Packing for Paris
Packing for Paris is pretty straightforward and if you forget anything, good news! You’re in a major city and can probably get what you need without much fuss. I prefer to bring a carry-on, both for convenience's sake, but also to avoid being left in Paris with no clothes or waiting forever for your bags on arrival. Some people want to bring an extra suitcase to bring back purchases but it’s actually cheaper just to buy another bag for a carry-on and check your carry-on suitcase for the trip home. If you really are buying a lot or large items, then you should consider shipping your purchases home.
You are going to be walking A LOT so bring some comfortable shoes. I find sneakers are the best option and it’s really what most Parisians wear. I like to bring sneakers for everyday sightseeing etc, a pair of flat dress shoes or a boot to dress up (which I wear on the plane to ease the weight restrictions on my bag). You might experience some swelling on the flight so make sure one of your pairs can accommodate that with laces or adjustable straps. Plenty of sneakers look great but you might find them not so comfortable if your feet aren’t used to them so try to break them in a bit. I don’t recommend sandals even in the summer as your feet really get dirty and if it rains you’ll need a closed toe shoe.
Next is a cross body bag or a fanny pack. Something that can be worn close to your body for weight distribution, that can't be ripped out of your hands or off your shoulder, and hopefully isn’t too precious. I like to have two bags, one crossbody bag that's smaller to hold my personal and important items and a cheaper light cotton tote bag to carry extras like water, sunscreen, scarves, and of course, my shopping. If something does happen to my tote bag I know I still have all my important things. If you’re that person who always brings a backpack, fair warning, you may be denied entry to museums and even some shops as it’s often considered luggage. It’s also not in your field of vision and pickpockets are fast! Use a zippered bag for even better security.
Depending on the time of year you are travelling you may need to make some adjustments but my best advice is always layering. Transitional, non-seasonal clothes are best as they tend to be thin so you can really build your layers. That just means not your heaviest winter clothes or your lightest summer dresses unless you are travelling in the height of summer or the depths of winter. Bring one dressy look which you will need your dress shoes for in case you get invited somewhere really nice or that doesn’t allow jeans and sneakers. Layer long sleeved thinner knits/t shirts over or under your summer shirts or dresses, and you could consider a thin padded vest to go under your spring weight coat to add warmth if needed. Keep your heavy coats at home unless you are traveling in winter and bring a light coat that goes with everything. Scarves are very useful in Paris and are very common for everyone. Silk or cotton scarves are great as they provide warmth while being light and you can always use them to sit on if you decide to have an impromptu pique-nique.
A tiny (and I do mean tiny) umbrella is a must as you will want to be out in whatever weather you are given without carrying something heavey or awkward that you most likely will forget somewhere. Although Paris gets more rain than London it’s very on and off. I was there once when it rained the entire month but we still had some sun for our picnic (it rained before and after). Keep it in your tote bag or your coat pocket and you’ll always be ready. If you want you could also have a hooded raincoat or a hat but you might not want to wear a rubber coat if it’s warm out. Just be prepared!
CHECK THE DATES ON YOUR PASSPORT! It has happened to me more than once that I have booked a flight only to realize I need to renew my passport. You will not be allowed to enter the Schengen are if your passport doesn’t last until after the date of your return flight. Some people suggest you keep it in the safe at your hotel but sometimes the shops can do your tax exemption right there if you have your passport (and are spending a certain amount). If not you can always do the tax exemption forms at the airport.
“But Leah”, you say, “I need to bring a checked bag for all of my skin care, make-up, and hair products”, to which I say MINIMIZE IT. You can go one week without your 11 step skin care routine and you can also buy some of the best French skin care at any pharmacy, including sunscreen. There is always a monoprix close by or the local pharmacie. Use small containers for anything you have to bring and keep it simple. I like to get tiny sample sizes of my fave products and fragrances specifically for this reason.
Leave the expensive jewelry, expensive bags and cocktail attire at home. We will be in semi casual Most environments are pretty casual with the exception of expensive restaurants. You might have something special booked for dinners or your evenings off but simple pieces that can do double duty are best to meet dress codes, if necessary. The vibe in Paris is generally “put together casual''. Even Michelin star places often lean toward the casual end of dressy. A blazer that can act as a coat is a great idea to dress anything up and khakis for men go a long way. Due to the pervasive presence of cobblestones, long flights of stairs in the metro and general conditions of many sidewalks, high heels are only really good for car rides to a place you are planning on sitting a lot.
Please really consider bringing your phone with a phone plan for the week and leave your computer at home unless you need it. While most hotels have internet, the service there and at many places can be terrible. Plans can be had for around $15 a day and it's very worth it to be able to call for a reservation, find a location on Google maps, and take photos of your adventures which will record the location for later. Consider bringing a battery charger as well if your phone tends to die quickly or you will be taking a lot of photos.
Bring all medications as it can be difficult to find a french equivalent at times. For example even Tylenol (acetaminophen) doesn’t exist but they have Paracetamol instead. So bring your necessaries with you because your blood pressure meds are probably even more difficult to get if you need a french prescription.