What to Pack For Paris, France, in the Summer
Everything to Pack for Paris, According to a Travel Writer
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A week getaway to the City of Light? Say no more. The vibrant neighborhoods, elegant fashion, and delicious eats — against the backdrop of its artistic heritage — are just a few reasons Paris is the most visited city in the world. While you don't need a special occasion to visit the romantic destination, there are plenty attractions throughout the year from Art Basel Paris to the city's many Fashion Weeks.
From walking around the stylish Marais district and stumbling into the manicured Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens to catching an epic view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, there is so much to see. You can even squeeze in a quick trip right outside of Paris to Claude Monet's house and garden in Giverny and to Champagne houses in Reims. Keep reading for a complete guide on what to pack for Paris to make the most of your time there — while still looking as chic as a Parisienne.
What to Pack for Paris
- A high SPF you can spray over your makeup: Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist at $13, originally $22
- Multifunctional brushes are perfect for travel: Saie The Big Brush at $32
- Travel-size skincare to keep up with my routine on-the-go: Sulwhasoo First Care Trial Set at $60
- Instantly elevates and adds shape to outfits: Madewell The Everyday Belt at $68
- My hack for jet lag and sleeping through red-eye flights: Slip Pure Silk Zodiac Sleep Mask at $83
- Comfortable sneakers to explore Paris by foot: Kizik Milan Monument Hands-Free Sneaker at $90, originally $119
- Features multiple compartments including one for shoes: Calpak Luka Duffel at $110, originally $138
- Impossibly cozy pajamas to wear under my hotel robe: Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set at $133
- A chic slip dress for day and night: Wilfred Court Satin Dress at $148
- This wear-with-anything blazer gives off a Parisienne vibe: By Anthropologie Slim Blazer at $168
- The woody fragrance that garners endless compliments: Marc-Antoine Barrois Encelade Eau de Parfum at $175
Best Packing Tips For Paris
I'm firmly team carry-on, especially for European travel in the summer, and since my trip was only four days, it was definitely doable (though I admittedly didn't leave enough room for shopping finds). When working with less suitcase space, I always recommend adhering to a neutral color scheme. Luckily, French-girl style typically revolves around an effortless capsule wardrobe, so I opted for timeless classics like a slip dress, elevated basics, and a versatile blazer. Because I knew my days would be busy, I mostly stuck to pieces that could easily take me from day to night, with simple additions like a leather belt, fun purse, or smart heel.
Paris is a walking city, so I packed footwear that I'd be comfortable wearing anywhere — no matter how dressy a restaurant or bumpy a road. The weather in Paris can also be unpredictable — it wasn't unusual to experience multiple climates in a span of a few hours — so prepare yourself with light outerwear options, protective shoes, and a small umbrella.
Best Travel Tips For Paris
Paris is divided into the Left and Right Bank, crossed by the Seine river. The Left Bank has an artistic, historic vibe, known for sights like the Pantheon, Musee d'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, and of course, the Eiffel Tower, while the Right Bank is considered more luxurious and fashionable, home to the Louvre, Champs-Élysée, and Place Vendôme. It's easy to travel between one another, but I suggest staying in a centrally located neighborhood, so you can walk to most of the popular sights in the city.
If time allows, I highly recommend taking a day trip or two to the Versailles Palace, the Champagne region if you're a fan of bubbly, or Giverny to see the garden that inspired Monet's paintings. Though Paris is beautiful all by itself, there's more to offer outside of the city.
Ahead, check out all of my packing must-haves for a Parisian getaway.
Where to Stay in Paris
If you're looking for a centrally-located stay in Paris, I'd highly recommend citizenM Paris Champs-Elysees. It's steps away from the shops on Champs-Elysees and minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel tower. It's ideal for a business trip (and I love to stay during Paris Fashion Week) because there's just enough room for my checked luggage full of clothing, and I'm able to get restful sleep in the comfy king-size beds. I also made great use of the eighth-floor bar with a view of the Eiffel Tower, the living room with fast Wi-Fi, and canteenM where I'm able to fit in a quick meal between shows.
How to Get Around Paris
While the metro is a convenient option, I prefer Uber to get around during Paris Fashion Week when I have multiple stops, I'm heading to obscure areas, or frankly need to change outfits or plug away on my laptop in between shows. The rides were reasonably priced; cars were roomy and comfortable; and drivers were super helpful and kind. Even better, they knew the best routes to avoid Paris traffic, which is a hack when you're visiting anytime of year since it's such a popular tourist destination.
Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist ($13, originally $22)
Unexpected rain showers aside, the sun can get strong in Paris. Face sunscreen with a high SPF that's also easy to reapply is a nonnegotiable. This SPF 50 sunscreen mist from Vacation is water-resistant, invisible, and dries down quickly, which makes it ideal for spritzing over your makeup throughout the day.
Saie The Big Brush ($32)
I struggle with condensing my makeup collection for travel, so multifunctional tools are always helpful. Instead of bringing separate brushes for blush, bronzer, and foundation, I stuck with just this super soft yet dense brush from Saie to blend both my cream and liquid products seamlessly into my skin.
Sulwhasoo First Care Trial Set ($60)
As someone who takes skin care very seriously, I try to maintain my routine as best as I can even while traveling. So instead of throwing some random samples into my toiletries, I like to have travel-size beauty products of my mainstays on hand for carry-on only trips. This sampler from Sulwhasoo includes all of my favorites, including the brand's popular First Care Activating Serum VI.
Madewell The Everyday Belt ($68)
I've only recently started wearing belts again, and realized how much a classic strip of leather can transform a look. I wore this timeless belt from Madewell with dresses, baggy jeans, and leather shorts throughout my Paris trip, instantly elevating and adding shape to simple outfits.
Slip Pure Silk Zodiac Sleep Mask ($83)
I couldn't have slept through my red-eye flight from NYC to Paris without a soft sleep mask — and my trusty neck pillow. This 100 percent pure silk version kept my skin protected and made a long flight in economy feel so much more luxurious.
Kizik Milan Monument Hands-Free Sneaker ($90, originally $119)
Paris is designed to explore by foot, so chic, comfortable sneakers are a must. I wore this sleek, leather pair with casual daytime outfits, dressier evening looks, and everything in between. The best part? Kizik's slip-on sneakers are completely hands-free, so I never had to worry about bending down and tying my shoes.
Calpak Luka Duffel ($110, originally $138)
For an extended weekend trip, this Calpak duffel is the perfect companion to a carry-on suitcase. It has multiple compartments — including one for shoes — and an essential trolley sleeve to firmly sit on your luggage.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set ($133)
After a long day of touring, there's nothing I look forward to more than a plushy hotel robe. But, I also love feeling at home in a pair of cozy pajamas. This set from Cozy Earth is made from a premium blend of bamboo and stretch, which may be the softest, stretchiest fabric I've ever slept in. It's also ideal for hot sleepers. Our editor raved about them in her Cozy Earth bamboo pajama set review.
Editor Quote: "Cozy Earth's Bamboo Pajama Set is by far the best pair of pajamas I have ever owned. From the feel to the look, these exude luxury. But let's start with the texture and the fabric, since these are the standout details. The brand says the pajamas are made from viscose from bamboo, but the material might as well be described as "slices of heaven." It's silky and smooth with cloudlike softness, with the ideal amount of slip that allows you to move around without friction. The fabric offers a bit of stretch and flexibility, too. The PJs are warm and cozy yet lightweight and breathable, meaning I can wear them through all seasons of the year." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor
Wilfred Court Satin Dress ($148)
This silk dress is easily my favorite clothing item I packed for this trip. Effortless, versatile, and flattering, this slip worked with sneakers during the day and chic heels and jewelry at night. It made for multiple outfit combinations and took up minimal room in my suitcase — a winner in my book.
By Anthropologie Slim Blazer ($168)
To look chic and impeccably put together, I recommend packing a relaxed, easy blazer like this one from Anthropologie to throw over any casual outfit. You can pair it with everything from denim to dresses, and it comes in handy when you need extra layering based on the weather.
Marc-Antoine Barrois Encelade Eau de Parfum ($175)
The perfect scent is essential for any Paris trip, and this fragrance from Marc-Antoine Barrois garners me endless compliments whenever I wear it. The woody, sensual fragrance opens with notes of rhubarb, warms with vetiver and leather accord, and finishes with tonka bean, sandalwood, Atlas cedar. If you prefer a mix of floral and woody notes, try Marc-Antoine Barrois Tilia Eau de Parfum ($175).
— Additional reporting by Jessica C. Andrews
Yerin Kim (she/her) is the former features editor at PS, where she wrote, assigned, and edited feature stories and helped shape the vision for special projects and identity content across the network. Originally from Seoul and currently based in New York City, she's passionate about elevating diverse perspectives and spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, style, wellness, and pop culture. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over six years of experience in the women's lifestyle space.
Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
