France, Summer
A curated packing list for your trip from Paris café mornings to Provence afternoons and a Loire Valley detour. Built for warm summer days, market lunches, and the unhurried rhythm of long French evenings.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Schengen visa-free, ETIAS launches Q4 2026
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most EU citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS authorization (€20 fee, valid 3 years, free for under-18 and over-70) launches Q4 2026 with a 6-month transitional period. Passport must be valid 3+ months beyond your departure.
Eiffel Tower and Louvre need timed entry
Both sell out in summer. Eiffel Tower opens 60 days ahead via toureiffel.paris (€14.80-€36.70 depending on level); Louvre uses timed entry slots (€22 standard, rising to €22-32 by category from January 2026). Book the moment your dates are firm.
Service is included; round up if happy
French menus include "service compris" (~15% gratuity built into prices). Tipping is not expected. Round up taxis, leave €1-2 on a café table, leave 5-10% on a special meal where service was excellent. Cards work nearly everywhere; cash for tips and bakeries.
TGV is the way to travel France
High-speed trains connect Paris to Lyon (2h), Avignon (2.5h), Bordeaux (2h), Nice (5h). Book on SNCF Connect 2-3 months ahead for the best fares (often €19-€39 vs €100+ at the station). OUIGO is the budget low-cost line, slower but cheap.
Bonjour, always
"Bonjour" entering a shop, "merci, au revoir" leaving. Skipping this single politeness is the source of nearly every "the French were rude" story. Try a few French phrases even badly; the warmth that comes back is real.
Type C and E plugs at 230V
Standard European outlets, with Type E in newer buildings (the same hole pattern with an added grounding pin). UK and US travelers need an adapter; check voltage on hair tools (most are not dual-voltage).
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Effortlessly polished is the French aesthetic. Neutral colors, natural fabrics, well-cut basics.
Shoes
Paris is a walking city; Provence and Loire mean some uneven cobblestones and gravel.
Toiletries & Personal Care
French pharmacies (pharmacies, green cross) are excellent; many famous skincare brands cost half price.
Health & Medications
Pharmacies handle minor issues with knowledgeable staff. Bring prescriptions and a small kit.
Documents & Money
Cards everywhere. Cash for boulangeries, market stalls, tips.
Tech & Electronics
Type C and E plugs. Standard EU adapter handles every situation.
Luggage & Organization
Paris Métro stairs, narrow Provençal alleys, TGV luggage racks. Pack light.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights, beautiful train rides. Plan for both.
Weather & Climate Gear
Hot Paris summer days plus a chance of evening showers. Provence runs hotter still.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Markets, cathedrals, and the unhurried French dinner each ask for a different beat.
Safety & Precautions
France is safe; pickpockets work the Paris Métro, around the Eiffel Tower, and on Champs-Élysées.