France Packing List for Americans · Blue Passport Travel

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Comfortable walking shoes, already broken inExpect 15,000+ steps a day in Paris
One dressier outfit for nice dinners
Layers and a light rain jacket
Compact umbrella
Scarf or light layer for churchesCovers shoulders; also useful on chilly evenings
SwimsuitMen need snug trunks or briefs for public pools; board shorts aren't allowed
Sunglasses and a hat
Warm coat, hat and glovesNovember to March
Sleepwear, socks and underwear

Prescription medicines in original containersBring a few extra days and a copy of each prescription
Pain reliever, antacids and anti-diarrhea tabletsIn France these are sold only in pharmacies
Allergy medicine and any EpiPensCarry a French allergy card; see the food guide
Glasses or contacts, plus a spare pair
Sunscreen and insect repellentSummer, and for ticks in the countryside
Travel-size liquids in a clear bag3.4 oz (100 ml) rule for carry-ons
WashclothFrench hotels rarely provide them
Earplugs and an eye maskOld buildings, thin windows, early summer sunrises
Hair tools that are dual-voltageSingle-voltage US hair tools can burn out

What to leave at home

Too many shoes. Two comfortable pairs and one dressier pair cover almost everything.
Single-voltage hair dryers and straighteners. Hotels usually have a dryer; buy an inexpensive straightener in France if you need one.
A large suitcase if you're taking trains. You'll carry it up stairs, onto luggage racks and into old hotels with tiny elevators.
Meat snacks for the trip home. Jerky and saucisson can't come back into the US. See coming home.

Not sure what the weather will be? Check our month-by-month guide.