What to bring when traveling to France?

Question

I am traveling to France (for 9 days/nights) in June this summer and need to know if I'm missing anything essential from my packing list.

I'm going to be staying in Paris, the Loire Valley, St. Malo, and Normandy. I have NO idea what the weather is like in any of those places, and I have never traveled outside of the US, so it's my first overseas flight.

My packing list so far consists of:

*A couple pairs of jeans

*A couple pairs of shorts

*A light sweatshirt

*Tank tops, t'shirts, maybe a dress for nice dinners

*Boots, tennis-shoes, flats, flipflops

*Swimsuit

*A power converter

*Toiletries & makeup

*Money

*Digital Camera

*Ipod (for plane rides)

(and of course passport, money, and identification)

...am I missing any other essentials?

Answer 1

Don't forget your passport, umbrella, it't usually cooler in August, so you should be ok.

Answer 2

bring an umbrella, just in case..  we visited during september and it was really hot!!  but it would rain every now and then..

also bring a hair dryer..  we stayed in a hotel were we had to borrow the hair dryer from the front desk (it was always unavailable!!).

you should also buy water bottles (or any kind of drink) from the market and take it with you when doing your sight seeing.  water/juices/sodas are 4 euros each or more if you buy them from stands.

make a copy of your passport and give one to your parents and keep one to yourself.  if you lose your actual passport, it'll be easier for the US embassy to replace it, if you have a copy.

Answer 3

Yes, you need to bring pollows and blankets, because you probably will only have the bear necessities unless you have a really nice hotel. (4 star or grater) Have Fun and enjoy your trip of a life time.

Answer 4

A money belt.

Honestly, this is a vital piece of equipment whenever you travel. These is very little violent crime in France but there are an enormous number of pickpockets and sneak thieves who thrive on tourists who are focusing on having a good time.

You should also take into account the fact that June is a very wet month and that you can expect rain one out of every two days. I carry a rain slicker that folds up into a very tight little package that fits into a pocket. Not very fashionable but very practical.

The weather, on average, apart from the rain, is pleasant. In Paris the average June temperature is 22 degrees celsius/72 degrees farenheit.  Be prepared however for the possiblity of chilly moments. Arranging your wardrobe so that you can layer is a good idea.

Leave the shorts at home and take a sweater instead.

I'm not sure what you mean by "boots" but a good pair of proper water resistant walking shoes is essential. Forget fashion, style or looks and get the most practical ones you can find if you don't already own a pair. Leave the tennis shoes at home. Cobblestones and other rough surfaces in many areas will tear them up.

EDIT re the boots:

They look lovely but they are not what you need for walking around in. You need something with thick crepe soles, water resistant uppers and rock solid arch support. Realy, trust me on this. There is nothing more miserable than walking around with blistered feet in wet shoes on cobblestone streets.

EDIT re: Looking like a tourist:

Don't worry about it. The instant you open your mouth everyone will know you are a tourist even if they haven't already figured it out from the fact that you are looking at things, checking your map and carryng a guidebook. And that will be no problem. There are literally millions of tourists in France during the summer, everyone is making money from them, and happy to see them there.