures drop.
Sweaters
Good merino wool or cashmere sweaters are essential as base layers for exploring France in the Fall on chillier days. I almost always bring my favorite J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck with me (recommend sizing up).
Stripes
To add a bit of visual interest to my outfits in Fall I love a striped long sleeve tee or striped sweater to be popping out from underneath my coat or blazer.
La Ligne makes all my favorite striped sweaters that I own. I’m wearing this one above – a favorite year round that I own in so many colors (recommend sizing up).
Versatile Cardigan
This sweater kind of does it all. Which explains why I now own it in three colors and the striped version.
Wear it frontwards or backwards or with jeans, pants or with a skirt or over a dress unbuttoned.
Silk Cami
This go-to look is perfect for exploring Northern and Central France in the Fall. Chic, put together and comfortable. Pair this look with sneakers or ballet flats. Wearing the silk tank by M.M.LaFleur I always travel with. It pairs perfectly under all my favorite blazers and little jackets for Fall. Bonus points for the fact that it is washable silk!
M.M.LaFleur makes a lot of great, versatile blazers that wear and travel really well.
Dressy Blouse
Perfect for dressier dinners at brasseries or bistros or five star hotels. Tuckernuck usually has a good selection to browse.
A silk top with jeans and a small heel like my favorite Manolo kitten heels is a favorite evening outfit formula when in France.
Button Down
I love how versatile a good button down (recommend sizing up) is and it’s a piece you can wear nearly in all of France.
Bottoms to Pack for France in Fall
I keep bottoms particularly versatile when packing for France and generally stick to a neutral palette so every pair works with nearly every top and shoe I’ve brought.
Jeans
I like the Agolde Riley Jeans for France trips because they can be dressed up or dressed down, don’t overly stretch and they have a flattering high rise and straight leg that pairs well with most of the shoes I usually bring with me on trips to France.
I also love a gray jean in France in Fall and I’m a big fan of AYR Denim at the moment.
Trousers
Trousers are a great addition to your France wardrobe as they style well with a variety of shoes for both day time and night time activities. I love the Aritzia Effortless Pant in particular. I recommend sizing up!
Another favorite pair of black pants are the M.M.LaFleur Meija.
Satin Pants
I love satin pants for travel nights out because they are so comfortable and roll up to take up next to no room in your suitcase. Paired with a chunky knit sweater it is perfect for a Fall evening in France.
I find great satin pants at Reformation and I’m wearing the La Ligne Mini Marin sweater (size L) above.
This pair is another favorite pair of satin trousers.
How to Style Satin Pants: Effortless Outfit Ideas for Day and Night
Slip Skirt
I love wearing a slip skirt year round but in the Fall I pair it with a boot with a walkable heel.
It’s a great look for Paris because it goes seamlessly from day to nighttime if you don’t want to do an outfit change before dinner.
Related: What to Wear with a Leather Jacket
Dresses to Pack for France in Fall
Dresses are one of my favorite things to pack for France because they make getting dressed incredibly easy and can often work for both day and evening.
In the fall, I look for styles that can be worn with sneakers or ballet flats on warmer days, then layered with a blazer, sweater or coat and paired with boots as temperatures cool.
And I always, always bring a dressier dress for a fun, more special evening out!
Black Dress
A black dress is always, always in my suitcase when I head to France. Consider one with sleeves or in a heavier fabric like the wool, column style above.
I find some of my most special dresses for France trips from La Ligne.
Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is a great day to evening look in Paris. You can wear it with sneakers for exploring during the day and the sub in a dressier shoe for an evening out in the city of light.
I adore the Tuckernuck Chloe Dress. It’s beautiful on and has a great fabric. I sized up to a L. It comes in a variety of colors if you prefer to wear a bit more color in the Fall!
Related: How to Style a Shirt Dress
Midi Dress
The reason I love a good midi dress for Fall is because of its styling versatility.
So the same one I may style one day with a sweater over the shoulders becomes perfect for nighttime when you add a blazer and a chic belt over it.
Sweater Dress
A sweater dress can be a workhorse on trips because you can style them up or style them down. I wear mine with sneakers, with ankle boots and with knee high boots when traveling in France in late Fall.
Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses
Fall Floral Dress
A darker floral print feels particularly appropriate for the season and pairs beautifully with a blazer or leather jacket and ballet flats early in fall, then tights and boots as temperatures cool.
I usually find good ones at Reformation.
