Twelve Travel Essentials For Your First Paris Trip

For a long while, my travel wardrobe I didn’t stray too far from my staples. I’ve worn this outfit before North Face softshell jacket through Africa and Argentina…and in Bulgaria and Vietnam. As a travel writer, I loved having a suitcase ready to go with items I knew would be appropriate for every destination…and then came Paris. My first visit to Paris as an adult was a departure from my previous visits as a child. I had packed for my childhood trips, but I didn’t know what I would need. mark me as a tourist Comfortable and stylish: The following are some examples of how to get started: fashionable.

Paris is one of the cities that causes tourists to have packing anxiety. I was reminded of this fact after moving there in 2023. I assumed when I moved here, I would get emails from friends—and friends of friends of friends—asking for tips on where to eat or what to see, but the number one request I get from anyone visiting the city for the first time is: “What do I pack?” 

To help travelers visiting the city for the first time—or making a return trip—I’ve narrowed my responses down to the most important travel essentials, leaving plenty of room for adding any la mode branchée You can also add trendy items (i.e. trendy pieces) to the luggage.

Clothes, Shoes and Accessories

Rothy’s The Almond Slingback

Comfortable shoes are a must-pack for the City of Lights—you’ll rarely see Parisians in heels for this reason—and this pair of Rothy’s slingbacks has become my go-to for nearly every outfit. They look great with a dress for nicer dinners out and are super comfy for museum visits and strolls through the marché. They are easy to slip on or off for spontaneous park picnics, or getting through TSA. Rothys are machine washable so you can keep them clean.

Athleta Skyline High Rise Barrel Leg Pant 

While in Paris, I recommend dressing a little more formally than you would normally do. These stretchy, comfortable pants are an excellent alternative to yoga pants (unless you happen to be in the gym). They’re perfect for almost any situation (and they can be worn with many different shoes and tops). These pants have a sleek silhouette, but they’re made of a fabric with an athletic feel. They dry quickly so you can stay comfortable and dry all day.

Uniqlo Mini T-shirt

Marinière-style In the city, however, a solid-colored T shirt can be just as effective. Wear this plain Uniqlo tee under a blazer for a casual yet chic look, or pair it with a skirt for afternoons sipping rosé by the Seine. 

Athleta Pinnacle High Rise Trouser 

Pinnacle Highrise Trousers, another pair of Athleta trousers I can vouch are comfortable and stylish. They have all the benefits of yoga pants but with the chic style of Parisians. The pants are made from a nylon fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you cool. They also have plenty of stretch, which is great for comfort. The fabric is wrinkle resistant, so these pants can be easily folded into your suitcase without needing to be ironed later.

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan

You can’t go wrong with pretty much anything from French brand Sézane, but if you have to pick one staple to invest in, go with one of their classic cardigans. This super-soft sweater is a great lightweight layer to throw on for those chilly spring or summer nights, or even as a standalone top during cooler seasons. 

Zara Basic Blazer

Parisians can easily transition from day to evening with a timeless blazer. This method is great with straight jeans, loafers and a light-colored shirt. It also works well over a black dress or a little white dress. It adds an instant classy touch to any outfit—and helps you blend in seamlessly with the locals. 

Madewell Dean Easy Straight Jean

Denim fashions come and go in Paris, but straight-leg denim jeans are timeless. The Madewell low-rise jeans are a timeless classic that you will find in many Parisian wardrobes. They fall at the perfect place and offer versatility. You’ll find your perfect fit with the standard, petite and tall inseam choices.

Flux Adapt Knit Trainer

A pair of comfortable tennis shoes is crucial to an enjoyable Paris experience—there will be A ton You can still walk around the city even if your Uber or taxi is a little more expensive. Why not make this essential item fashionable too? These Flux sneakers feature a breathable upper and adaptable insoles to provide added comfort for newcomers. zero-drop shoe The sole of the shoe is very thin, and encourages a natural stride. 

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Dress

The best thing a traveler to Paris can bring is a little black dress. It should be able to be dressed up and down according the the occasion. A stretchy LBD is dressed up or down depending on the occasion with a cardigan, white sneakers, and ballet flats. 

Luggage and Bags for Travel

Lo & Sons Trinity Tote

This Lo & Sons laptop tote has been one of my favorite bags for getting around the city. Many Parisians carry a small crossbody bag The following are some examples of how to get started: a tote, but I love that this bag has all you need in one—it’s stylish versatility at its best. The sleek design of a crossbody bag is enhanced by the zippers. The bag is more spacious than a typical tote. You can fit an umbrella, passport, wallet, water bottle and much more. 

Delsey Paris Helium Softside 2-wheel Carryon

I always recommend a two-wheeled suitcase when traveling in Europe. But I find this especially important for Paris, because the uneven pavement and sidewalks there require a bag that is more maneuverable than a four wheel suitcase. Delsey—a French brand, with headquarters just outside of Paris—is beloved throughout Europe for its durability and security features, and its wheels are some of the most sturdy on the market. This suitcase comes with pockets that can be used for organization, and it is expandable up to two inches.

Rorry Portable Charging 

If you are in Paris, your phone will be used more than usual (e.g. for navigation, booking museum tickets, taking photos, making reservations).Always carry a portable charger. This Rorry power bank is small enough to be carried in a purse, but powerful enough to charge a smartphone twice. 

Owala Free sip

Although few locals ever carry a water bottle—they prefer to hydrate at a restaurant or at home—there are more than 1,300 drinking water fountains around the city, and most tap water is safe to drink (just avoid drinking from anything with a sign that says ‘eau non potable’). It’s always a good idea, especially if you’re on your feet for the entire day, to keep a water bottle in your bag. They’re also allowed in many museums and shops so it won’t be a problem. Owalas have a lid that protects the mouthpiece against germs and allows you to drink from the spout as well as with a straw.

Weatherman Compact Umbrella 

In Paris, the joke is that you only get wet when you forget your umbrella. Tossing an umbrella is always a smart idea. small umbrella In your bag, backpack or tote, before you head out to explore the city. This Weatherman umbrella has a sturdy design and is compact, so it’s perfect for windy conditions. The following are some examples of how to get started: Rainy days 

Epicka Travel Adapter

It’s been years since I used this travel adapter, and it has never let me or my family down. Although I live in Paris, and I have chargers which fit EU plugs I still carry this adapter when I’m out for the day. The USB ports are great because they allow me to charge all of my devices simultaneously.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter We’ll send our favorites travel products to you every week.