Come to France prepared for all weather
France packs a lot of climates into one country. Alpine peaks, sun-baked plains, salt marshes, a rocky Mediterranean coast – what you put in your suitcase will make a big difference to how you enjoy your trip.
Summer in the Verdon Gorge and the hills around the Luberon is warm and bright. Daytime highs usually reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), dropping to a cooler 12°C (54°F) once the sun goes down.
Head up in altitude and the air sharpens fast – all the more reason to explore the trails threading through the gorge. Bring binoculars if you're keen to spot the golden eagles that nest in the cliffs here.
The Verdon also can turn on you without warning. Pack a light waterproof layer, even in July.
Provence has a wind all its own: the Mistral. It can sweep through the Alpilles for days at a time, so pack a windproof layer alongside the sunscreen.
Further south, the Camargue and the Riviera turn up the heat. Coastal humidity clings, so drink more water than you think you need. A refillable bottle, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
Pack a light shawl or cardigan too. French trains, museums, and restaurants run their air conditioning cold, and the jump from the baking indoors to a chilled indoors could catch you out.
Winters split the country in two. Paris turns grey and damp, the Verdon gets proper snow, while the Riviera stays mild enough for a coat rather than a parka. Pack for wherever you land.
One more thing: France's cathedrals – Notre-Dame included – expect covered shoulders and knees, on visitors of any gender. Bring something to drape over bare skin and take your hat off at the door.
Packing tips
A starting list for summer:
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Water shoes for pebbled beaches
- Insect repellent
- A packable waterproof or windproof layer
- Sturdy walking shoes for coastal trails and clifftop paths
Other suggestions
At least one European travel adapter is needed in France. Pick one up before you fly, or at the airport once you land. For more information, read our useful electricity guide.
A small daypack carries the essentials between hotels, and doubles up nicely for an unplanned picnic or a spontaneous trail. If you want to know your valuables are extra secure, pack a money belt or bumbag that sits close to your body.
Bring your camera and phone, plus chargers and a spare battery or two. Between Provence's lavender fields and the Riviera's coastline, you won't want a dead battery at the wrong moment.
Planning a dinner somewhere with white tablecloths? Pack something smarter than hiking boots – a blazer or a good pair of shoes goes a long way in France's finer restaurants.
Fancy a spot of tax-free shopping? A photocopy of your passport will be accepted at the till, and it means the original can stay locked in your hotel safe.
Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in France.
