Paris Packing List: What to Pack for Paris in Summer
Traveling to the city of love soon and wondering what to pack for Paris in summer? You’re in the right place as I will show you everything you need to add to your Paris packing list.
Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Paris! The sun is out, the days are long, the entire vibe is chill and the famous Parisian landmarks are more than ready to receive visitors.
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The thought of finally climbing the Eiffel Tower and getting impressive views of Paris already excites you as just walking down the Seine!
But with all that excitement, it’s possible to forget to pack all the Paris essentials. And that’s where this post comes in! To show you exactly what to pack for Paris summer for a fun-filled trip.
You can also check out my list of what to wear in Paris in summer.
Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips
WHERE TO STAY
Best Eiffel Tower Views: Hôtel Le Walt (9.0)
Luxury stay: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (8.2)
Mid-range stay: Hôtel Eiffel (8.7)
Budget Stay: People – Paris Bercy (8.9)
Apartment Rental: Résidence Charles Floquet (9.1)
BEST GUIDED TOURS
Louvre Museum guided tour: (4.5/5)
Seine River Dinner Cruise: (4.7/5)
Montmartre Walking Tour: (4.8/5)
Le Marais Walking Food Tour: (4.5/5)
Versailles Guided Tour: (4.8/5)
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour: (4.4/5)
Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: (4.7/10)
MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)
What to Pack for Paris in Summer
Here’s exactly what to pack for Paris in summer!
Packing list for Paris summer: Essential Gear
Here are the essential gear to consider when it comes to packing for Paris in summer!
Camera
A camera is one of the Paris essentials you shouldn’t leave behind! With all the beauty and famous landmarks in the city, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice not to capture them.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a good camera, you can stick to your phone since most phones these days have good cameras.
Most travelers to Paris love the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera but you can also draw inspiration from these best travel cameras to decide on what you want to take.
Extra memory cards and batteries
You’ll end up taking thousands of pictures in Paris since almost everything is beautiful and that’s why you should add extra memory cards and batteries to your Paris packing list for summer.
I like this Samsung memory card but other travelers to Paris swear by this Sandisk memory card.
Portable Powerbank
If you’re like me who’s always on the phone, then make sure that you take a power bank.
I like this Anker Power bank as it is portable, lightweight, and charges all types of phones pretty fast.
A European travel adapter
If you’re traveling from outside Europe, then chances are high that you use a different kind of adapter compared to those in Europe. So get yourself this European travel adapter before your trip.
But if you’re a frequent traveler, you might want to buy a universal travel adapter instead as you won’t have to buy a different adapter for each country you visit. This is the universal travel adapter I use everywhere I travel to.
Kindle E-Reader
When you’re done sightseeing in Paris, you might want to relax a bit in your hotel room and this Kindle E-reader on Amazon will give you access to thousands of books instead of taking heavy bulky hard copy books.
Noise cancelation Earphone
Yes, you’ll have those days when you just want to disconnect from the noise of the city and listen to something on your phone.
These noise cancelation Earphones will come in handy. And if your budget allows, you can opt for these Wireless Bluetooth earbuds instead as they’re much better but also a bit expensive.
Related post: Best places to get the best views of Paris
Packing for Paris Summer: Packing essentials
These packing essentials should not miss on your packing list for Paris summer.
A good quality backpack or suitcase
As you plan to travel to Paris, you’ll need where to put all your travel essentials. And depending on how you travel, you can take either a backpack or a suitcase.
If you’re a backpacker like me, then this Osprey Backpack is the best option and if you prefer a suitcase, this one is the most-rated suitcase on Amazon.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes will help you organize your Paris items well while at the same time helping you pack light.
This 4-set piece is my favorite packing cube set but if you want more, then you can check out this 6 pieces packing cube set or this 7 pieces set.
Daypack
You need to add a daypack to your Paris packing list as it’s one you’ll use every day while visiting various landmarks in the city.
Choose a daypack that is lightweight, and well-sized to carry all the day’s essentials but at the same time not too big.
If you’re all about quality daypacks, then I recommend taking this one but if you prefer the budget-friendly one, then this one is not a bad choice.
Pro tip* While roaming around Paris, especially in crowded places, make sure that you wear your backpack from the front instead of the back as it’s easy to be pickpocketed.
Travel Neck Pouch
One of the Paris mistakes people make is to let their guard down and assume that there is no theft or pickpockets in Paris which is not true.
This is usually common in popular attractions that receive a lot of crowds and sometimes in the metro and that’s why you need to take this travel neck pouch to safe-keep your travel items including your phone, credit cards, passport, etc.
Related post: Where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower
What to pack for Paris: Safety items
First Aid kit
As a traveler, I never go anywhere without a first aid kit and Paris is no exception. This First Aid kit has all the items you might need as your first medical assistance.
