What to Pack for a Summer Trip to France

So you’re planning a trip to France this summer. What should you pack? Depending on where in the Hexagon you’re headed, you’ll likely need a hard-working wardrobe that’ll take you from the city to the countryside with ease — and all without reliable air-conditioning.

That’s right: Air-conditioning still isn’t common in France, and yes, it does get hot here in the summer. In Bordeaux, our record high was 108 degrees Fahrenheit last summer! Rainstorms can also come out of nowhere, and the mosquitos can be brutal… Are you rethinking your trip yet? Well, don’t! Even with these warm-weather concerns, France is an incredible place to visit in the summer. 

A quick note: No one is going to throw you out of France for dressing however the heck you want. You should be comfortable, and you should feel good in what you’re wearing. These are just some packing tips in case your goal is to blend in — which is what I always try to do when I’m traveling. A few things I’d recommend leaving at home if you don’t want to look like a tourist: Short shorts. Gym clothes. Excessive makeup and hair tools. 

So without further ado, here are some of the items that I recommend adding to your summer packing list for France.

1. Lightweight dresses and skirts. Look for feminine silhouettes like wrap and A-line dresses in natural fibers like cotton and linen. Delicate floral prints are still really popular here along with more toned-down, neutral colors, and lots of white. I see different lengths, but midi (mid-calf) and maxi currently seem to be the most popular.
2. White sneakers. Low-profile Adidas and Vejas are still the most popular brands here, and they work well with a wide range of outfits. I also see a lot of high-top Converse worn with dresses and skirts.
3. Neutral, comfortable sandals. The tan Birkenstock Arizona sandals were trending here last summer. I prefer something with a slimmer profile. Really, it’s whatever makes you comfortable.
4. Loose linen trousers and pajama-style cotton pants. These are so nice to wear on a hot day. Pair them with a more fitted tank or tee. Some younger gals are even wearing tube tops but I think I’m past that stage!
5. Simple white tanks. Bright white, moderately cropped or tucked, and perfect with jeans, skirts, trousers, or really anything! Just be careful washing whites in France because the hard water has a tendency to turn things gray.
6. Baseball cap. That’s right — (some) French girls wear baseball caps now! Look for a really classic fit in a solid color — no trucker hats, SVP. Also, NY Yankees caps are strangely having a moment?
7. Big, lightweight scarf. This is such a workhorse for summer travel! It can be used as a sarong at the beach, as a cover-up when it’s raining, and to warm you up on cool nights. You may even be able to use it as a picnic blanket.
8. Basic button-up. In white, stripes, or light blue, a classic cotton button-up will match just about everything while shielding you from the hot summer sun. 
9. Sunglasses. I see a lot of classic silhouettes like Ray-Bans and cat-eyes as opposed to the trendy looks that are more popular in some U.S. cities.
10. Sac banane. A.k.a. a fanny pack. These are still really popular in France, and in my opinion, they are the most comfortable to wear for a long day of exploring. Plus, they’re a lot more difficult for pick-pockets to get into than other types of purses. Rive Droite and Hindbag are both popular brands here. 
11. Swimsuit. Wear whatever you like, but know that you’re a lot more likely to see thongs or cheekier cuts than you may see in the U.S. — on women of all ages. This is the suit I bought at Sezane for this summer!
12. Parapluie. The French word for umbrella, by the way, is one of my favorites. It literally translates as “for rain.” Get a cute one that folds up as small as possible and carry it with you at all times. I’ve seen rainstorms pop up out of nowhere on many occasions — even when there’s supposedly a zero percent chance of rain.

Buy these things in France

There are a few items that you’ll definitely need while visiting France in the summer that I recommend buying when you arrive. 

• Sunscreen — Head to the French pharmacy for some high-quality, clean sunscreen that will last your entire trip. And get some extra to take home because French sunscreen is superior to what you’ll find in the U.S.
• Skincare — Because the French just do skincare better. It’s a fact.
• A canvas tote — You’ll usually have to pay for shopping bags here, so it’s a good idea to always carry a tote with you. I always like to buy one as a souvenir when I’m traveling. Bookshops, boutiques, and visitor centers are great places to look for something memorable and unique. Or just go to Monoprix!
• A market bag — These are widely accessible and affordable in France, and the perfect souvenir from your stay. Plus you can use it throughout your visit, whether at the beach or market or trekking between cities.