France offers endless inspiration for travelers and spring is one of my favorite times of year to visit. The weather begins to warm, gardens start to bloom and café terraces come back to life across the country.

As the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I spend a lot of time traveling throughout France and helping others plan their own trips there. Spring is a particularly wonderful season to visit because you can comfortably explore cities on foot while also enjoying the countryside as it comes back to life.

France is also wonderfully easy to combine into a multi-region itinerary. Many travelers pair Paris in the spring with destinations like the Loire Valley, Champagne, Normandy or Provence.

If you’re planning a spring trip to France, knowing what to pack can make all the difference. Spring weather can vary widely — from sunny afternoons to sudden rain showers — so having the right mix of layers will ensure you’re comfortable, stylish and ready for whatever the day brings.

Below is my go-to France spring packing list based on years of traveling there during this season.

What to Pack for France in Spring: A Stylish & Practical Packing List

Spring in France is one of the most beautiful times to visit. Packing thoughtfully will ensure you stay comfortable while still feeling polished — something that always helps you blend in with the effortlessly chic style you’ll see throughout Paris and beyond.

1. Jeans

A classic pair of straight-leg, ankle-length jeans is ideal for exploring France in the spring. They’re comfortable for long days of walking yet polished enough for cafés, museums and casual dinners.

The Agolde Riley jeans have been favorites of mine for years and travel beautifully. I wear a size 28.

I also love the Levi’s 501s, which is another timeless option that pairs easily with everything from ballet flats to sneakers.

2. Linen Dress

Perfect for warmer days and also great for layering, this midi dress is ideal for travel. So much so I own it in 4 colors. I wear the size M.

You can use code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off your order and you can see it on me in my Jenni Kayne Apparel Review.

3. Cropped Jacket

A cropped jacket is incredibly versatile for spring travel. It layers easily over dresses, tees and lightweight sweaters and helps create a polished silhouette.

I own this style in several colors because it works so well for travel. If you’re looking for similar options at a lower price point, Mango often has great versions.

You could also consider something like a J.Crew Lady Jacket or the Sézane Betty Cardigan, both of which are perfect transitional pieces. I recommend sizing up in both.

4.  Trousers

My favorite pairs of trousers are my do-it-all pants for France. They dress up easily but can also be worn casually. I love them for travel days, too. The Aritzia Effortless Pants are great also and come in loads of colors with some perfect for Springtime. I recommend sizing up in them.

I also like to pack a pair of satin pants that I can dress up or down. They pair perfectly with an oversized sweater for a chic evening look.

Related: How to Style Trousers

5. Crossbody Bag

I love a bag like this because it holds enough but also seamlessly goes from day to night as we all know its hard to bring as many bags as we want to on any trip.

If you’re looking for some bag inspo, check out My Bag Collection and my guide to Designer Bags Under $1000.

6. Striped Sweater

No trip to France feels complete without a striped sweater. The classic Breton stripe is synonymous with French style and always feels right when exploring Paris.

This lightweight knit is one of my most worn travel pieces because it’s warm without being bulky and layers beautifully under a trench coat. I size up to a large for a slightly relaxed fit.

If you’d prefer no stripes, it comes in solid colors that I own as well. 

7. Striped Tee

I always bring a long sleeve striped tee in my suitcase when going to Paris and spring is no exception. I own striped tees in a variety of colors but love a navy and white combo like this one this time of year. 

8. Cashmere Tee

As you will likely encounter a chillier day in France in the springtime (in 2022 it snowed in Paris on April 1!), I like to bring a sweater or two and find that a cashmere tee ends up being a great layering piece in particular.

This one comes in a variety of pretty colors. I size up for a roomier fit.

9. White Sneakers

Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential when traveling in France. You’ll likely log 15,000+ steps per day exploring cities like Paris.

A clean pair of white sneakers pairs effortlessly with jeans, dresses and trousers. My Common Projects sneakers are a favorite and I’ve worn them all over Europe.

Veja is another great option — and since it’s a French brand, you’ll see locals wearing them everywhere.

If you’re looking for more sneaker inspo, don’t miss my guide on What Shoes to Pack for Europe.

10. Tennis Necklace

This is one of my favorite diamond necklaces. It’s dainty and simple and goes with everything. You don’t have to worry about taking it off to swim or shower either. I always pack several pieces of my favorite Dorsey Jewelry whenever traveling.

11. Umbrella

You will no doubt endure some rain when in France in the Spring so come prepared and have a good umbrella on you. This is the one I always bring with me to France!

12. Converse Sneakers

Casual sneakers for daytime outings. They are good for rainy days as well as they dry quickly.

Or consider a sporty but stylish pair of Adidas Sambas. They add a bit of visual interest to practically any outfit and I can walk for miles in them.

13. Full Skirt Dress

I love this dress so much I own it in four colors. Because of its versatile styling abilities, it is great to travel with. It also steams easily which I appreciate!

