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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Normandy, France

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Caen's variable climate calls for layering, allowing adaptation to changing temperatures throughout the day. Modest attire, covering shoulders and knees, is respectful for churches.

Seasonal Attire

Essential Documents

Keeping important documents organized and accessible serves as a core part of travel planning.

Documents to Carry

  • Passport & Visa: Valid passport (3+ months beyond departure, issued last 10 years). Printed visa approval or ETIAS authorization (from mid-2025). Consider a Travel document organizer.
  • Insurance: Printed and digital copies of travel insurance policy details (emergency contacts, policy number).
  • Driving Permit: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national driver's license for non-EU citizens renting a car.

Footwear Focus

Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes stand as the single most important item. Much exploration involves walking on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones. Ensure they offer good support.

Important for City Exploration

Winter Boots

Waterproof boots with good traction stand as a must for potentially wet or icy conditions during winter visits.

Winter Travel Essential

Summer Sandals

Breathable walking Sneakers or sturdy, Comfortable sandals perform well in summer. Avoid flimsy flip-flops for extensive walking.

Warm Weather Comfort

Essential Documents & Safety

Documentation & Contacts

Carry physical and digital copies of all essential travel documents and emergency contacts.

  • Reservations: Keep copies of all hotel bookings, flight itineraries, car rental confirmations, and tour bookings. Store them in cloud storage and email.
  • Emergency Contacts: List important phone numbers including family, bank fraud department, embassy/consulate, travel insurance provider, and local emergency services (112, 15, 17, 18).
  • IDs for Discounts: Student (ISIC), senior, or press IDs may grant discounts at museums and attractions.
  • Medical Info: List all prescription medications (generic names) and a doctor's note for their necessity to avoid customs issues.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices are ready for France's power standards.

Power Essentials

  • Voltage: France uses 230V at 50Hz. Plug Type E or F (two round pins).
  • Adapter: A Universal travel adapter stands as a must. Your devices should be dual voltage (100-240V).
  • Chargers: A Portable power bank is recommended for keeping devices charged.

Mobile & Apps

Maximize your smartphone's utility for navigation, communication, and local services.

Connectivity & Useful Apps

  • SIM Cards: Local SIMs from Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile. eSIMs also offer convenience (Airalo).
  • VPN: A VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN secures your online activity.
  • Apps: Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate, Twisto (local transport), SNCF Connect (trains).

Data Backup & Security

Camera Gear

A high-quality Smartphone camera for casual photos. For enthusiasts, a mirrorless or DSLR with versatile lenses for cityscapes and architecture (B&H Photo).

Portable Power

A Portable power bank stands as a top recommendation for keeping smartphones and other devices charged throughout the day.

Offline Navigation

Download offline maps for Caen before your trip. This ensures navigation access even without an internet connection, conserving data and battery life.

Health & Wellness Items

Travel First Aid Kit

A small, well-stocked Health kit provides comfort for minor ailments.

Essential Contents

  • Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen), antihistamines.
  • Stomach remedies (anti-diarrhea, antacid). Anti-diarrhea medication.
  • Blister plasters for extensive walking on cobblestones.

Medications & Protection

Bring all prescription medications in original, labeled containers with extra days' supply. Carry a doctor's note.

Health & Safety Items

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Concerns

  • Caen is not at high altitude; altitude sickness is not a concern.
  • No specific precautions needed for elevation related issues.
  • The city and surrounding areas remain at low elevations.

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness remedies might prove relevant for ferry crossings to the UK.
  • Consider remedies for long bus journeys on winding roads in the countryside.
  • Pack tablets if you are prone to motion sickness.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For exploring paths in Suisse Normande or coastal trails, specific gear is helpful.

  • A comfortable Daypack.
  • Suitable Hiking shoes.
  • Layered clothing for varied conditions.
  • Water and snacks.

Cycling Equipment

  • Your own Cycling helmet for comfort and fit.
  • Padded shorts for longer rides.
  • Light gloves for grip.
  • A small water bottle.

Learning Resources

These resources significantly deepen visits to historical sites like the Mémorial de Caen or the D-Day beaches.

Rent vs. Buy Decision Matrix

Items to Rent Locally

  • Bicycles: Easily rented in Caen from various shops or the Vélolib system. More practical to rent than to bring for a short trip.
  • Car Rentals: Convenient for day trips beyond city limits. Major companies available at airport/train station.
  • Specialty Gear: For niche activities like climbing or water sports, inquire about local rental options before bringing your own.
  • This approach reduces luggage and transportation burdens.

Items to Bring from Home

  • Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your trip plus extra days, with documentation.
  • Specific Toiletries: Preferred or specialized brands you might find difficult or expensive to source locally.
  • Comfort Items: Travel neck pillows, eye masks, earplugs for flights/trains.
  • Unique Dietary Foods: If you have highly specific dietary needs, bring these from home.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your comfort, security, and convenience during your travels.

Smart Additions

Eco-Friendly & Practical

Embrace sustainable travel practices with these useful reusable items.

Reusable Gear

  • Reusable water bottle: Essential for hydration and plastic waste reduction. Refill from public fountains or tap water.
  • Reusable shopping bag: Handy for market visits or supermarket runs, as many shops charge for plastic bags.
  • Travel cutlery set: Useful if planning picnics or self-catering, limiting reliance on disposable plastic.
  • A compact Umbrella or Light rain jacket is highly recommended year-round for sudden showers.

Sustainable Travel Items

Refillable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste; tap water is safe.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Convenient for markets, many shops charge for plastic bags.

Solar Charger

Eco-friendly power for small devices.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Consider solid shampoos or bar soaps.

Destination-Specific Items

For History Buffs

  • A Normandy history book or D-Day guide.
  • Binoculars for viewing distant battlefields or coastal features.
  • A dedicated camera with extra batteries for historical sites.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Physical map for countryside exploration.
  • Insect repellent for rural areas, especially during warmer months.
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for various terrains.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for ease of movement. Consider rolling clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.

Use packing cubes to organize your luggage and separate items by category or outfit.