We visited Paris back in February for 9-days – see the details of our trip here! Before each trip, I do a ton of research on the weather to get an idea of what I should pack. For this trip, there wasn’t going to be snow but I definitely needed to pack for weather colder than February in Texas.
In my experience, the key to packing for international trips is (1) layers and (2) mix-and-match. I try to pack items that can go well with different outfits and will keep me warm (at least in cold weather climates). Here is what I packed (and used) for 9 days in Paris. I’ve linked all of my go-to products below!
Weather
Highs: 50-60°F
Lows: 30-40°F
Conditions: Sunny with some light sprinkling at night
Packing List
Essentials
- Passport
- ID
- Credit cards (we bring two just in case)
- Cash (in USD and EUR)
- Itinerary (if you have one)
Clothes
- Winter coat
- 2 sets of thermal tops and leggings
- 5 sweaters
- 2 tops
- 3 pairs of jeans (2 blue, 1 black)
- 9 pairs of socks
- 9 pairs of underwear
- 3 bras (1 strapped, 1 strapless, 1 sport)
- Sweater dress (for Moulin Rouge)
- Walking boots
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Winter hat and ear covers (didn’t end up using these as much)
- 2 T-shirts (for traveling)
- Pajamas
Toiletries (all travel size)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Face wash
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face mask
- Moisturizer
- Chapstick
- Make-up products
- Make-up remover wipes (this was before I switched to oils/balms – but I grabbed a few of the individually packed ones for this trip)
- Body lotion (cold weather dries you out)
- Tampons
Electronics
- iPhone & charger
- Laptop & charger
- Power adapter for European outlets
- Airpods for your phone
- Headphones for the plane
Other
- Hand warmers (18 pair for 9 days)
- Notebook/journal
- Pen
- Book
- Neck pillow
- Travel backpack
Packing Tips
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane (and dress for arrival weather). Since we were visiting during the winter, I wore a t-shirt, a sweater (that I took off on the plane), my winter coat, a pair of thick socks, a scarf (that I stuffed in my backpack on the plane), and my walking boots. When we arrived in Paris, we had everything we needed to brave the cold weather without digging through our luggage.
- Bring multiple pairs of thermal underwear, two will most likely work. Unless you plan on doing laundry during your trip, you will be fine alternating the sets each day. Don’t worry, you’ll survive!
- Pack enough socks for each day. Unlike thermals, I would recommend having a new pair of socks for each day. Your feet will sweat and you’ll want something fresh. Trust me, your feet will thank me later.
- Purchase a proper winter coat, fleece-lined gloves, and walking shoes!!! You might be walking upwards of 20,000 steps per day. Do yourself a favor and treat your feet right…again!
- Bring enough hand warmers for one pack each day. I’m a wimp when it comes to cold weather so I bought hand warmers for this trip. It was worth it! One pair would last me most of the day.
- Bring your own toiletries. The hotel you stay at will most likely provide some, but I find it more comforting to have your own for longer trips.
Hopefully this list and tips helps you pack for your next trip to Paris. You can of course pack lighter or heavier but this is what worked for me!
Happy packing!
Vivian