Money belt
If being pickpocketed makes you cringe even a little, then take a money belt to keep your money safe.
A money belt like this one will help you keep your money hidden well. But if you want to keep your money safe while still staying stylish, then you can opt for this stylish waist travel money belt.
Travel Insurance
There is no way you can travel to Paris or anywhere without travel insurance! So as you prepare for your trip to Paris, make sure that you buy travel insurance.
I love World Nomads as I have a guaranteed backup plan should something go wrong. You can request a free quote from World Nomads Here.
Pacsafe
One of the Paris essentials you should pack is a Pacsafe. It guarantees the safety of your items especially if you’re sleeping in a shared hostel or even a hotel.
It’s not to say that the hostels and hotels in Paris are unsafe but it’s better to be safe than sorry. >> You can shop my favorite Pacsafe from here <<.
Related post: Best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris
Paris packing list: The Essentials
Below are the essential items to pack for summer in Paris.
Travel water bottle
It gets really hot in Paris summer and the only way you can cope is by staying hydrated all the time.
And since Paris has a number of Wallace Fountains (public taps where you can get drinking water), you don’t need to keep buying bottled water.
Just pack this travel water bottle that you can refill every time it runs dry.
Micro-fiber travel travel
A microfibre travel towel like this one will be very useful if you stay at hostels that don’t offer towels.
Also if you plan to hit the “Paris beaches” (some parts of the seine banks are turned into a beach by putting sand there), then make sure you don’t leave it behind.
A headlamp
You never know when a headlamp will come in handy so as a rule of thumb, I always carry a headlamp like this one.
Travel Umbrella
It might be summertime in Paris but don’t be surprised when it starts raining out of the blue. This is more common during the Paris spring but even in summer, you can expect some showers.
And since there are a number of things to do on a rainy day in Paris, the best way to navigate the streets under the rain is with a sturdy and windproof travel umbrella like this one.
Earplugs
If you booked a hotel near the road or worse a railway, then just be sure that it will get noisy and the best way to get even an ounce of sleep is by adding these kinds of earplugs to your Paris packing list.
Picnic/ Outdoor Blanket
You cannot go to the French capital in summer and not go for a Parisian picnic in one of the many city gardens and parks.
It’s one of the best things to do in Paris in summer and to make sure that you have a great picnic, pack a picnic blanket like this one. Actually, you can even use it on a Paris beach day out.
Related post: How to plan the perfect picnic in Paris
What to pack for Paris in summer: Self-care items and Toiletries
When compiling your packing list for summer in Paris, make sure not to forget these toiletries and self-care items.
Sunscreen
It will be a huge mistake to leave sunscreen behind. But don’t just take any sunscreen, make sure that the one you take has an SPF of 50+ for maximum protection. If you don’t have one already then you can buy this one on Amazon.
Chapstick Lip moisturizer
Summer in Paris might be fun but it also causes dry lips; at least for me. So, to make sure that your lips stay hydrated and moist, buy yourself this chapstick before you go.
Hand sanitizer
Can you even travel anywhere anymore without a sanitizer? Certainly not! So get yourself this highly effective hand sanitizer that k*lls 99% of viruses and bacteria.
Wet wipes
With all the heat that comes with summer, it’s hard not to sweat or even just heat up and the best way to try to keep fresh is by using wet wipes. You can buy my favorite pack of wet wipes from here.
Tissue pack
I never travel anywhere without a pack of tissue. It comes in handy whether it is for sneezing or cleaning somewhere to sit. I know most people usually ignore it but now that you know better, don’t leave it behind.
TSA Approved Toilet bag
To keep all your self-care items and toiletries organized in one place, take a TSA Approved toilet bag.
You can either take this transparent toilet bag or this travel hanging toilet bag if you prefer.
Other toiletries to pack for Paris in summer include:
- Body cream
- Dry shampoo
- Hairbrush
- Makeup
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper
- Perfume
- Razors etc
Related post: Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
Packing list for Paris in Summer: Travel accessories
Here are my favorite travel accessories to pack for Paris in summer.
Sunglasses
These are a must-have when in Paris during summer to protect your eyes from direct rays. You can pack yourself a normal pair or these polarized ones.
Sun hat
Block the sun while staying stylish on the streets of Paris. This is my favorite sunhat to pack for Paris in summer but other travelers like this one instead.
Related post: Must-try desserts in Paris
What to Wear in Paris in Summer
Summer clothes should be fun, light, and full of color. So whichever clothes you pack for Paris in summer, they should at least meet those criteria while still being comfortable. You also check out my complete list of what to wear in Paris in summer.
Swimwear
If you stay at a Parisian hotel with a swimming pool, you’ll definitely need one as you dive in or as you sunbathe at the banks of the Seine.
