Everything to Pack For a Summer Trip to Paris, According to an Editor

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In “Pack With Me,” influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For this installment, PS Features Editor Yerin Kim shares what essentials are in her suitcase for a trip to Paris.

An extended weekend getaway to the city of lights? 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. Ahead of the Summer Olympics, I traveled to Paris for the first time by way of Kizik, known for its innovative, hands-free shoes.

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 was so much to see. We even squeezed in quick trips right outside of Paris to Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny and champagne houses in Reims. Though only three full days in the city had me craving for more, it also made packing in a carry-on suitcase more than manageable. 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.

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.