While many flock to France in Spring, Summer and Fall – Winter is actually one of my favorite times to visit the country. As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have been to France in all seasons. I love the quietness of visiting France from December through March and enjoy less crowds, crisp winter days with blue skies and the ability to get better bookings for a variety of hotels and activities. 

I have traveled extensively in France in the Winter. I’ve visited Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and the Loire Valley all during the winter months. Staying warm and staying comfortable while also looking stylish and put together is always what I am for when I travel in France in winter. 

I hope this post will help you be prepared when it comes to what to pack for a Winter trip to France. 

What To Pack For France In Winter

Wool Coat

A good winter coat will be your daily best friend so pick one in a neutral color that goes with the rest of your wardrobe that will be in your suitcase. I have a variety of favorite winter coats I rely on in the winter months and you can shop them all in my best Women’s Winter Coats guide.

I personally like to bring a slightly oversized wrap coat that will layer well over the blazers, tweed jackets and leather jacket I typically bring with me to France. 

Winter Accessories

Accessories like hats, scarves and gloves are essential to ensure you stay warm while out and about in the cold weather. 

I particularly always bring my favorite cashmere travel wrap with me for France winter trips. I wear it as a scarf but also use it as a blanket and as a wrap on planes and trains on travel days.

Travel Umbrella

I am never without an umbrella when in France as it is often a matter of when not if when it comes to a bit of rain. This one meets my rigorous standards when it comes to a good umbrella.

Sneakers

I always pack my Common Projects Sneakers for trips to France. The sneaker you’ll see on loads of French girls and my personal favorites for getting in my steps in Paris. In addition, I wrote a review of them here. (This post also includes some more affordable options).

Ankle Boots

I love my Inez Suede Boots for trips to France. These elegant boots are ones that I can walk all over in comfortably. You can use code WHIMSY15 for 15% off your order.

Knee High Boots

Consider also knee high boots for extra cold days.

Day 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

Stripes

To add a bit of visual interest to my outfits in Winter I love a striped knit to be popping out from underneath my coat. La Ligne makes all my favorite striped sweaters that I own.

Leather

Consider adding some faux leather trousers or a faux leather skirt into the mix for your evenings out in France.

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.

Sweaters

Good merino wool or cashmere sweaters are essential as base layers for exploring France in the Winter. 

Long Sleeve Tees

As an extra layer under your sweaters or as a base layer under a blazer or other type of jacket, be sure to bring long sleeve tees in neutral colors. 

Tights

For extra warmth under pants or for pairing with your favorite dresses and skirts, don’t forget to pack tights when traveling to France in Winter. These are a personal favorite of mine.

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.

How to Style Trousers

Tweed Jackets and Blazers

Essential tailored little jackets will add a great extra layer for you under your favorite winter coat.

Slip Skirt

I like a black slip skirt for evenings out in France as I find it easy to pair with a lot of other pieces. 

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 winter. 

Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses

Ski Gear

Are you heading to the French Alps? You’ll want to bring a variety of comfy and practical items. I recommend you reference my Ski Trip Packing List for items that you may want to consider packing for your French ski trip.

Sunglasses

For those sunny winter days, don’t forget to have a pair of sunglasses with you!

Packing List For France In Winter

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 and HERE.

As I pack for winter 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 and of course warm. 

I recommend you plot out your outfits in the Notes app on your phone ahead of time and cut out any pieces that are too bulky or can’t be worn in more than at least two outfits. 

Packing in a color scheme will also be really helpful. I tend towards black, navy and camel or ivory when it comes to my wintertime French travels. 

Are you deciding what to pack for Paris in the Winter in particular? I have you covered in my What to Pack for Paris in the Winter guide that features a handy Paris Winter Packing List for when you visit Paris. And don’t miss my How to Dress like a Parisian in Winter guide, either for loads of outfit inspo and to get a sense of what Parisian women are wearing in Paris.

See even more Paris Packing Lists if you’re traveling to Paris any time of year.

What to Pack for France in Winter

You May Also Like:

• What to See in Paris in December.
• What to Wear to Paris in Winter.
• Paris Packing List for November.

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