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BLUE PASSPORT Travel · FrancePrintable checklist · verified October 2026
GUIDE PRATIQUELA VALISE

Printable checklist

Packing checklist

La valise

Everything an American needs for a trip to France, from plug adapters to the right swimsuit for a public pool.

Plugs
Type C and E, 230 volts
Carry-on liquids
3.4 oz (100 ml) containers
Checked bags
Usually 50 lb (23 kg)
Pack light
You will carry bags up stairs and onto trains
BLUE PASSPORT Travel · FrancePrintable checklist · verified October 2026

What to pack

Documents & money

  • Passport for every travelerValid 3+ months past your departure from Europe; issued within 10 years
  • Photos or scans of passportsSaved on your phone and emailed to yourself
  • Driver's license and International Driving PermitOnly if you'll drive; the IDP comes from AAA
  • Travel insurance policy and emergency number
  • Flight, hotel, train and tour confirmationsSaved offline in case you lose signal
  • Two credit cards with no foreign transaction feesVisa or Mastercard; keep them in different places
  • Debit card for ATMs, and its PIN
  • Your credit card PINsNeeded at some machines, tolls and gas pumps
  • A little cash in eurosOptional; an airport ATM works too
  • ETIAS approval, once it's requiredCheck the official EU site before you go

Tech

  • Type C/E plug adapters, one per personFrance uses 230-volt round-pin sockets
  • Phone, charger and cable
  • Phone plan or eSIM set up before you fly
  • Power bank, in your carry-onAirlines don't allow them in checked bags
  • Headphones
  • Offline maps and the apps you'll useTransit, trains, taxis and translation
  • Camera, e-reader, spare memory card

Clothes & shoes

  • Comfortable walking shoes, already broken inExpect 15,000+ steps a day in Paris
  • One dressier outfit for nice dinners
  • Layers and a light rain jacket
  • Compact umbrella
  • Scarf or light layer for churchesCovers shoulders; also useful on chilly evenings
  • SwimsuitMen need snug trunks or briefs for public pools; board shorts aren't allowed
  • Sunglasses and a hat
  • Warm coat, hat and glovesNovember to March
  • Sleepwear, socks and underwear

Health & toiletries

  • Prescription medicines in original containersBring a few extra days and a copy of each prescription
  • Pain reliever, antacids and anti-diarrhea tabletsIn France these are sold only in pharmacies
  • Allergy medicine and any EpiPensCarry a French allergy card; see the food guide
  • Glasses or contacts, plus a spare pair
  • Sunscreen and insect repellentSummer, and for ticks in the countryside
  • Travel-size liquids in a clear bag3.4 oz (100 ml) rule for carry-ons
  • WashclothFrench hotels rarely provide them
  • Earplugs and an eye maskOld buildings, thin windows, early summer sunrises
  • Hair tools that are dual-voltageSingle-voltage US hair tools can burn out

Day bag & comfort

  • Crossbody or zip bag for the cityKeeps phones and wallets away from pickpockets
  • Refillable water bottleTap water is safe and free fountains are common
  • Foldable tote for shoppingStores charge for bags
  • Coin purseFor markets, toilets and small purchases
  • Neck pillow for the overnight flight
  • Zip-top bagsLeaky toiletries, snacks, wet swimsuits

Traveling with kids

  • Passports for each childChildren need their own
  • Signed consent letter if one parent isn't traveling
  • Lightweight stroller that folds fastMany Métro stations have stairs only
  • Car seat, if you'll rent a carOr reserve one with the rental
  • Snacks, tablet and headphones for the flight

Before you leave home

  • Enroll in the State Department's STEP program
  • Hold the mail and set your thermostat
  • Check in online and choose seats
  • Check for strikes and the weather forecast

Prices and rules were checked in October 2026 and change often. Confirm tickets, hours and entry rules on official sites before you travel. €1 ≈ $1.12.