Summer is arguably one of the best times of the year to visit France. It’s the perfect season to explore different areas of my favorite country, like Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, or Champagne. 

What to Pack for France in Summer

French style is simple, chic, and minimal. It’s full of elevated basics that you can mix and match to create different outfits depending on your plans and the temps. Keeping that in mind when packing for France will make your life much easier! Choose neutral colors and versatile pieces that you can re-wear or dress up and down with different shoes and accessories throughout your entire trip. 

And a friendly reminder that the weather in France, like always, can be a bit unpredictable in the summer. Some days may be sunny and hot, while other days might be cold and drizzly. But I’ve got the perfect packing list to help you stay comfortable no matter the weather, so you have an enjoyable and memorable trip to France!

Clothes

When you’re packing for a trip to France in the summer months, versatility is key. Choose items that you’ll be able to easily mix and match and create several different outfits. Be sure to prioritize simple, classic pieces for a chic look that blends right in anywhere in France. 

When I travel to Paris or other regions of France in the summer, I like to stick with classic pieces in breathable fabrics that I can layer. Be sure to also pack your favorite bags, jewelry, and other accessories like scarves, sunglasses, and bags to create several outfits that all feel totally new and different. Read on below for a few of my favorite basics to pack for France in the summer.

Accessories

Don’t forget accessories that will allow you to change up your clothing building blocks. Think dressier earrings, silk scarves to tie on your bags, different necklaces or bracelets and of course a couple pairs of shoes and various bags depending on what your itinerary holds.

Toiletries

I rely on travel size products of my holy grail beauty products and I pack them in my favorite travel cases.

Electronics

Remember to bring along all your necessary electronics including chargers, converters and other items that will make your trip more enjoyable for example:

Powerstation

A god-send! This is great for days where you don’t want to deal with the anxiety of finding an outlet to charge your phone. It lasts for several hours and goes to work quickly.

Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless headphones

I haven’t gotten on a plane without my noise cancelling headphones in over eight years. They work to drown out background noise on plans and help me be able to get some sleep and also lower my anxiety on flights that have a lot going on (loud talkers, crying children, etc, etc, etc.) 

A Universal Charger

This is my charger for all overseas trips. Love that it has a USB port for easy phone charging. I keep it with me so I can charge my phone on the plane or at the hotel when I arrive and not spend time looking for it in my luggage.

Documents

I put all my important documents and wallet in a pouch so I can easily find my passport and other things I need for international travel.

Packing List for France in Summer

Pro tip: Save the above image to your phone so you have my favorite France summer staples handy. Or, Pin it so you can easily reference it for future trips!

1. Linen Dresses

Linen dresses in neutrals are staples that I pack for all of my warm-weather getaways. For warm, sunny days, they will help you look put together while also keeping you cool and comfortable. You can also dress it down with sneakers and a denim jacket during the day or dress it up with heels or espadrilles at night for a multipurpose option in your suitcase. A few in my rotation this summer include this one (seen above on me in Ivory – size L), this one (seen above on me in size 8) and this one (seen below on me in size L).

2. Swimsuits

If you’ll be enjoying the warm weather in France either by a pool or by the seaside in the French Riviera or in Normandy, you’ll want to pack swimsuits. This one piece is a favorite of mine that I own in two colors in a size 8.

3. Basic Tees

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.

4. Linen Pants

I always bring a pair of linen pants to France in the summer. They pair well with heels and dressier tops for dinners and then with knit tanks and tees for daytime exploring.

5. Straw Hat

The sun in France can be very powerful in the summer. If you’ll be out in it I highly recommend a sun hat to keep you cool and keep you from getting too much sun on your face. I love a boater style like this one for daytime excursions but also always bring a packable hat, too like this one for beach and pool days in France.

6. Espadrilles

Espadrilles are synonymous with summertime in France. This pair is my favorite for pairing with everything from dresses to shorts and skirts. If you’d prefer something without such a heel, the brand has loads of other styles and colors.

7. Striped Tees

No trip to France is complete without a striped tee! For the warmer summer months, I prefer a lightweight, cotton style with three-quarter-length sleeves. A neutral shade, like navy or black, easily pairs with jeans, or a slip skirt and can be also worn under a leather jacket or blazer.

8. Shorts

For hot days I always reach for shorts in a linen fabric. I like pairing mine with a lightweight sweater or sleeveless tank. This pair is great. I recommend sizing up.

9. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a chic and practical accessory to complete any outfit. The summer sun in France can be strong, so don’t forget to pack at least one pair for any trip. This is a favorite affordable pair of mine.

10. White Dresses

A lightweight, breezy white dress is my favorite easy outfit for warm days. Pick a style and silhouette that you can dress up or down. I love this one that you can pair with a light jacket and white sneakers for a more casual look, or with block heels and a blazer for an evening out. 

11. Lightweight Knit

I always am sure to have one lighter weight knit in my suitcase for cooler evenings – particularly if you’ll be dining near the water. This one is great for throwing over your shoulders or topping with shorts.

12. Straw Totes

If you’re planning on shopping during your trip, a tote bag is a must. This straw tote is my go-to for summer travels to France as the straps are adjustable. They make it easy to be hands-free throughout the day while still bringing all of your essentials like a wallet, sunglasses, water bottle, or umbrella. 

Even more woven bags I love.

13. Flat Sandals

Trips to France always include a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. I love flat sandals that blend comfort and style, like this versatile pair from J. Crew. Pick a neutral shade or a metallic, so you can mix and match your favorite pair with as many outfits as possible. Personally, I avoid wearing flip-flops when in France because they definitely expose you as a tourist! If you need some inspo, check out my favorite summer shoes for women.

14. Ballet Flats

No trip to France is complete without some ballet flats in your suitcase. Make sure you break in your shoes before you begin logging steps in France. Ballet flats are an easy way to look put together and as long as yours are comfortable, you should be good to wear them with jeans, black pants, skirts or dresses.

15. Umbrella

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

16. White Sneakers

If you’re traveling to Paris or other walkable destinations like Provence which has a lot of hills and a lot of cobblestones, a comfortable pair of shoes like white sneakers is my favorite footwear option. My favorite Common Projects sneakers are versatile enough to wear with almost any summer outfit, so you can pack light. These more affordable alternatives also give you the same look for less.

17. Trench Coat

For unexpectedly cool or rainy days, I love throwing a trench over my outfit. The weather in Paris and all of France can be unpredictable, so this classic option is a staple for me on all of my trips. One with a hood is always a good idea (especially on rainy days!) and well worth any extra cost.

. . .

If you’re just headed to Paris in particular, get started on your own packing list and learn What to Wear in Paris in the Summer. I also have a What To Wear in Provence in Summer post you may find handy.

And get more inspiration with my Summer in France Pinterest Board.

Shop for France in Summertime

 

 

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

 

You May Also Like:

• What To Wear in Provence in Summer.
• The Best Shoes to Wear in Paris.
• How to Dress for Paris in the Summer.

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