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Are you packing for a Paris trip and unsure what to bring? To avoid lost luggage, an increasing number of travelers are opting to squeeze their belongings into one carry-on. For Paris, this can be tricky, since you’ll want to strike the right balance between comfort and style.
I’ve been traveling with just a carry-on bag for years and even successfully did it last year for a two-week Paris trip. While there is certainly a place for checked luggage, I still think carry-on only is better. One small bag is easier to transport, there’s less opportunity to lose belongings, and you can skip baggage claim.
But how can packing successfully for Paris be possible with such limited space? First off, the below packing list covers all the essentials things to bring to Paris, which you literally cannot travel without. Additionally, I am sharing exactly what items I packed (and purchased) on both a summer and mid-spring Paris trip in just a carry-on to show you it can be done.
The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Paris in Just a Carry-On
Even though I am usually against checking luggage, I almost checked a bag for this trip. For two weeks in Paris, it would have been nice to pack a few extra things.
However, I was already having anxiety about traveling solo in Paris, and didn’t want to add lost luggage to my worries. Therefore, I turned to my trusty carry-on.
Since I’d already done this for a successful three-week trip to Greece, Malta, and Barcelona, I sort of already knew what I could fit. However, it helped that these were warm weather trips, which called for lighter fabrics and less bulky articles of clothing.
Packing for Paris in a Carry-on: The Essentials
Below are the items you’ll never see me travel without – especially internationally.
- Passport
- Copy of passport to keep on your person. I like to keep my actual passport locked in my hotel room to avoid it being lost or stolen. Even a phone screenshot is better than nothing.
- Global Entry card
- Boarding pass (be sure it reflects TSA PreCheck if you have it)
- Credit cards: I like to bring one Visa and one Mastercard when traveling internationally. In Paris, I noticed AMEX was often times not accepted at restaurants.
- ATM card: Wondering how much cash you should carry in Paris? Withdrawing about €50-€100 should do the trick. The only times I needed cash was for purchases under five euros at boulangeries and grocery stores.
- Face masks (optional at this point, but still handy to have on hand)
Starting in mid-2025, Americans will need a visa to enter France and other European countries.
Clothing for Your Paris Packing List
Outfits to wear in Paris vary by person and season, and it’s best to find a balance between comfort and style. Here are my best tips to consider when packing clothing for Paris:
- For hot weather: It was over 100°F during my July trip. Therefore, I packed a few extra light tops and dresses so I could change from sweaty clothes before dinner.
- For wet weather: Rain or snow is a great opportunity to pack fashionable boots. If that’s not feasible, at least bring some extra socks so you can change out of wet ones.
- Packing bulky items: Boots or heavy coats can be difficult to fit into carry-on luggage. Therefore, I recommend simply wearing them on the plane (you can always take them off during your flight)
- Stay comfortable: Bring clothes you can tolerate while exploring on foot and by metro all day long
- Mix and match: I like to pack multiple tops that can go with a few pairs of pants or shorts. It also helps to stay within a simple color palette of black, white, denim, and neutrals.
- Channel the Parisians: While I did squeeze in a couple playful outfits, it’s not realistic to go full “Emily in Paris” when packing just a carry-on. That said, Parisians have a more subdued style anyhow, so keeping it simple will help you blend in.
Below, I am listing out exactly what I packed, as well as items I purchased while in Paris during both spring and summer trips. That way, you can see what I was able to fit into my carry-on luggage during one-week and two-week trips. Note: you’ll see some overlap on these two lists.
The Summer Clothing I Packed for 2 Weeks in Paris
- 4 bras (1 strapless)
- 2 bralettes (1 black, 1 beige)
- 15 pairs of underwear
- 14 pairs of socks
- 2-3 pairs of pajama shorts
- 8 pajama tops (I like to wear ribbed tanks to bed)
- 1-2 camis
- 1 pair of white striped linen pants
- 2 pairs of denim shorts (different lengths)
- 1 pair of white shorts
- 1 pair of light green dressy shorts
- 1 pair of beige casual shorts
- Black eyelet spaghetti strap top
- Pink floral sleeveless blouse
- Cream short-sleeve peasant top
- Sleeveless, lacy maroon blouse
- Simple black tanktop
- Black tank-top body suit
- White linen tank top
- Blue t-shirt
- White t-shirt
- Black silk camisole
- Light blue casual, button-up dress
- Long, flowy dress
- Short black linen dress with puff sleeves
- Black casual sleeveless dress
- Patterned, super light-weight spaghetti strap dress
- 2 necklaces
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- 3 quarter-sleeve striped top (purchased in Paris)
- Cozy houndstooth vintage cardigan (purchased in Paris)
The Spring Clothing I Packed for 1 Week in France
During this trip, I spent two days in Bordeaux and five in Paris.
- 3 bras (beige)
- 1 strapless bra
- 1 beige bralette
- 9 pairs of underwear
- 9 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of pajama shorts
- 5 pajama tops (to save space, I re-wear these a couple times)
- 1 pair of linen pants
- 2 pairs of jeans (one loose fitting and one ankle)
- 1 pair of white shorts
- 1 pair of sweatpants (for lounging in the hotel)
- Cream short-sleeve peasant top
- White peasant blouse
- White linen tank top
- White t-shirt
- Simple black tank top
- Black silk camisole
- 1 lightweight long sleeve sweater
- Striped white long sleeve shirt
- 1 denim button-up shirt
- Long, flowy dress
- Dressy black spaghetti strap romper
- Kimono shawl
- Hat
- Lightweight scarf
- Trench coat
- Necklace
- Pearl earrings
- Sunglasses
- 1 new striped 3/4-sleeve shirt purchased in Paris
If you are staying somewhere with a washer and dryer, you can bring less clothing and save even more carry-on space. This is especially helpful when packing warm layers for travel in chillier months.
