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
Linda & Michael
When we received our packet, I was amazed with all the info. Emilie put into it for our trip. We needed more time in the day for places on our daily agenda that we did not get a chance to visit. We will just have to return and finish them on the next trip to the Loire. Flo and Phil's, Les Bournais was a charming place with wonderful accommodations …
Marcia
We would highly recommend “France Just for You” and will most defiantly use the services of Emilie again. At the end of April 2017 we spend two weeks in France visiting Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Lorie Valley and Paris. We can would sum the trip in one word “Perfect!”. Emilie well prepared us with a personalized book, (179 pages) , describing our …
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 …
Carolyn
We had a truly remarkable adventure across France. France Just For You created an amazing itinerary that captured the essence of France. Their planning and support made the trip effortless and enjoyable. Each B&B offered a home like atmosphere and allowed us to meet people across the many different regions of France. We were able to experience so …
Kelly
My husband and our friends spent two weeks travelling around Northern France, the Loire Valley and Paris. Emilie provided us with a detailed itinerary that exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were excellent and unique providing us with a variety of B & B's. Her recommendations for tours and sights took into consideration our interests and …
Cat & Family
One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France Just for You is definitely the travel consultant you go to. Emilie’s very quick replies to queries, personal knowledge of having been to places recommended and …