France Summer 2025 Packing List: What to Bring & Wear
Published June 1, 2025
France in summer isn’t a fantasy postcard. It’s real life, with sweaty metros, strict church dress codes, and locals who make casual look polished.
If you're expecting Paris to feel like New York or Provence to behave like Napa, adjust now. From regional quirks to laundry surprises, traveling in France is a game of knowing the rules most tourists never learn.
Jessica: “I packed like I was headed to Miami. Total fail. I was sunburned, underdressed for dinner, and dragging a suitcase full of stuff I never used.”
This is your no-fluff packing guide built for Americans traveling France in the heat. We’ll show you what to actually bring, what not to bother with, and how to avoid looking (and feeling) like a rookie.
Documents and Summer Prep
Your passport needs six months' validity past your return date. Not optional.
For travel entry rules, see our full guide: Travel Requirements for France: What U.S. Citizens Need to Know for 2025.
Travel insurance is more essential in summer. Millions of people are moving through Europe, and when things go wrong, they go expensively wrong.
Print your confirmations. Sounds old school but Wi-Fi fails. Phones die. And some places may still ask for paper.
Jean-Paul: “August is ‘les vacances’ where all of France basically goes on break. Shops and restaurants can close and signs that say 'fermeture annuelle' will haunt you. Have backups.”
Pool warning: Some pools require swim caps and Speedos. Not optional. If you’re concerned, check before you go what the requirements are where you’re staying.
What to Actually Wear
Forget the Instagram version of French summer. Real French people look hot and tired too, they just manage to look stylish while doing it.
Daily Clothes
Pack for walking. Cobblestones. Heat. Hills. Bring real shoes with support. Think lightweight sneakers or closed-toe sandals.
Shorts are fine, but leave the gym ones at home. Opt for longer cuts or lightweight pants.
Skip jeans. Even the light ones turn swampy after 10,000 steps.
Evenings
Whether you're dining by the sea or in a neighborhood bistro, the French appreciate intentional effort. You don’t need to dress up, but you should look like you care.
Whether you wear a sundress, linen button-down, or tailored short-sleeve shirt, the goal is the same: clean, simple, and respectful. No logos. No gym wear. No flip-flops.
Jean-Paul: “It’s about respect. Skip flip-flops and gym wear.”
French culture values how you carry yourself more than what you wear. Speak softer, keep your hands out of your pockets at dinner, and skip the loud group convos. Subtle confidence wins.
Churches
Covered shoulders and knees required. Bring a long-sleeve shirt and long pants you can throw on when needed.
Sun Protection
The French sun is sneaky. Coastal areas will cook you by lunch.
If you’re particular about your sunscreen, bring your own. But French brands are amazing and are easily found in pharmacies and grocery stores (but prices spike near tourist areas).
A real hat matters. Wide-brimmed styles blend in better than baseball caps.
Electronics That Matter
Type C and E adapters are what you need. Don’t rely on hotel loans or cheap multipacks. Here’s more detailed information on all things adapters: What Travel Adapters You Need in France.
Bring two portable chargers. Phone batteries drain fast with maps and sun.
Headed to beaches or boats? Waterproof phone cases are better than water-resistant ones.
Beach vs. City Packing
Beach Towns
The Riviera isn’t just a beach. it’s a scene.
Pack a dinner-worthy outfit for seaside restaurants. Some beach clubs have lunch dress codes.
Many beaches are rocky. Water shoes help.
Bring a separate bag for wet or sandy clothes.
Jessica: “Not all beaches are public. Some clubs require specific swimwear. Know before you go.”
City Days
Layers for AC and shade.
Compact umbrella or light rain jacket for sudden showers.
Laundry and Sink Strategy
Hotels can charge per item. Some Airbnbs have washers, but many don’t.
Be ready to hand wash in a sink.
Pack travel-size detergent packets. Hard to find in France, and you don’t want to lug a full bottle.
Use a travel clothesline or hangers to dry overnight.
What Not to Bother With
Hair dryers: Only bring one if needed. Must be dual voltage (look for "100–240V"). Converters won’t protect single-voltage dryers.
Formalwear: Skip it unless you have wedding or Michelin reservations.
Heavy jackets: Bring a lightweight layer. If it gets cold? Buy local.
Regional Differences
Paris
Metro is hot. Only a few lines have AC.
Markets are better in the morning for picnics.
Riviera
Everything costs more.
Sunscreen and beach etiquette.
Wine Country
Bring closed shoes for dusty vineyard paths.
Wine caves are chilly, layers help.
Bug spray = your best friend.
Jean-Paul: “Flies don’t care where you’re from. Be ready or be dinner.”
What Actually Goes in the Suitcase (10 Days)
Clothes:
3 pairs shorts or skirts
2 lightweight pants
5–6 tops (tees, tanks)
1 long-sleeve shirt
1 cardigan or light pullover
1 sundress, collared shirt, or dinner-ready outfit
Comfortable walking shoes
Closed-toe shoes
Flip-flops or beach sandals
2 swimsuits
Light scarf
Essentials:
Waterproof phone case
Sunscreen SPF 30+
Hat
Sunglasses
After-sun lotion
Bug spray
Small daypack
Water bottle
Rain jacket
Documents:
Passport (6+ months validity)
Travel insurance
Printed confirmations
Credit/debit cards (notify your bank)
The Real Story
Pack for versatility, not Instagram. Comfort wins when you're walking cobblestones in the heat. And don’t forget to eave space in your bag! You’ll want to bring stuff home.
Jessica: “After 20 years of French summers, I still get things wrong. But this list covers 90%. The other 10%? That’s the adventure.”
No packing list is perfect. But smart packing means fewer regrets, less stress, and more time to enjoy France.
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