What To Pack For Paris In The Spring

Well, spring has bloomed in Paris. And, as a result, my social media feeds are full of ‘soon to be travellers’ sharing their plans.

For some it is their very first visit to Paris. Others have made the trip many times before. But all are united by the sense of excitement that can only come from visiting Paris in the spring.

Travel plans are extremely varied. Many people are keen to check out the museums. More than a few are looking forward to a mix of wandering and people watching. And there appears to be a very large group who are saving their pennies so they can do a spot of shopping.

Of course, requests for restaurant recommendations and attraction advice are coming through fast. Each with a sense of high anticipation.

But, if the questions that I’m receiving are anything to go by, something that isn’t bringing joy is the thought of needing to pack for Paris. 

I get it. I really do. 

You want to look stylish. Like you are meant to be there. And you certainly don’t want to look like a tourist.

Yet packing for Paris in the spring can be tricky – especially if you want to travel light. This is due to the fact that the weather is so changeable. On one trip, we experienced a top temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and only two days later it hit 86 degrees. 

It was seriously crazy weather. And I was so glad that my trips over the years coupled with my style training had me ready for anything. There is nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable and out of place on a trip.

So what should you pack for Paris in the spring? Here are a few of my thoughts:

Paris In The Spring

• Pack scarves – at least two. One lightweight and one a little heavier. Scarves are perfect for changeable weather. They add a stylish element to your outfit and extra warmth if you need it. They’re also exceptionally easy to pack – as well as being a Parisian style staple.

• Take a coat or jacket, particularly in early spring. I’d suggest either a hip length leather jacket or a classic trench coat. Even if you are travelling later in the season you should take some sort of decent outerwear. 

• Make the obvious decision to pack jeans or pants during spring. But also think about supplementing your jeans with a skirt for this season. And I always pack a lightweight dress (either short or long sleeved) when travelling in May.

• Think hard about shoes. Shoe selection can be a real challenge in the spring. Early in the season I’d suggest comfy ankle boots that go with both your jeans and your skirts. And for the rest of spring, ballet flats or sneaker styles will likely suffice. Make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable enough for walking because you do a lot of it in Paris. Many a potentially perfect Parisian trip has been ruined by poor footwear choices.

• Pack tops that go with all the skirts and jeans I’m packing. A simple tip I know, but I love simple tips. Consider both long and short sleeve options and don’t forget to pack something dressy for nights out.

• Follow the advice of Catherine from Taste of France who recommends you always pack a wool or cashmere sweater for spring trips.

• Apart from considering what you are planning to do on your trip – think layering. Layers are your best friend when you’re travelling in changeable weather and want to travel light.

Want More Help? Introducing the Ultimate Packing For Paris Toolkit

Because I’ve been getting so many packing questions lately, I decided to create a free toolkit for Distant Francophile readers. It’s designed to take the pain out of packing for Paris. Made up of eight information packed guides, the toolkit shares my very best packing tips. It teaches you how to avoid the worst packing mistake and also includes a season-by-season shoe packing advice. This toolkit contains everything you need to travel stylishly all year round.

To access your Ultimate Packing For Paris toolkit, enter your email address in the box below. You’ll also receive some extra freebies and regular doses of French inspiration via my email updates. 

I really hope you find it useful.

Are there any tips you have to make packing for Paris in spring easier? What about something that you always pack for Paris? I’d love for you to share your spring packing advice in the comments section below.

Until next time – au revoir.

P.S. If you feel like you need personalised support as you pack for Paris, don’t forget that I offer a specialised packing consultation service. Click here to find out more about my Effortless Packing Masterclass.