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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

France

Season-Specific Clothing

Layers are ideal for these shoulder seasons. Bring Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and a versatile Waterproof and windproof jacket. A light scarf can lend warmth and style. Daytime can be pleasant, but evenings cool down significantly.

Summer June-August

  • Pack lighter clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and light dresses.
  • Always include a Light jacket or sweater for evenings.
  • A light Rain jacket is a sensible addition, as summer showers occur.

Winter November-March

Warm layers become paramount. Include thermal underwear, thick sweaters, and a heavy, waterproof, and windproof coat. Hats, Gloves, and scarves are also helpful for staying comfortable in the cold and often blustery conditions.

Cultural Dress & Activities

Footwear Recommendations

Cliff Paths

Sturdy Walking shoes or hiking boots with robust soles and good ankle support are recommended. Paths can be steep, rocky, and muddy.

High grip, ankle support.

Town Exploration

Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers are perfect for exploring Etretat's streets and shops. You will do much walking.

Comfort for extensive walking.

Beach

The beach has smooth pebbles. While you can walk barefoot, Water shoes or sturdy Sandals offer more comfort, especially for extended periods.

Pebble beach comfort.

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Keeping your important documents organized and secure supports travel preparation. Have both physical and digital copies.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Ensure validity and correct issuance.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage specifics.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): Recommended alongside your national license for driving.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: For medical conditions or allergies.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, hotels, car rentals, tours.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Family, bank, insurance, embassy/consulate.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable).
  • Carry photocopies or digital images of your passport's main page and visa.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz, with Type E or F plugs. A universal Travel adapter is highly recommended. Check if your devices are dual voltage; most modern phones, laptops, and camera chargers are. If not, a Voltage converter may be necessary.

Mobile Phone & SIMs

  • Most modern smartphones are compatible with French mobile networks.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM card (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile) or an ESIM.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked before you travel.

Camera & Portable Power

Etretat's dramatic landscapes call for good photography equipment. A camera with wide-angle capabilities captures expansive cliff views. A Compact travel tripod can be useful for long-exposure shots or stable landscape photography. Bring extra batteries and memory cards.

Chargers & Apps

Data Backup & VPN Services

Data Backup

Before travel, back up phone and laptop data to cloud storage or an External hard drive. This protects your photos and documents.

VPN for Security

Use a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Electronics Retailer

For camera and electronics needs, B&H Photo is a resource.

Health & Wellness Items

Personalized First Aid Kit

A small, personalized health and wellness kit offers comfort and convenience for minor issues. Include items for common travel ailments.

Essential Contents

Sun & Water Protection

While insects are not a major concern in Etretat, a small bottle of Insect repellent can be useful. High SPF Sun protection, including Sunscreen and Lip balm with SPF, is recommended due to coastal sun exposure.

Water & Hygiene

  • Water purification is not necessary for tap water, as it is safe to drink.
  • A Filtered water bottle is a convenient choice for taste.
  • Bring personal hygiene essentials if you prefer specific brands not readily available locally.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Considerations

  • Altitude sickness is not a concern in Etretat.
  • If prone to motion sickness on boats or buses, bring appropriate remedies.
  • Pack preferred motion sickness medication.

Prevention & Comfort

  • Stay hydrated to help mitigate motion sickness.
  • Seek fresh air on deck during boat tours.
  • Focus on the horizon if feeling queasy.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking/Walking Gear

Beyond proper footwear, a Small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, a jacket, and your camera on cliff walks. Trekking poles provide stability.

  • Daypack for essentials.
  • Trekking poles for stability on varied terrain.
  • Layered clothing for changing weather.
  • Plenty of water and snacks.

Water Sports Gear

If planning to kayak or paddleboard (seasonal rentals available), a swimsuit and quick-drying clothing are useful. Consider a Waterproof dry bag for your phone and valuables. Rentals are available on Etretat beach.

  • Swimsuit and quick-drying clothes.
  • Waterproof dry bag for valuables.
  • Sunscreen and hat.
  • Water shoes for beach comfort.

Photography Essentials

A camera with a Wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. Binoculars are useful for birdwatching or observing distant rock formations.

  • Camera with wide-angle lens.
  • Extra batteries and memory cards.
  • Binoculars for distant views.
  • A sturdy tripod for stability.

Rent vs. Bring Matrix

Items to Rent Locally

  • Bicycles: Available from local shops or tourist office.
  • Kayaks/Paddleboards: Rent directly on Etretat beach during warmer months.
  • Cars: For exploring beyond Etretat, rent from major companies in Le Havre.
  • Beach chairs/umbrellas: Sometimes available for rent on the beach.

Items to Bring Usually Better

  • Specialized hiking gear: If you have specific brand or fit preferences.
  • Advanced camera equipment: Your own camera with preferred lenses.
  • Portable chargers/power banks: For device power throughout the day.
  • Travel adapter/converter: To match local power outlets.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items contribute to comfort, security, and overall travel ease. For longer journeys, a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs foster restful travel.

Security Essentials

Reusable & Specialized Items

These items contribute to sustainable travel and address specific needs. A Reusable water bottle reduces plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag serves for market purchases or souvenirs.

Dining & Packing

  • Reusable utensils are useful for market food.
  • If you have specific dietary needs, bring snacks or specialized food items.
  • Pack a small, lightweight Backpack for day excursions.
  • Specialized hiking gear, if you require specific brands or features, is better purchased at home.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste, refills easily.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Convenient for purchases, avoids single-use plastic.

Reusable Utensils

For market food or takeaways.

Travel Adapter

Ensures device charging without issue.

Region-Specific Essentials

Coastal Comfort

  • Windproof jacket due to coastal breezes.
  • Layered clothing for changeable weather.
  • Waterproof bag for electronics on the beach or boats.

Local Exploration Aids

  • Local maps from the tourist office.
  • Phrasebook or translation app for basic French.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching and cliff observation.

Packing Pro Tip: Quick-Drying Clothing

Pack clothing that dries quickly. This is notably useful in a coastal environment where humidity can be higher and unexpected rain showers occur.

Protect your electronics from sand, water, and sudden changes in weather, especially on the windy and sometimes rainy coast. A Waterproof bag for your camera is a wise investment.