France Packing List
What to pack for 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.
France travel FAQ
- Do I need a visa to visit France?
- Schengen visa-free, 90 days for most travelers. ETIAS launches Q4 2026 (€20, valid 3 years). Mandatory from April 2027 after a 6-month transition.
- What currency does France use?
- France's currency is the EUR €. Carry a card plus some local cash for smaller vendors.
- What power plugs and outlets are used in France?
- France uses Type C/E, 230V outlets, so pack a suitable travel adapter (and a voltage check for high-draw devices).
- Which season is this France packing list built for?
- This guide is tailored for Summer (Jun–Aug) in France. Use the live weather and your trip dates to fine-tune the list.
- What should I pack for France?
- 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. The full checklist covers 92 curated items across clothing, footwear, electronics, toiletries, and documents, with carry-on and "required on arrival" items flagged.