Jackets & Coats to Pack for France in Fall
Fall outerwear is where I recommend being particularly strategic. You don’t need to pack all of the below. Choose one or two jackets or coats based on the forecast and make sure they work with the majority of what you’re bringing.
Trench Coat
I never go to France without a trench coat. It’s the perfect topper much of the year when you travel and it always brings together an outfit.
This style is classic from J.Crew as is this one from Sezane both of which I own
If you’re on the taller size and like a bit more masculine cut, this one I own from Sezane is also very cool and on trend. I sized down to a 4.
Blazers
A wool, oversized blazer is a favorite jacket for me to bring to France in the Fall because it is really versatile and a heavy enough weight that you can wear it as your main jacket for much of Fall and into Winter.
And Sezane is also great for blazers.
If you don’t have a black blazer that you feel great in, there’s no time like the present. It’s an instant mood booster and can be restyled throughout the year in loads of ways. I never go to Paris in the Fall without packing a black blazer.
M.M.LaFleur also makes a lot of great, versatile blazers that wear and travel really well.
I’ve linked a variety of styles I like in the shoppable widget below.
A leather jacket
If you want to get instant French woman vibes, top your outfit with a leather jacket.
I still wear my Vince leather jacket I bought back in 2014 so much. And the above one I’ve owned from J.McLaughlin for 10 years.
But this year I’m going to swap them out for a more on-trend style. This year I’m into oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys bomber leather jackets.
I splurged on the Nour Hammour Artiste jacket when in Paris earlier this year and it’s even better in person. I cannot wait to wear the heck out of it this Fall and Winter. The French brand makes the most gorgeous leather jackets I’ve seen.
Alternatively, I’m also very into suede jackets. The French brand Gerard Darel now ships to the U.S. and has gorgeous suede pieces. (I own a couple). And this suede jacket you’ll see all over the streets of Paris in autumn. (I recommend sizing up in it for a more on-trend look).
Suede adds such warmth and depth to even the simplest outfit, making jeans and a cashmere sweater feel considerably more elevated.
Tweed or Lady Jackets
Mango and Veronica Beard are my go-tos for tweed jackets.
Wearing above the Bash Paris jacket in a M.
Accessories & Extras to Pack for France in Fall
The right accessories can make a fall travel wardrobe work even harder. I rely on a few practical pieces that add warmth, prepare me for unpredictable weather and help change up outfits without taking up much additional room in my suitcase.
Versatile Bag
A good crossbody bag with a proper closure will be key for you keeping your belongings safe and handy throughout the day’s adventures.
Related: My Bag Collection and Designer Bags Under $1000 Worth Buying.
Cashmere Travel Wrap
I don’t get on a plane without this one. I use it as a blanket on the plane and as a scarf for chillier France Fall mornings or evenings. Worth every penny.
Travel Umbrella
I am never without an umbrella when in France as rain is often a matter of when, not if.
This one meets my rigorous standards when it comes to a good umbrella.
Tights
For pairing with your favorite dresses and skirts, don’t forget to pack tights when traveling to France in the Fall should the temperatures be on the cooler side.
I like the selection of tights offered by Spanx.
Hat
For a sportier look or windy day, consider bringing along a hat like a ball cap or in cooler weeks, a beanie.
Packing List For France
You can save this sample packing list to your phone or pin it for later! A lot of the items included and similar items can also be found in The Shop.
SHOP THE PACKING LIST HERE
My Tips for Packing for France in the Fall
- Check the forecast right before departure
- Build outfits around 2–3 pairs of shoes
- Choose a cohesive palette
- Prioritize pieces that work at least two ways
- Layer rather than packing multiple bulky coats
- Leave some suitcase room for shopping
- Write out your outfits in your Notes app
As I pack for fall trips to France I really consider what pieces are able to be versatile and worn a myriad of ways. I also always want the items to be comfortable.
I’m not personally a fan of packing cubes but I do know others that swear by them to save space when traveling. Instead I rely on my compression Away suitcases and then opt to roll all my clothing items.
Shop for My Edit for France in the Fall
Packing for France in the fall really comes down to versatility. I want nearly everything in my suitcase to work together so I can adjust for changing temperatures without overpacking. A great coat or jacket, comfortable shoes, beautiful knitwear and a few polished basics will take you remarkably far.
And remember: you don’t need to pack an entirely new wardrobe to look stylish in France. Bring the pieces you already feel great in, focus on fit and thoughtful layers and leave yourself a little room in your suitcase. France is, after all, a pretty wonderful place to pick up something new.
Planning a trip to France?
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