France
Spring (April-May): Variable weather. Pack light sweaters, Long-sleeved shirts, trousers/jeans. A waterproof and windproof Light jacket and an Umbrella are highly recommended.
Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses for daytime. A light sweater or denim jacket for cooler evenings. A Swimsuit is good for pools. A wide-brimmed hat Offers sun protection.
Autumn (September-November): Layering is key. September is warm, but temperatures drop. Pack medium-weight jackets, sweaters, and long-sleeved tops. A waterproof outer layer is useful for late autumn. For November, around Beaujolais Nouveau festivities, a warmer coat, scarves, and Gloves are needed.
Important for exploring villages and wineries. Expect extensive walking.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes or Light hiking boots are recommended for uneven vineyard paths or muddy terrain.
Useful for spring and autumn, especially if rain is expected or for walking through damp vineyards.
Keep your documents organized and accessible. Have both physical and digital copies.
France uses 230V at 50Hz, with Type E or F plugs. A Travel adapter is needed for different plug types. Most modern electronics are dual voltage. A Universal Travel Adapter with Type E/F compatibility is useful. France uses GSM standard for mobile phones. Consider a local prepaid SIM or an International SIM card like an Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM. Airalo is an eSIM option.
A standard Smartphone camera is usually sufficient. For enthusiasts, a DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (B&H Photo for gear). A Lightweight travel tripod is good for scenic shots. Portable chargers are useful for keeping devices powered. Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze for navigation. Google Translate for language assistance. Vivino/CellarTracker for wine, Booking.com/Airbnb for accommodation, SNCF Connect for trains. Use cloud storage for data backup.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and documents.
A small Portable hard drive for photographers with large image files.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.
A well-stocked personal health kit gives peace of mind and addresses minor issues quickly. This includes basic items like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets. Small scissors and tweezers are also helpful.
Carry all prescription medications in their original, labeled packaging, with a copy of your prescription. A doctor's note (in English and French) is useful for controlled substances or injectables. Bring enough medication for your trip. For over-the-counter common issues, include diarrhea relief (Imodium), antacids, and cold/flu remedies. Standard personal hygiene items are available locally, but bring specific brands if preferred.
For hiking, a Small daypack for water, snacks, and layers. Comfortable, supportive Hiking shoes are necessary, such as Merrell Moab 3 Ventilator Hiking Shoes. A Lightweight rain jacket is good if the weather is uncertain.
If bringing your own bike, ensure you have a Repair kit. If renting, helmets are often provided, but you might prefer your own. Padded cycling shorts are recommended for longer rides.
A Wine travel bag or wine skin for safely transporting purchased bottles. A Wine Travel Bag Insulated Carrier can be useful. A Small notebook and pen for wine tasting notes are also good.
A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs are good for comfortable journeys. A Money belt or neck pouch keeps valuables secure. Small Padlocks for luggage and an RFID-blocking wallet like an RFID Blocking Travel Wallet offer protection.
A reusable water bottle minimizes plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market purchases. Travel utensils are good for picnics. For region-specific essentials, a small corkscrew if you plan to enjoy bottles at your accommodation. Bring specialized dietary snacks if hard to find locally. Niche personal care products or specific over-the-counter brand-specific medications are also good to pack.
Refillable water bottle for sustainability.
Solid shampoo bars and refillable containers.
For market visits and shopping, reduces plastic.
Support local businesses and minimize waste.
Pack layers for varying temperatures throughout the day and across seasons.
Opt for comfortable, versatile items that work for different activities and settings.
