Everything to Pack for Paris, According to a Travel Writer

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A week getaway to the City of Light? Say no more. The vibrant neighborhoods, elegant fashion, and delicious eats — against the backdrop of its artistic heritage — are just a few reasons Paris is the most visited city in the world. While you don't need a special occasion to visit the romantic destination, there are plenty attractions throughout the year from Art Basel Paris to the city's many Fashion Weeks.

From walking around the stylish Marais district and stumbling into the manicured Tuileries and Luxembourg gardens to catching an epic view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, there is so much to see. You can even squeeze in a quick trip right outside of Paris to Claude Monet's house and garden in Giverny and to Champagne houses in Reims. Keep reading for a complete guide on what to pack for Paris to make the most of your time there — while still looking as chic as a Parisienne.

What to Pack for Paris

• A high SPF you can spray over your makeup: Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist at $13, originally $22
• Multifunctional brushes are perfect for travel: Saie The Big Brush at $32
• Travel-size skincare to keep up with my routine on-the-go: Sulwhasoo First Care Trial Set at $60
• Instantly elevates and adds shape to outfits: Madewell The Everyday Belt at $68
• My hack for jet lag and sleeping through red-eye flights: Slip Pure Silk Zodiac Sleep Mask at $83
• Comfortable sneakers to explore Paris by foot: Kizik Milan Monument Hands-Free Sneaker at $90, originally $119
• Features multiple compartments including one for shoes: Calpak Luka Duffel at $110, originally $138
• Impossibly cozy pajamas to wear under my hotel robe: Cozy Earth Bamboo Pajama Set at $133
• A chic slip dress for day and night: Wilfred Court Satin Dress at $148
• This wear-with-anything blazer gives off a Parisienne vibe: By Anthropologie Slim Blazer at $168
• The woody fragrance that garners endless compliments: Marc-Antoine Barrois Encelade Eau de Parfum at $175

Best Packing Tips For Paris

I'm firmly team carry-on, especially for European travel in the summer, and since my trip was only four days, it was definitely doable (though I admittedly didn't leave enough room for shopping finds). When working with less suitcase space, I always recommend adhering to a neutral color scheme. Luckily, French-girl style typically revolves around an effortless capsule wardrobe, so I opted for timeless classics like a slip dress, elevated basics, and a versatile blazer. Because I knew my days would be busy, I mostly stuck to pieces that could easily take me from day to night, with simple additions like a leather belt, fun purse, or smart heel.

Paris is a walking city, so I packed footwear that I'd be comfortable wearing anywhere — no matter how dressy a restaurant or bumpy a road. The weather in Paris can also be unpredictable — it wasn't unusual to experience multiple climates in a span of a few hours — so prepare yourself with light outerwear options, protective shoes, and a small umbrella.

Best Travel Tips For Paris

Paris is divided into the Left and Right Bank, crossed by the Seine river. The Left Bank has an artistic, historic vibe, known for sights like the Pantheon, Musee d'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, and of course, the Eiffel Tower, while the Right Bank is considered more luxurious and fashionable, home to the Louvre, Champs-Élysée, and Place Vendôme. It's easy to travel between one another, but I suggest staying in a centrally located neighborhood, so you can walk to most of the popular sights in the city.

If time allows, I highly recommend taking a day trip or two to the Versailles Palace, the Champagne region if you're a fan of bubbly, or Giverny to see the garden that inspired Monet's paintings. Though Paris is beautiful all by itself, there's more to offer outside of the city.

Ahead, check out all of my packing must-haves for a Parisian getaway.

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