Languedoc Roussillon, France
Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Light layers are good. Daytime: Pack T-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, and light sweaters or cardigans. Evenings: Bring a Light jacket, a trench coat, or a Packable rain jacket for cooler evenings and potential rain showers. Bottoms: Jeans, comfortable trousers, or skirts work well.
Summer (June - August): Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Daytime: T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, and light dresses. Evenings: A light shirt or dress, perhaps a light cardigan. Sun protection: A Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses. Winter (December - February): Warm layers, sweaters, and fleeces. Outerwear: A warm, waterproof or water-resistant coat. Accessories: A scarf, Gloves, and a hat. Bottoms: Jeans or warm trousers.
Required. Montpellier's historic center has many cobblestone streets, so supportive walking Sneakers or comfortable flats are ideal. You will do a lot of walking.
Sandals are useful for summer, especially for beach trips or warm evenings. Bring dressier shoes for evenings out or nicer meals.
Water shoes are useful if you plan to swim in rocky areas or explore river gorges like those near Pont du Gard.
Secure your documents before and during your trip. Keep digital copies on your phone and in a cloud service. Also, carry a physical photocopy stored separately from the original. This helps if your original documents are lost or stolen.
France uses 230V, 50Hz with Type E (two round pins and a hole for the earth pin) or Type F plugs. A Type E/F Travel adapter is needed. Most modern electronics are dual voltage (100-240V) and only need an adapter. If a device is single voltage (e.g., a 110V hairdryer), a Voltage converter is needed. It is often easier to purchase a local device or travel-specific dual-voltage appliance. Ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIM cards. Major French mobile providers offer Prepaid SIM cards. eSIM options are convenient upon arrival through Airalo.
A standard Smartphone or a mirrorless/DSLR camera with versatile lenses is useful. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. A Small tripod helps for low-light shots. Portable chargers are recommended. Recommended Apps: Google Maps/Apple Maps, TaM app for public transport, Google Translate, Uber, Booking.com/Airbnb. Back up photos and documents with cloud storage or an External hard drive or USB flash drive.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for easy access to your photos and documents from anywhere.
An external hard drive or an USB flash drive provides a secure backup for all your important data.
When using public Wi-Fi, a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN adds an extra layer of security for your data.
Prepare a basic health kit for minor ailments. Access to pharmacies and medical help is good in Montpellier, but having your own supplies provides convenience. A Compact travel first aid kit is a good starting point.
Include cold or flu remedies, indigestion tablets, and motion sickness tablets. Insect repellent is needed in warmer months. High SPF sunscreen and After-sun lotion are important. Tap water in Montpellier is safe to drink, so a reusable water bottle is useful. Common toiletries are available, but bring specific brands or eco-friendly options like Solid shampoo bars.
Comfortable Walking shoes or light hiking boots. A Small daypack for essentials. Appropriate clothing layers.
Swimsuit. A Quick-dry towel. Flip-flops or sandals. A Beach bag for transporting items.
Comfortable cycling shorts if you plan extensive riding. A Helmet is often provided by rental places. Bicycles are easily rentable in Montpellier (e.g., Vélomagg shared bikes, private rental shops).
A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs provide comfort for long journeys. A Padlock for hostel lockers. A secure cross-body bag or a slash-proof daypack protects valuables. An RFID-blocking wallet helps prevent electronic pickpocketing.
A Reusable shopping bag is useful for markets and groceries, as plastic bags are often charged for. A reusable water bottle saves money and reduces waste. A set of Reusable travel utensils helps for picnics.
No unique items beyond standard travel essentials for France.
Specialty prescription medications may be harder to find.
Very high SPF sunscreens may be harder to find locally.
Specific types of electronics might be more expensive locally.
Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and to compress items, making it easier to fit everything into your luggage. Pack a versatile wardrobe with items that can be mixed and matched.
Place heavier items near the wheels of your suitcase for stability. Keep valuable and essential items, like documents and medications, in your carry-on bag for easy access and security.