Lots more colors available HERE.

14. Earrings

A great staple earring you can wear day or night while traveling. This brand makes a lot of beautiful, well priced pieces I enjoy shopping.

15. Basic Tee

I bring a basic tee in white and in black for every trip. This one from MM.LaFleur is a favorite as it has a great fit, a thick fabric that makes sure it travels well and slightly longer sleeves making it really flattering to wear on its own or layered. I wear the M.

And this one from Soldout NYC is another favorite I often travel with.

16. Oversized Blazer

An oversized blazer is always in my suitcase for trips overseas. I love the Sezane Christie Blazer and also the Michelle Jacket. Size up for a more on-trend fit.

They go well over a striped tee or basic t-shirt or silk tank for evenings. 

I buy most of my blazers at Veronica Beard, Everlane, Ann Taylor, J.Crew, & Other Stories, Mango, Sezane & M.M.LaFleur.

17. Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are a quintessential French shoe and always make their way into my suitcase.

They’re perfect for days when you want to look a bit more polished while still staying comfortable. I wear mine with everything from jeans to dresses while traveling.

Just be sure to break them in before your trip, especially if you plan to walk long distances.

If you need more outfit inspo for Ballet Flats, don’t miss my Ballet Flats Outfit Ideas post.

18. Sezane Basket Bag

I love bringing a straw market tote when traveling to France in Spring or Summer I love this one in particular as fits a fair bit and I love the double straps that make it more practical for a variety of uses.

It also comes in smaller sizes if you’d prefer!

The brand Hunting Season makes some beautiful ones as well and for more affordable options check out Mango’s bags.

19. Trench Coat

No trip in the spring is complete without a trench coat. It’ll likely be your most worn piece. I highly recommend one with a hood like this one! I love that the hood is detachable so if you don’t need it one day you can just remove it.

Related: How to Style a Trench Coat

I also love and often travel with my Sezane Trench Coat. Zara has a nice selection worth browsing, too. 

 . . .

I hope you found this post helpful as you plan to visit France in Spring! If you need more help, don’t miss my Men’s Paris Packing List for Spring & Summer as well.

Shop for France in the Spring

 

France Packing List for Spring

You can save the above packing list image to your phone as you outfit plan or Pin this image for use and reference later!

A few other items to consider bringing:

Lightweight Scarf

A lightweight scarf is one of the most useful items you can pack for France in spring.

It provides warmth on chilly mornings, adds interest to simple outfits and can even double as a wrap during breezy evenings. You’ll also notice many locals wearing scarves year-round.

Short Sleeve Knit

I find a short sleeve sweater really versatile to pair with skirts or jeans or trousers and layer under other jackets or blazers.

Leather Jacket

I never go to France in most seasons without my favorite leather jacket in tow. I wear it over evening outfits most often but it can be worn over a sweater or button down for daytime outings, too.

LIghtweight Sweater

France in the Spring can still be chilly! Don’t let sunny days fool you as you may endure wind and other elements and therefore having one lightweight sweater (preferably cashmere) is essential. 

You can use code MEGHANDONO10 for 10% off your order on any Jenni Kayne sweaters.

Sunglasses

A sunny France day must, pack a pair or two of your favorite sunglasses. I swear by my favorite styles by Celine. I find their sunglasses rather indestructible making them great for travel in particular.

Top Tote Hat Holder

If you plan to bring a sun hat for your France spring trip, I never travel without a hat without adding it to this handy magnet that clips onto your carry on and ensures you don’t end up losing your hat while en route.

Silk Tank

Perfect for evenings or daytime layering, I always keep one of these washable silk tanks in my suitcase as a base layer.

Shirtdress

A shirtdress is perfect for warm days exploring France. This one is a particular favorite. I wear the size L.

Structured Day Tote

A structured tote bag is great for days when you’re out exploring for hours and want to carry a bit more with you.

I often use one for holding a small umbrella, a scarf, sunglasses and anything I might pick up throughout the day. It’s particularly useful for travel days or train rides between cities.

Cuyana makes a lot of nice yet stylish options.

. . .

If you want to pack light for France, focus on versatile pieces that mix and match easily. A neutral color palette will allow you to rewear items in multiple outfits without feeling repetitive. Be sure you rely on high quality basics.

I also recommend checking the weather forecast a few days before departure so you can adjust layers accordingly.

If you’ve just got a trip to Paris on the books, don’t miss my Paris Packing List for Spring. I also have other seasonal packing lists for the city of light.

Heading to France? Request to book En Route to Rêverie and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to France the best one yet. Through our atelier we help travelers plan thoughtful trips throughout France — from hotel matchmaking and bespoke itineraries to special perks at some of our favorite properties.

 

You May Also Like:

• The Best Things To Do in Paris in the Spring.
• What to Pack for a Flight to Paris.
• Best Shoes to Wear in Paris.

[Katie Donnelly Photography]

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