Also, spending two days in Paris vs. two weeks will require a lot less luggage space. Be sure to adjust this list for your own trip duration to avoid overpacking.
Footwear for Paris
Shoes will depend on what works for your feet, as well as room in your suitcase. For me, sneakers are the most practical choice for wandering through Paris. Therefore, I brought two pairs: one black and one white/neutral.
I recommend bringing no more than two different types of shoes in a carry-on:
- At least one pair of sneakers
- Dressy shoes/sandals (optional)
- Shoe inserts for people like me, who have arch issues
Personal Care Items
Below are all the essentials you’ll need for personal care when packing for Paris. Since you aren’t checking luggage, you will be limited to a 1-quart bag with up to 3.4 oz. each for liquids, gels, and aerosols.
To comply with this, I use small reusable containers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. However, if you aren’t picky, hotels and vacation rentals often provide these items for free. For things like face wash and shave gel, I try to find tiny samples for purchase from stores like Target, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty.
Pack in Your Carry-on:
- Face sheet mask
- Eye sheet mask
- Lipstick
- Chapstick (with SPF)
- NAKED Eye Shadow Palette
- Wide-toothed comb
- Dental floss
- Toothbrush
- Razor
- Pads/tampons
- Face wipes for makeup
- Hair ties
- Fashion tape
- Eyelash curler
- Deodorant
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Band-Aids
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Makeup brushes
- Eyeliner
- Eyeliner sharpener
Pack in a Separate 1-Quart Liquids Bag:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash (I usually get this Clinique set)
- Toner
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen for face (this one is my go-to)
- Eye shadow primer
- Mascara
- Perfume
- Hand sanitizer
Travel Savvy Tip
If it is still difficult to squeeze the above items into a small 1-quart bag, see if you can share anything with your travel companions (if applicable). For example, my husband always seems to have leftover space and we can both use the same toothpaste.
Additionally, some airlines have become more lenient with hand sanitizer in recent years. Therefore, you might be able to pack a small container outside of your normal liquids bag.
Also keep in mind that your hotel may already have shampoo and body wash for you to use.
Medications
It’s critical to continue taking care of your health while traveling; the last thing you need is downtime in Paris nursing an ailment. I actually stayed in bed a full day during my two-week Paris trip because of a stomach bug. Things happen!
Minimize interrupting your adventures for medical reasons by staying prepared. This includes daily prescriptions and preventative items, just in case.
- Prescription meds
- Advil or other pain reliever
- Band-aids
- Neosporin
- Vitamins (keep that immunity high while traveling!)
- Probiotic (in case of upset stomach)
Electronics
In today’s world, it’s necessary to travel with at least some electronics. For example, you’ll definitely want your cell phone for communication, if not also for navigation and photos.
Even though international flights usually have decent entertainment, I still like to download a few Netflix shows to my iPad. I also prefer to bring my Sony A6000 camera for better quality photos.
- Cell phone
- Phone charger
- iPad
- iPad charger
- Portable USB charger
- Universal travel adapter/converter (the outlets in Europe are a different shape and voltage than in the USA)
- Camera
- Camera lens
- Hair straightener
- Hair wand for curls
Other Paris Packing List Necessities
Below are some other miscellaneous items you will want for your Paris trip. I know I was glad to have the following:
- Copies of itinerary, entry tickets, addresses for lodging
- Small cross-body purse
- Any unused euros from prior trips
- Insulated water bottle (take advantage of free water fountains around Paris!). I also recommend filling it up before boarding your flight.
- Under-the-seat bag for plane
- Cell phone tripod
- Headphones
- Pen
- Alcohol wipes for airport and plane. On my Paris flights, the tray tables were filthy.
- Books
- Snacks for plane. I really don’t like plane food, so instead I bring granola bars from home and purchase sandwiches in the airport.
Items to Leave at Home When Packing for Paris
Don’t bother bringing the below items, which are supplied by your hotel or will otherwise take up extra space. You can always buy the below products as needed in Paris.
- Hair dryer
- Towels
- Hair spray
- Sunscreen for body
- Aloe vera in case of sunburn
- Bug spray
- Anti-itch cream for pesky mosquito bites
• • •
Now you are all set to start packing for Paris in just one carry-on bag and small personal item. Not only will you look fabulous while staying comfortable, but you will also avoid the growing hassle of checking a bag. All you have to worry about now is buying metro tickets and which arrondissements to visit (after getting that much-desired passport stamp!).
What are your Paris must-haves?
Hi. Can you speak a bit about the weight of your carry on bag to Paris and what airline you used? I am planning a trip to France/Switzerland and would love to travel carry on only but the weight restrictions for carry on is small. Thank you for any insight.
Of course! I traveled to Paris on United Airlines with a Samsonite softside carry-on bag. While it has an expandable top, I never use it because the extra items I fit might make my bag either too big or too heavy. Even though I traveled in summer, my bag was completely full of clothing. It was not weighed at the airport, but I think I probably would have been right around the proper weight. If you are not sure, you could always try stepping on a home scale first without your bag, and then with your fully packed bag to see if you’re good. I hope that helps!
I also want to add that I’ve done multi-country trips before with flights on multiple airlines with just a carry-on. Some of my flights within Europe (on Ryanair and similar) still made me check my bag. However, it is still always worth it to me to pack light, especially when moving around to multiple destinations, because it’s so much easier to get around with less stuff.
Fabulous packing lists. Thank you so much
Of course! Bon voyage!