If you like one-piece swimsuits, then you’ll definitely love this one and this one. But if 2 piece swimsuits appeal to you more, then I am sure either this one or this one will work for you.
Beach cover-up
I call it a beach cover-up but since there is no actual beach in Paris, you can still cover-up while at the swimming pool or after sunbathing. This Sarong is my favorite but this cover-up is quite pretty too.
Scarf
A scarf is a multi-use item you should add to your Paris packing list for summer. You can use it as a fashion accessory, as something to warm you since it gets chilly at night.
You can opt for the designer one like this or this large one for those chilly days.
Waterproof Rain jacket
Even though it’s summer, it will still rain and since you wouldn’t want to waste a sightseeing day hiding away from the rain, you should consider taking this waterproof rain jacket.
It is lightweight and packs really well so you don’t have to worry about taking up too much space.
Leather Jacket
If you plan on visiting Paris at night (which you should actually as Paris becomes magical at night), then you might want to carry a jacket because it gets chilly at night. You can shop for my favorite Leather jacket from here if you don’t have one already.
Related post: What to wear in Paris in Spring
Summer dresses
When it comes to packing clothes for Paris summer, think floral, round, fun, bright, and cute at the same time.
Some of the dresses I like to pack for summer include this off-shoulder dress, this pretty floral dress, or even this round playful wrap dress.
I also like to throw in 2 pairs of playsuits/rompers. This one and this one are my favorite.
And to finish off your summer look, don’t forget to carry a cocktail dress. Whether it is to attend a party or go on a dinner date, a cocktail dress like this one will be flattering.
Summer tops
When it comes to summer tops, I also like to pack such an off-shoulder top, floral tops like this one never miss in my luggage, and at least 2 crop tops; this one and this one.
Bottoms
A nice pair of jeans or 2 will do wonders for you when traveling to Paris in summer. I like these signature Levi jeans. You can also pack a nice pair of cute summer skirts like this one.
Pro tip* You may be tempted to carry leggings which is totally ok in other places but they seem not to work well in Paris especially if you want to blend in – so you might want to leave them behind on top of the sweat pants.
Shoes
When it comes to what shoes to wear in Paris summer, make sure that you take comfortable ones and not heels since Paris is best discovered on foot.
You can either opt for comfortable sneakers like these ones, a pair of ankle boots (they always look fashionable) and don’t forget to pack a pair of sandals for either the hotel/swimming pool or the Paris beach.
Pro tip* Parisians do not wear flip-flops on the streets so you might want to leave them at your hotel, beach, or at the swimming pool area unless you want to scream tourist.
You can also check out this post for a complete list of what to wear in Paris summer.
Summary Of What To Pack for Paris Summary
If the above info was too much to digest, here is a summary of some of the things to pack for summer in Paris.
- Camera
- Extra Memory Cards And Batteries: I like this Samsung memory card.
- Portable Powerbank: This one is my favorite.
- A European Travel Adapter or a Universal Travel adapter though I recommed the latter as you can use it anywhere else in the world, not just Europe.
- These noise cancelation Earphones.
- Good Quality Backpack Or Suitcase: This Osprey Backpack is the best option or this suitcase if you prefer rollers.
- Packing Cubes: This 4-set piece is my favorite.
- A First Aid kit.
- Travel Water Bottle. You can opt for this one.
- Travel Umbrella. This windproof travel umbrella will come in handy on rainy days.
- Sunscreen
FAQs About What to Pack for Paris Summer
Do I need a jacket in Paris summer?
Yes, you should pack a jacket for Paris in summer! You may not need it during the day, but it gets chilly on some nights and in early mornings.
What jacket to wear in Paris in summer?
Pack a light jacket! This can be something like this leather jacket, this blazer, or a very light Trench coat.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Paris?
Parisian don’t really wear shorts, at least for women! Men usually get away with this (not sure why), but Parisian consider shorts to be a beach attire and since they’re none in Paris, you’ll not find Parisians wearing them. Of course, you can wear shorts if that’s what you want but you’ll stand out as a tourist. If your goal is to blend in, I recommend leaving shorts behind.
final Thoughts on What to Pack for Paris in Summer
Packing for Paris is extremely exciting and I hope that this Paris packing list for summer has helped you to know what you’ll need in the city of love.
Try to buy these Paris essentials before you go because summer is the high season in Paris and everything tends to be very expensive.
This means that if you forget to pack some items, you’ll end up spending more money than you would have spent if you bought everything before your trip.
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris
- Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
- What to Wear in Paris in Spring
- Where to go for the best views of Paris
- 15 Best Desserts in Paris You Should Try
- Where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower
- What not to do in Paris
- Things to do in Paris in spring
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