Top 10 Paris Travel Packing Tips & Tricks (for Summer)

If you’re planning a stroll through the Eiffel Tower Gardens during the summer months you can expect two things – crowds and heat. June to August is the height of Paris’ tourist season, and you should plan for our high temperatures, too! Don’t come unprepared. Plan for daily temperatures in the 80’s (and sometimes even as high as the upper 90’s)… but while you might be used to summers in the 80’s, keep in mind that most places here don’t have air conditioning! But don’t cancel your tickets yet! You’ll cool off quickly when our evening temps dip down into the 50’s (10-15° C).

So basically, you will need to be prepared for your long hot days of adventure in this fabulous city AND you’ll also want to be comfortable for those cooler swings – and not the Jardin des Tuileries Pink Air Swing. You may prefer that croissant at the cafe instead of a trip back to your hotel or AirBNB to change… or toting additional luggage with a second outfit for each day!

Keep in mind that professional scammers are on the lookout for tourists. One of the best ways to avoid getting scammed or being the target of pickpockets in the busy tourist months is to dress like a local.

Let’s look at some tips for preparing your Paris wardrobe to fit in as Parisian:

1-Bring interchangeable items

Bring interchangeable items you can wear multiple times. Not only do you not have to worry too much about running into the same people every day, but this is actually customary! In fact, parisian wardrobes tend to be minimalistic and they typically only add five basic high-quality wardrobe items for each season. They include a pair of simple black or navy slacks or jeans, a pair of stylish shorts for especially hot days, a simple blouse, a sweater or cardigan, and a simple and versatile bag or backpack (theft-proof, of course). Depending on your taste, you may want to substitute out a wrap dress, cropped pants, tank top, or camisole.

2-Wear layers

Wear layers you can remove and put on throughout the day as the weather changes. Consider a simple base of pants and shirt and bring along a wrinkle-resistant cardigan that will roll up nicely and can slide right into your simple theft-resistant backpack! A scarf or a change of shoes with socks might save you!

3-Go Neutrals

Go neutral. Bright colors might seem fashionable on the runway, but they aren’t very practical when you are packing light and packing for the day. Your neon button up will also scream “tourist” to every local.

4-Think Solid

Think solid. Solid colors are much easier to mix and match and they will actually blend you right in with the locals.

5-Comfortable Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must. No matter how adorable your 3-inch and extremely fashionable heels are, you will regret bringing them! You may have even watched Emily in Paris trampse around the city in adorable shoes, but even the star, Lily Collins, complained about how much the shoes hurt her feet! Since Paris is relatively small compared to most other capital cities around the world, you can easily walk from one place to another. In fact, it’s so beautiful, you’ll want to walk everywhere and most people walk about 20,000 steps a day! Many say that a simple white tennis shoes will suffice, but if you are wanting to be a bit more stylish, a simple Oxford or Brogue walking shoe will do the trick. If you have a supportive ballet flat that you love, dig them out and save your fancy shoes for when you bring a little Paris home with you.

Besides blending in like a local, there are a few other necessities you’ll reserve space for:

6-A discrete anti-theft bag

A discrete anti-theft bag or money belt is a necessity for peace of mind when out and about this summer. Remember to keep in close to your body and be aware at all times, especially in crowded areas like the metro.

7-Don’t forget your sunglasses

Don’t forget your sunglasses. Summer is the driest season, so there is not much cloud-cover. Believe it or not, it will still be daylight at 10 o’clock in the evening in Paris, so there’s lots of time to explore! Bring those sunglasses with you to protect your eyes and prevent a sun headache… and they look pretty chic, too.

8-Washclothes

If you use them, keep in mind that they are highly unusual in Europe, so bring a couple (or a few) depending on how long your trip is. A damp washcloth is a great way to cool down on those hot days. You may love these disposable and reusable ones so you can save return luggage space for souvenirs.

9-Watch the weather forecast

Watch the forecast and consider a light raincoat or umbrella for the occasional rainy summer day. A UV one can even be used for shade on hot days!

10-Don’t forget your tech needs

Don’t forget your tech needs! A converter plug is a must, but a multi-port power adapter with an extension cord will make your life much more pleasant if you play with your phone in bed or like to snooze through your alarms! Also, don’t forget a battery power pack, because you will be taking lots of pictures! 

Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but packing cubes will keep your suitcase super-organized and will isolate dirty laundry to wash when you get home might AND they just might be the best kept secret and our hottest tip.

Keep in mind that although Paris is considered by some to be the fashion capital of the world, Parisians are practical and simple in their daily clothing choices. If you are looking to blend in (and keep your stuff safe), keep it simple and most of all, stay comfortable. On y va!

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