Packing for any big trip can be complicated, and you can already find lots of general advice on the internet about not forgetting your tickets and such. So, I am going to give you my best and personal advice for how to pack for France specifically. On y va!

A Visa or Mastercard with a chip and a pin code.

This is the standard in France and will facilitate all payments while here.

 

Credit Card with Chip

A credit card with a chip & 4-digit code will make life easier, ©Pixabay

 

A smartphone with a good international plan

Your phone can be helpful in many ways : driving with a GPS, translating, keeping in touch back home, and travel apps of all sorts. France Just For You can recommend the most useful travel apps for your trip, and we are currently developing our own app - but more about that later.

A small change purse to keep coins in.

When eating in a restaurant, the gratuity is included in the price. However, if you are happy with the service, you can leave 1 or 2 euros on the table and having a little change on hand will make this easier.

Contact Solution

If you wear contacts, try to bring along enough solution for the whole trip. Contact solution is more expensive in France, and it is sold in pharmacies and at the opticians, so you may have to go a little out of your way if you need to get some more.

A pair of small binoculars

This allows you to see the architectural details on buildings, zoom in on particular points in the landscape, or take in some wildlife.

Reusable Tote Bag

Bring along a small, reusable tote bag to carry around with you each day. It can be used for picnic supplies, small purchases or souvenirs. Also, often in the French boulangeries, they do not put your baguette in a bag. You can slip your bread into the bag to avoid leaving a trail of crumbs behind you.

A reusable water bottle

Fill up your bottle before leaving for the day so that you do not spend all your money on Evian.

Cozy Items for Relaxing

A small candle to make your room cozier and like home, plus a pair of plushy socks to wear only in your room to help you relax.

 

Travel Candle

A travel candle can help you relax after a fun day of sightseeing, ©Laura Crotet

 

Tissues

Pocket tissue packs and/or wet wipes – these come in handy all the time: spills, no toilet paper, napkins for a picnic, etc.

Student ID and copy of passpoort

If you are a student, bring along your student ID because there are many discounts offered in many museums and galleries, restaurants and even some stores. The same is true for retired folks, so carry around a paper copy of your passport to get some euros off on entrance fees.

Your Personalized GuideBook

Your personalized France Just For You guidebook will be an indispensable reference for making the most of your days during your French adventure. Some of our travelers have even referred to it as their 'Bible'!

A Wine Bottle opener

No explanation required!

 

Wine Bottle Opener

Do not forget a wine bottle opener, ©Pikist

 

And when you are done packing, the best advice remains take half out, and bring more money than you think you'll need.

 

- Laura Crotet, France Just For You

If your bags are ready to go, contact us to help plan your French adventure.

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Jim
If you want to experience France, but are hesitant because you don’t speak the language, this company is for you. Emilie will prepare an itinerary that is so detailed that even the most inexperienced, non-French speaking traveler will be able to navigate France. Her attention to detail is so incredible that almost everything sitiuation you …
Paul & nancy
We just returned from 15 days in France, this trip was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Emilie and her team were amazing. We started in the south of France and finished in Paris. We visited many towns and villages, Aix, Cassis, Marseilles, les Gorges du Verdon,...The personalized guide book was golden for us. The details and suggestions …
Craig & Ginette
France Just For You, made going to France a seamless experience. They took care of all the arrangements: train, and car travel, tours and stays. The bed and breakfasts were hosted by delightful people who took an interest in you and had met and praised Emilie. Emilie tailored the trip to our specifications. Her organizational skills are unmatched …
Miller Family
Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during …
Kelly
My husband and I just returned from a 9 day trip to Burgundy and Provence. We had fairly high expectations based on all the reviews we had read about France Just For You. I must say, the trip far exceeded those expectations and was such a memorable experience. The B&Bs recommended were right in line with what we were hoping and the hosts were …
Ricki & Craig
There are not enough superlatives, or kind words, to describe the level of service Emilie, with France Just for You, provided us from the moment we contacted her, throughout our trip, and even her thoughtful emails upon our return. We contacted Emilie with a list of all the places we wished to go, the things we hoped to do, and our budget. We …