What to bring for your summer trip to Paris

Picture this: you’re wandering down the Champs-Elysees on a beautiful sunny day, well-hydrated and protected with high-SPF French sunscreen from the local pharmacy. You’re prepared for a day of sightseeing, looking effortlessly stylish. It might sound like a fantasy, but it’s entirely achievable if you’re traveling to France in summer, without excessive effort or expense.

This weekend, I’m off to the Paris Olympics – just to watch, not to compete, to be clear – and my packing is all about comfort and weather, while keeping style in mind. Here’s what I’m including in my suitcase.

1. Keep it straightforward

Here’s the reality about France in the summer: it gets hot—sometimes extremely hot. Let this principle guide your packing. Prioritize the essentials in lightweight fabrics and light hues: T-shirts, sundresses, tank tops, polos, and cotton or linen pants are all excellent choices.

The French prefer a relaxed style, yet their casual wear often feels slightly more polished than what many Americans consider informal. While shorts are acceptable, it’s wise to steer clear of basketball shorts unless you’re a teenage boy or LeBron James. Athleisure is fine if combined with smarter pieces, but maintain perspective. If your outfit resembles something you'd wear to a yoga class, you might come off as underdressed, and likely very American.

Comfortable shoes are a must for long days spent sightseeing, and while this wasn't always true, athletic shoes have become standard in France. Wear them confidently and comfortably.

The great thing about these types of clothing? They pack compactly and typically don’t need much ironing or hanging upon arrival. If you’re traveling for a week, consider swapping your large suitcase for a carry-on.

2. Accessorize to stay cool

The right accessories can elevate your hot-weather experience in Paris. A good pair of sunglasses is essential, while a visor or sun hat is crucial. This is especially true if you’ll be walking outdoors a lot or attending events in direct sunlight. Many Olympic events will fall into this category, as will tennis at Roland Garros. Even places like the gardens at Versailles provide scant shade. A hat can be a lifesaver for both comfort and skin protection.

Don’t forget sunblock; it’s another essential. Bring your own, or better yet, purchase it in France at a local pharmacy. Brands like La Roche-Posay and Vichy offer high-SPF and tinted options that are often pricier back home. Plus, they feel more like skincare than the sticky lotion you apply to kids at the pool.

A personal fan is another great way to stay cool. You can find motorized versions that hang around your neck or compact ones that fit easily in your pocket. For a touch of drama worthy of Karl Lagerfeld, consider a manual folding fan.

3. Stay hydrated with these tips

For your health and safety, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather and a busy schedule. Always carry a water bottle, but check regulations before entering attractions or events, as there are often restrictions on bottle sizes and materials. For example, Olympic water bottles must be plastic or metal and cannot exceed 25 ounces (about 700ml). You can refill your bottle for free at Paris’s lovely green cast-iron Wallace fountains, which are a charming remnant from the Belle Epoque.

To maintain hydration for longer periods, consider packing electrolyte powder packets or gummies. They’re perfect for extended stays at attractions like the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay where breaks are scarce. You can also find sugar-free options. If you're diligent about hydration, a condensation sleeve is essential to keep your water bottle from sweating onto other items in your bag.

4. Get these essential apps

For the first time, you can purchase and use Paris Metro tickets through an app. The IDF Mobilites app, launched ahead of the 2024 Olympics, allows you to buy up to 20 one-way Metro tickets for zone one (two packs of 10) at once. While the paper Metro tickets make for fun souvenirs, they can be easily lost, and it’s often tricky to tell which ones you’ve already used. Go digital to avoid the hassle.

SNCF Connect serves as the official app for France’s inter-city train system, allowing you to conveniently purchase and store your train tickets. This is especially handy if you plan to visit several cities in France, helping you bypass ticket lines and language barriers at the train station.

Two essential apps for the Olympics are the official ticketing app, Paris 2024 Tickets, and the Find My Friends app. The latter is particularly useful for keeping tabs on your friends in a crowd, whether you part ways voluntarily or otherwise.