France
There’s no place like France. Known for incredible wine and cheese, vineyards, lavender fields, stunning monuments, snowy and sunny retreats — what’s not to love?! A world of unforgettable sophistication and art de vivre (art of living), France is a dream. The reasons to go to France are many: eating your weight in macaroons, crepes and 🥐 croissants; riding a cable car to glacial panoramas above Chamonix; tasting sparkling goodness in Champagne; studying history at Normandy; strolling through the lily-clad gardens Monet painted; having a picnic on the grounds of the Eiffel Tower in the City of Love. Here’s what to wear and what to do for your French adventure.
The best luggage for France:
France isn’t set up for wheeled luggage (like most of Europe)! A maze of medieval cobble stone streets, France has narrow, uneven sidewalks, and many steps you’ll be trekking up and down. You don’t want to be fighting with a rolling suitcase your whole trip!
Many hotels and Airbnb apartments don’t have elevators: Whatever you bring, you’ll have to be able to carry up a few flights of stairs!
Cobblestone roads: They’re hard on luggage wheels and kind of annoying to drag a piece of luggage that creates a thunderous noise for 20 minutes straight.
Instead, opt for a duffel bag or backpack in addition to your personal item on the plane. This will also encourage packing light which is good! Learn to pack minimally to make traveling a breeze!
For more tips on how to travel light and only with a carry on, click here.
Traveler Visetos Duffel Bag
Encompass Convertible Weekend Duffel
Carry On Spinner
Platinum Elite 21” Carry On Spinner
Travel backpacks:
A travel backpack is really useful to have as part of your luggage while traveling in France. You’re going to be on and off of trains and wandering streets of very beautiful, but very roughly paved, villages. It’s important that your backpack is properly designed to make the weight you’re carrying comfortable and is weather-resistant. We don’t prefer the backpacks that look traditionally touristy, though. We think a cuter one keeps your outfit looking good and you enjoying using it. So get one that is both functional and stylish! And since pick-pocketing is always a concern during travel, make sure your backpack is one that cannot be unzipped/opened without you knowing!
The Rowledge
A gorgeous larger sized pack with many compartments and a sleeve to slip over suitcase handles.
Ellie Leather Studded Backpack
Mini Macaroon Colorblock Water Resistant Backpack
The cutest!
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
The beauty of Fjallraven backpacks is they pack down flat when not in use!
France packing tip: Leave room for SOUVENIRS
We predict you’ll definitely want to buy souvenirs on your stay in France! France is souvenir heaven, whether you’re buying things for yourself to remember all your amazing experiences or perhaps you want to bring something back for your loved ones. Leave room in your bag for France to fill. Or bring a collapsible duffel in your suitcase to fill up with all your goodies for the trip home! Buy herbes de Provence, lavender, a cheese board, madeleines, Marseille soap, chocolate (!!), tea, jewelry, shoes, clothes, etc. Warning: France, particularly Paris, is one of the most wonderful places in the world to shop! Trust us you’ll want to be able to bring it all home. If you don’t plan ahead for that you probably will end up leaving behind some of your own items to make room!
What to pack for France:
Most places in France have a casual but classy vibe while the cities feel a bit more upscale. Unless you’re planning for a very special occasion, there’s no need to pack your fanciest clothing. Most locals dress well and you’ll rarely see someone who looks as if they’ve just come from their workout when they’re headed out for the day (French women do work out but they don’t run around during the day in gym clothes!). Try to be prepared with layers for varied weather thoughout the day (a blazer and scarf would serve you well), walking shoes/sandals are a good choice, and cool sunglasses.
Weather in France:
Packing for France can get tricky. Are you headed during winter, spring, summer or fall? Do you need layers, sunscreen, a raincoat, a hat, closed-toed shoes, or all of the above? Whether you are sunbathing, skiing, sightseeing, champagne tasting, or a mixture of it all, pack for your particular activities. Weather in France is often unpredictable, so plan for hotter and cooler days no matter when you’re going! That means bringing a warm layer, a closed-toe pair of walking shoes, a waterproof layer, and if you’re going to Paris – bring a scarf for all seasons.
Check the specific French regions where you’ll be traveling; from shoreline to mountains to cities temperatures differ. Averages are:
Spring: March – June: 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit
Summer: June – September: 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit
Autumn: September – December: 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit
Winter: December – March: 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit
Depending on when you’re traveling to France include:
Rain jacket or water-repellent outer layer
Sturdy, closed-toed shoes (sneakers are a good choice)
One extra pair of shoes
Umbrella
Scarf (this pulls all outfits together and can be used for warmth)
Extra layers
Warm jacket with a hood (if traveling in winter and especially if staying on the mountains)
Bathing suit and beach cover up
spring/summer
What to wear in France in the spring or summer? Little dresses, shorts or skirts, feminine tops, cute pants. Try classic French prints like pretty florals, gingham, polka-dots, and stripes! Fit into this beautiful country by going for feminine detailing such as cinched waists, lace trim, ruffles and ties.
Pretty dresses or jumpsuits:
If you like wearing dresses, definitely go for them during your visit to France! What looks more French than a feminine casual dress paired with a straw bag, a sandal or flat, and a red lip?! Embrace the chic ladylike style of this easy way to dress. It makes packing so simple too!
Shorts or a skirt:
Choosing a pair of shorts or a skirt to bring with you on your trip to France is a good idea! Just wear it with a cute top and you will feel so chic.
