What to pack for Paris

The fashion capital has influenced style for some time now, birthing couture designers and ready-to-wear brands alike. Nothing could be more Parisian than a khaki trench and Breton striped T-shirt – a look worn by starlets like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin that are still admired today. The one cliché seen in movies is how formal fashion can be in Paris. In fact, it’s the opposite. Parisians have mastered the effortlessly chic look because they’ve had to – when you’re running up métro stairs or across town, comfort is key.

Unless you’re attending an event for Fashion Week, there are a few occasions where you’ll need stilettos. You can also save your evening dresses for another trip. Sneakers are one of the most popular choices of footwear, but not just any – opt for a more fashionable option like French sustainable brand Veja or New Balance. Loafers or ballet flats are another stylish choice that add a polished look to pants, dresses, and shorts. When the weather warms up, sandals of any style are an easy addition to throw in your suitcase.

Drinking water in Paris is some of the best in the world, so bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up in your hotel room or at one of the many dedicated water fountains around town. Swimwear is always a good idea to pack if you plan to use the hotel pool (or visit one of the infamous ones around town like Piscine Molitor), sauna, or steam room at the spa. During Paris Plages in summer, you can take a dip in one of the swimming pools along the Seine. If you plan to go for a run or to a fitness center or a class in town, bring gym gear like sneakers, and workout outfits.

Pharmacies are one of the highlights in Paris since they’re the holy grail of French beauty, skincare, and wellness. Many travelers visit the capital just to go to the pharmacies and stock up on French brands harder to find back home. If you need an over-the-counter medication (for motion sickness, for example) or advice, pharmacists often speak some level of English and can help guide you in the right direction. But don’t rely on them to fill prescriptions from abroad—it’s better to bring anything you need in terms of essential medications.

This is the land of beauty, so if you want to save space on toiletries in your suitcase, you’ll find a variety of products in pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, and other shops. Hotels provide amenities, but if you want something specific, it’s better to bring it. The water in Paris is safe to drink, but the minerals can be harsh on your hair, so you might want to consider a hair mask or leave-in conditioner to soften the effects.

One travel accessory worth investing in is a universal travel adapter. Most hotels will have adapters you can borrow, or you can purchase one when you arrive in town (avoid the airport shops – it’s usually pricier). France uses plug types C and E and the standard voltage is 220 V. You most likely won’t need a converter unless you’re bringing appliances like hair straighteners, but be careful – unless you have a strong converter, these are likely to have an issue. Wi-Fi is all over town, but some phone providers offer international data or phone plans you can purchase during your stay. More and more places are accepting Apple Pay, so you won’t have to bring your entire wallet out.

France is strict when it comes to counterfeit items, like imitation designer purses, and it’s illegal to bring narcotics and drugs like hallucinogenic mushrooms, amphetamines, and cannabis. If you’re using something for medical purposes, it must be under a certain amount and you’ll need to show a doctor’s ordinance. You may also want to bring a medical note for needles, syringes, or pens you may need for injection.

In France, covering your full face with a veil or balaclava is illegal, but a hijab, or headscarf, is allowed in public spaces. Apart from that, the dress code is pretty liberal in Paris, but the city is not one where you’ll see a lot of exposed skin, even in the summer. To be on the safe side, you might want to avoid wearing anything too revealing.