For when France seems too far away. Shop for inspiring images of France and discover travel tips, packing advice, recipes, book reviews and more.
For when France seems too far away. Shop for inspiring images of France and discover travel tips, packing advice, recipes, book reviews and more.

Paris Packing Tips – One Thing I Never Leave Home Without

Packing Tips Investment Piece Cross-body Bag

‘If you could recommend just one thing to pack for a trip to Paris, what would it be?’

This was the tricky question that was casually tossed my way recently by a friend. And it sent my brain into a tailspin. 

Seriously, did she really want me to narrow the focus to just one thing? 

After all, a stack of packing tips had popped into my head immediately. 

You need to pack comfortable shoes. You shouldn’t leave home without something warm, regardless of the season you are travelling in. And of course, you’ll want to pack a scarf – you’re headed to Paris after all. 

But then I realised that all of those items are probably rather self-evident. My friend was looking for some less obvious advice. 

Culling the conspicuous packing tips made it a whole lot to settle on one item. 

From my perspective, if you are travelling to Paris, or anywhere else for that matter, you must pack a cross-body bag. 

Why I Recommend Cross-Body Bags For Travel

  1. They free up use of your hands. Are you likely to be navigating the Métro? Perhaps doing a spot of shopping? Or maybe checking a map? Then having your hands free will make everything a little easier. 
  2. Cross-body bags are available in a multitude of sizes, fabrics, styles and price points. Which means there is a version of this bag out there to suit every taste.
  3. Generally speaking, cross-body bags are secure in that they have a full closure. Yet they are also accessible in that zips and buckles can be easily opened without you needing to remove the bag from your body.
  4. And because you can hold the bag to the front of you, they are handy in crowded spaces, or in areas where pickpockets might be an issue. You can also keep them on your body while you stop at a café or restaurant.
  5. They are versatile enough to take you from day to night, particularly if go for an elegant option in a neutral tone.
  6. Finally, cross body bags can hold everything you really need. I laugh when I think about the bags I carried on our first few visits to Paris. I seriously carried some of the biggest bags in history. And what’s more, I filled them to the brim. So much so, I would develop shoulder pain by the end of our trip! Who knows why I thought I had to lug all that stuff around with me. Over the years though my bags have become progressively smaller, yet I still manage to carry all of the essentials, including:
  • Cash and cards
  • My passport
  • A phone
  • Tissues and travel wipes
  • Sunglasses
  • Lipstick
  • An EpiPen (for my allergies)
  • Keys

Your turn now. What’s the one thing you’d recommend packing for a trip to Paris? Please let me know in the comments section below. 

If you are keen for more packing tips then check out my top five reasons for travelling light. And if you are in the market for a new handbag, make sure you read the five key elements of the perfect handbag.

Until next time – au revoir.


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