What To Wear in Provence in Summer

May 16, 2024

Collage of items to pack for Summer in South of France

The South of France is a region full of so many beautiful destinations, including Provence which happens to be one of my favorite places in the world. As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I return to Paris and other popular regions in France regularly so I can help my travel clients make the most of their trip.

I just returned from the dreamiest trip to the South of France with my friend Carly. This part of France is truly stunning, and I’m always so excited to return and soak up the beautiful landscapes and charming villages. The region is full of tiny villages, rolling hills, cobblestoned streets, colorful buildings, fields of flowers and weekly markets serving up delicious produce and other fare. I love this part of France for helping you to slow down and really soak up a slower vibe!

When is Summer in Provence

June, July and August are some of the most popular months to travel to Provence and also when you’ll find the warmest weather. If you’re planning a trip to France in the summer, I highly recommend adding Provence to your itinerary. Generally speaking, the Provence region refers to the Mediterranean coastline of southeastern France, including the nearby mountainous areas. Provence is actually made up of hundreds of cities, towns, and famed villages such as Aix-en-Provence, Gordes and Avignon. 

What To Wear in Provence in Summer

With summer temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, think breezy linen dresses, light cotton shirts, and woven bags. The summer style in Provence is laid back but chic, 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! 

Read on for my Packing List for Provence. I also 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!

Related: What to Pack for a Flight to France

1. White Dress

This pretty cotton dress was made to be worn in Provence! The pleating on the bodice is such a gorgeous detail. I packed this for my recent trip to Provence and sized up to an 8. I love a simple white dress that can be dressed up or dressed down for maximum versatility.

2. Linen Maxi Dress

You can’t go wrong with an elegant and lightweight linen 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 this style, I sized up to an 8.

3. Linen Midi Dress

I love this square neck silhouette and the flattering midi length, plus the color (French Blue) couldn’t be more perfect! Pair this dress with a denim jacket and sneakers for exploring cobblestone streets during the day, and dress it up with espadrille wedges at night. This dress is super versatile!

4. High Neck Linen Dress

The ultimate throw-on-and-go dress, this swingy linen blend dress is a steal under $100 and would be perfect for those super warm days. I love how effortless this style is plus it comes in a rainbow of colors.

5. Scalloped Linen Crop Top

This darling linen crop pairs perfectly with the matching skirt (below) for an all-over linen look. For a similar crop top style, I love this more swingy style option as well.

6. Scalloped Linen Midi Skirt

How cute is this matching linen set? I wore both the top and the bottom in a Medium. I think this white linen matching set would also be gorgeous to pack for Provence!

7. Denim Shorts

I have gotten so much wear out of my beloved Agolde denim shorts. I think these are so great, and comfortable option to pack for a day of exploring. I like to pair mine with an oversized linen button down to wear over my swimsuit when I head to the pool in Provence.

8. Linen Trousers

I love that wide leg trousers are having a moment! A comfortable linen pair are the perfect addition to your Provence wardrobe because they are light, breezy, and super chic. These trousers from Abercrombie have a cult-like following (size up). Everlane also makes a great pair. Dress them up or dress them down.

9. Black Bathing Suit

This classic one shoulder swimsuit is super flattering, pictured wearing it here. I also love the back on this swimsuit and this minimalist option!

10. 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! This wide brim Panama hat from Cuyana is also a great option.

11. Petite Woven Purse

This petite woven leather bag is darling, and a great purse for dinner out or a day of exploring. I love that you can wear it as a crossbody or just use the handles. 

12. Market Tote

You simply cannot travel to Provence without a chic basket tote and this one from Sézane has long been a favorite, I love the option to have shorter or longer straps. This under $100 option from Mango is also cute, and if you’re looking for a woven bag that can lay flat in your luggage this is a great option.

Related: My Bag Collection

13. Sunglasses

This pair of sunglasses from Le Specs have long been one of my favorites. For a splurge, these designer sunnies are my personal favorite!

14. Espadrille Wedge

These shoes are a summer staple for me. I love how these espadrilles pair with midi dresses and they’re comfortable enough to wear all evening. 

Related: Best Summer Shoes For Women

15. Black Leather Sandal

I recently picked these sandals up to add to my Summer rotation and love them! I love to have a pair of black sandals for evening outfits to elevate them ever so slightly.

16. 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. 

Provence Summer Outfit Ideas

White Dress with White Sneakers

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

Collage of white dresses and sandals to wear in Provence

White Linen Dress and Brown Sandals

Easy, breezy and perfect for Provence – you can’t go wrong with this outfit combo. Pin the above image for later and shop the styles seen here.

Meghan Donovan on cobblestone street in South of France
Slip Dress and Market Tote

This Jenni Kayne slip dress has long been a favorite (I size up to a Large). I love the adjustable straps and figure flattering silhouette. Use code MEGHANDONO15 for 15% off! My beloved Sézane market tote is the perfect accessory and I love tying a little scarf on it to change up the look.

Floral dress in Provence

Floral Dress

I don’t always go for color, but this gorgeous floral A-line dress was calling my name (wearing a size 6)! Styled with the espadrilles I’ve been wearing for years and my favorite little raffia bag.

Espadrille Wedges

This style has been worn for decades for good reason. Comfy and perfect for evening dinners in Provence, especially on cobblestone.

Meghan Donovan Staud Dress France

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 this striped cardigan. This mini woven tote is the perfect purse to pack for Provence!

Classic Black Sunglasses

For those bright and sunny days in Provence. You’ll want a great pair to lay by the pool if your hotel has one, too.

Meghan Donovan white dress in France
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.

Collage of shirtdresses and espadrilles to wear in Provence

Shirtdress and Espadrilles

A timeless style that was made for Provence. Pin this image for inspiration later and shop the styles here.

Meghan Donovan in black lace dress in France

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 super affordable option from Amazon Fashion and this dress under $150 from Reformation.

White Dress and Straw Hat

The Hill House Nap Dress is perfect for summer (I wear a small), this high neck linen dress from J.Crew also caught my eye. For traveling with a hat, I recommend purchasing a TOPTOTE hat holder to clip to your bag. This brand makes some of my favorite straw hats!

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 Shorts Summer Outfit in The Cotswolds

Sweater and Shorts

I always recommend a light sweater in Provence for cooler mornings at the markets and in the evenings. During day time I like to pair mine with a pair of shorts.

La Ligne makes some of my favorite sweaters, I especially love their stripes (use code MEGHAND10 for 10% off your first order!) 

Meghan Donovan in the South of France

Maxi Dress

This easy, breezy linen maxi dress is a must for the South of France in the Summer! It also comes in a lovely ecru color. Perfect for days of exploring or lunch by the sea! I even wore it as a cover up one day, too. I sized up to an 8.

Pair this look with a poolside tote.

Collage of matching linen sets to wear in Provence

Matching Linen Set

I love bringing a matching set I can then mix and match with other looks while traveling.

Pin this for later and shop the above styles here.

Provence Outfit Inspo I wit & whimsy

Linen Jumpsuit

A linen jumpsuit can be a nice and easy throw on and go comfortable outfit idea for exploring. This option is similar! And I just wore this one from Reformation on my most recent trip. I sized up to an 8.

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More Items to Consider Packing for Provence in Summer

 

 

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

 

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