Cute Pants:
A cute pair of pants worn with a top is an excellent outfit choice for France. Just make sure your outfit has fashionable detailing like yellow shoes, a striped top, a fun bag, pink pants, or unexpected sunglasses!
fall/winter
Dressing in France during fall and winter can be a joy as it is in the warmer months! Break out your wools, plaids, velvet, warm hats, jackets, and boots. Hint to classic Parisian stripes such as with a black sweater with some angled bold white lines! And don’t forget berets which are both cute and function well in keeping you warm!
A skirt or shorts:
Pair a skirt or shorts with a sweater or jacket. Go for a little color like yellow or orange, or print like plaid or houndstooth! Then add a lot of neutral pieces to complete the look.
Pretty dresses:
Dresses worn with boots and tights are a great choice for France in the cooler months! Get that chic French style by keeping the outfit simple but stylish. Try a ruffled blue dress, a chunky printed sweater dress, or a classic black shift.
Jeans:
Jeans can create iconic French style — just look at Jeanne Damas! Wear jeans with a neutral-colored blouse, sweater or coat. So simple and chic! No need for anything too loud — just classic sophistication here.
A hat or scarf:
France gets chilly! You’ll definitely want a winter hat and/or scarf with you on your trip! Go for the quintessential beret if you like! A beret looks amazing with many outfits and it can be worn in different ways on the head.
Cute pants:
A pair of warm winter pants will go a long way for you on a French vacation! Try wool, corduroy or velvet. Whether you do a slim-cut style or wide-leg, pair your pants with a sweater or jacket for sweet sophistication.
what to do
Delightful France is not just about Paris; each individual region of France comes with its own distinctive culture and cuisines. Savor the seafood and crepes in the quaint fishing villages in Brittany, or cozy up in one of the chalets dotted around the French Alps, where charcuterie and hearty cheese fondues is the every day indulgence. The irresistible charm of France abounds throughout the country.
1. The Eiffel Tower, Paris
The City of Light is where the cloud-piercing Eiffel Tower lives — a strong symbol to the French peoples of commemoration and unity. Walk the Champs de Mars to see the tower during the day or the evening when it sparkles with its multicolored lights at night. You can expect great photo-ops here (or a marriage proposal?!).
2. The Palace of Versailles
Very close to Paris lies the Palace of Versailles which was built by Louis XIV for the French royalty. Constructed during the height of the country’s power this palace was meant to show off the monarch’s tremendous wealth. It is an opulent complex that is still awe-inspiring. You definitely don’t want to miss the palace and its series of formal gardens!
3. Explore Lyon
In France’s food capital, Lyon, you can savor dishes in bouchons (small bistros) for quite the culinary adventure! From tripe and pike dumplings to frogs’ legs and grilled carp, it is gastronomic heaven. It also is great for those looking to explore the French countryside with its wonderful castles and small villages. It is the place to go for seeing medieval France, as it is a Unesco world heritage site.
4. Hob nob with the rich in Monaco
Hang out with the glamorous and affluent in Monaco — a small kingdom on the French Riviera. Easily accessible from its nearby neighbor Nice, there’s plenty to do in this stylish place. Walk the tiny streets along the blue sea, while exploring glitzy buildings, a world-famous casino, and gigantic yachts.
5. Visit St. Tropez
Another glamorous spot on the French Riviera is the star-attracting St. Tropez. Celebrities and party aficionados flock to this sizzling hang-out in the summer. Catch a boat to St. Tropez yourself and relax at brilliant sandy beaches with the bluest water, and have fun at the couture boutiques, gourmet food shops, galleries and nightclubs on the sand.
6. See Alsace
The northeast region of France, Alsace, is a fairytale. With hints of culture from the bordering Germany, Alsace has some of the most beautiful vineyards in France. Colmar is the main attraction of the region, an old town with romantic streets, canals, and some of the most stunning gothic, renaissance and baroque mansions and churches! If you want a picturesque French town, look no further!
7. Wander through Parc de la Villette
If you enjoy beautiful, interesting garden spaces, you’ll love the Parc de la Villette. The Parisian park features a mixture of natural, open-air spaces, modern architecture, playgrounds, and cultural spaces. We love the vibrant themed gardens you can discover along a fun garden walk! A great place for both children and adults.
8. Explore Roman ruins
It’s surprising how many indicators of Roman rule there are in the south of France. There are numerous extremely well-preserved Roman ruin sites including the beautiful ancient amphitheaters in Orange, Nimes, and Arles. These interesting sites are worth a visit!
9. Visit the Medieval town of Carcassonne
The massive medieval citadel of Carcassonne looks like something out of a fairytale. The massively fortified city is known for being an entire city that is a castle. Lined with double-walls and turrets, this historic city has shops, cafes and alleys to walk and explore. The cobbled streets and collection of drawbridges and towers of Carcassonne Citadel are said to have inspired Walt Disney’s The Sleeping Beauty. It is a must-see!
10. Go skiing
Europe’s biggest and most prestigious ski resorts are located in the French Alps. A fantastic thing to do in winter in Europe: get a group together, rent a ski chalet or stay at one of the slope-side hotels, and go for some of the best skiing in the world! (Note that skiing in France is not cheap.) In summer, the mighty mountains melt into meadow-draped hiking country.
