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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Burgundy And The Rhone, France

Spring & Autumn Attire

Layers suit these shoulder seasons. Include light sweaters, cardigans, and Long-sleeved shirts. A medium-weight jacket or a Waterproof shell jacket suits cooler evenings or unexpected rain. A Compact umbrella or a Rain jacket helps. Mornings can be cool, warming by midday.

Essential Layers

  • Layering: Adapt to changing temperatures.
  • Outerwear: Jacket for evenings, unexpected rain.
  • Rain Gear: Compact umbrella or rain jacket.

Summer & Winter Wear

Summer: lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Shorts, skirts, and t-shirts. A light sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors. A Swimsuit if visiting lakes or public pools. Winter: warm layers. Thermal base layers, cozy sweaters, a warm coat, a scarf, Gloves, and a hat. Waterproof outerwear.

Seasonal Specifics

  • Summer Fabrics: Cotton or linen, light colors.
  • Winter Warmth: Thermals, wool coat, accessories.
  • Cultural Respect: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.

Footwear Considerations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable and Supportive walking shoes are primary. Lyon features cobblestone streets and hilly areas. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning.

Prevent fatigue.

Evening Footwear

Consider a pair of dressier shoes for evenings out. This suits itineraries including fine dining or cultural performances.

Smarter options.

New Shoes Warning

Avoid wearing new shoes not yet broken in. This precaution prevents blisters and discomfort.

Blister prevention.

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Create both physical and digital copies of everything important.

  • Passport & Visa: Carry your original passport. If a visa is required, bring a printed copy of your e-visa or approval letter. Store these in a secure place.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Have both printed and digital copies of your policy details, including emergency contact numbers and policy number.
  • International Driving Permit: Non-EU citizens require an IDP to drive in France. Carry this document with your valid national driver's license. Obtain your IDP before departure.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documents: A copy of your vaccination record and any important medical history helps in an emergency.
  • Reservations: Keep flight tickets, hotel bookings, tour confirmations, and train tickets handy. Store digital copies on your phone, in cloud storage, and email them to yourself.
  • Emergency Contacts: Create a list of family members or friends to contact in an emergency. Include your country's embassy or consulate details in Paris. Keep this list separate from your main wallet.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: An ISIC card for students or local senior/press IDs can provide discounts at museums and attractions. Check eligibility requirements.
  • Travel Document Organizer: A Travel document organizer keeps all your passports, tickets, and papers in one secure place.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

France uses Type E and Type F power sockets. The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Travelers from countries with different voltages (e.g., North America, 120V) will need a Voltage converter for appliances not rated for 230V, in addition to a plug adapter. A Universal travel plug adapter that includes Type E/F is suitable. Check device labels; many modern electronics are dual-voltage (100-240V).

Adapter Needs

  • Power Adapters: Power adapter for Type E/F sockets.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility: Most modern smartphones suit European GSM networks.
  • SIM Card Options: Local SIM (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile) for cheaper data and calls.

Device Essentials & Apps

A Compact mirrorless camera or a good Smartphone camera suffices for capturing Lyon's beauty. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. Portable chargers are useful for keeping devices charged on the go, especially during long days of sightseeing. A Portable power bank with multiple charges has utility.

Travel Apps

  • Navigation: Google Maps and Citymapper for public transport.
  • Public Transport: Official TCL app for real-time schedules. SNCF Connect for national train travel.
  • Translation: Google Translate and DeepL for quick translations. Download offline language packs.

Data Backup & Security

Secure Storage

Use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to back up photos and documents.

External Drive

An External hard drive offers another option for larger data sets. Routinely backing up your data prevents loss.

Portable Power

A Portable power bank with multiple charges is highly practical for keeping devices charged on the go.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Pack a small kit. This removes the need to search for remedies while abroad.

Kit Contents

  • First Aid Kit: Pain relievers, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters. A Compact travel first aid kit is a starting point.
  • Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with clear labels. Include a copy of your prescription and doctor's letter. Keep these in your carry-on bag.
  • Over-the-Counter Meds: Pack remedies for cold/flu, allergy medication, antacids, and Anti-diarrhea medication.

Sun & Insect Protection

Necessary for sun protection, specifically during summer. The sun can be intense even on cloudy days. Insect repellent for warmer months or near parks and rivers.

Protection Essentials

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Considerations

  • Lyon city is at low altitude. Altitude sickness is not an issue here.
  • If traveling to nearby mountains (e.g., Alps), research precautions for higher altitudes.
  • Hydration remains important at all altitudes.

Motion Sickness

  • Remedies: Carry motion sickness tablets if prone to it.
  • Natural Aids: Ginger candy or ginger ale may help.
  • Travel Comfort: Sit facing forward and focus on the horizon.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For excursions to nearby natural parks, like the Monts du Lyonnais.

Cycling Equipment

For extensive cycling beyond Vélo'v (Lyon's bike-sharing system).

  • Cycling helmet (recommended)
  • Cycling gloves (optional)
  • Repair kit (for own bike)
  • Lock for securing the bike

Photography Gear

For capturing Lyon's beauty effectively.

  • Compact mirrorless or DSLR camera
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Tripod for night shots (optional)
  • Lens cleaning kit

Rent vs. Buy Decision

Benefits of Renting

  • Cost-Effective: Avoid upfront purchase costs for specialized gear.
  • Less Luggage: Reduces items to pack and transport.
  • Local Expertise: Rental shops offer gear suitable for local conditions.
  • Flexibility: Try different equipment without long-term commitment.

Considerations for Buying

  • Familiarity: Comfort with your own gear.
  • Long-Term Use: For frequent use in the future.
  • Specific Needs: When precise fit or specific features are needed.
  • Availability: Ensure local rental shops have your desired items.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These small items add to comfort and security.

Travel Comfort

Reusable & Niche Items

Sustainable choices and items potentially hard to find locally.

Eco-Friendly Travel

  • Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle for tap water refills.
  • Shopping Bag: A Foldable reusable shopping bag for markets.
  • Travel Utensils: A set of Reusable travel utensils for picnics.
  • Niche Products: Very specific dietary items or niche personal care products might be harder to source locally; bring them.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and shopping.

Travel Utensils

Ideal for picnics.

Portable Charger

Powers devices on the go.

Destination-Specific Items

Lyon's Urban Exploration

  • Comfortable Shoes: main for walking on cobblestones and hills.
  • City Map: For navigating traboules and old town alleys.
  • Portable Charger: Keep phone charged for photos and maps.

Beyond the City

  • Wine Tasting Attire: Smart casual for vineyard visits.
  • Daypack for Hikes: If exploring Monts du Lyonnais.
  • Layered Clothing: For varied temperatures on day trips.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light to move freely. Consider roll packing. Distribute weight evenly in your luggage.

Keep valuable documents and medications in your carry-on.