If you’re coming to Paris for just a week, or maybe even two, it’s definitely possible to travel with only a carry-on. I’ve traveled all over France, and even for over two weeks at a time, with only a carry-on and a small backpack. All it takes is a little careful planning AND choosing the right items. Here are some helpful tips for how to pick out your outfits and pack for Paris with just a carry-on bag.
Your Paris packing list
Although the actual items change a little depending on the time of year, the first thing you need to do is come up with a packing list. Here are my overall recommendations geared for those who are planning to come to Paris with only a carry-on suitcase.
Here’s what I’d suggest bringing:
- 4-5 daytime outfits
- 2-3 evening outfits
- 2 travel outfits
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 2-7 pairs of socks (fewer if you’re wearing sandals in summer or dresses+tights)
- 2 pairs of shoes (one comfy, one dressier)
- 1 cardigan or sweater
- 1 jacket/coat
- 1 scarf /hat
- Toiletries
- Your passport 😉
Your Paris daytime outfits
Why only four to five daytime outfits if you’re staying for six full days (your seventh day is usually your return travel day)? That’s because you’ll want to change for at least a few of your evenings, so you can rewear one or two daytime outfits or mix and match.
Don’t forget that if you’re considering only traveling with a carry-on to Paris, your goal is to pack lightly, but I’m sure you’ll also want to look nice, so four is what realistically will fit into a carry-on.
That said, if you’re coming in summer, you can likely swing one or two more since summer materials tend to be lightweight and thus take up less room.
So, what should these outfits be? Well, everyone’s style and comfort levels are different, but in general, Parisians do not go out in activewear unless they are going to a Pilates class. So I’d save your cozy clothes for the plane. They also don’t go out in Chanel and Dior every day. Aim for smart casual, straight-legged trousers, knee-or full-length dresses or skirts. Parisians also don’t wear many bold colors (except in summer).
Evening outfits for Paris
If you’re going back to your hotel before dinner (which isn’t totally necessary either), you’ll likely feel like changing in the evening, so I recommend bringing around two slightly nicer outfits, either a fresh top and trousers or a dress or two. Only bring two outfits, and you can wear them more than once if needed.
If you’ve got any reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, then check their websites for the dress code. For two or three stars, a suit jacket is usually required for men.
Other Parisian packing essentials
No matter the season, you’ll want to bring these with you to Paris:
- A scarf – Parisians LOVE scarves, and you’ll even find people wearing them in summer (albeit lightweight ones), I’d choose the thickness depending on the season, but in general a pashmina style for winter and late autumn, early spring, and a cotton or silk scarf for milder weather.
- Comfy shoes – A MUST! You’ll be doing lots of walking. I’d aim for slim running shoes or comfortable flats during the day or for the evenings.
- One pair of nicer shoes – I know it’ll be hard to stick to just one other pair, but to keep your size to a carry-on, try for only one pair, or in summer, you can likely get away with two since your clothing will take up less room.
Other tips for packing with just a carry-on:
- Use packing cubes – I never travel without some sort of travel organizer, like these great packing cubes which help keep your different types of clothing organized and more compact in general (you might even be able to squeeze in one more outfit!).
- Get some shoe bags – You definitely don’t want your clothes getting mucky, so this type of shoe bag works really well.
- Make sure your carry-on has a few compartments or sections – A carry-on suitcase that isn’t just a big open shell helps you be able to find your miscellaneous items more easily.
- Make sure your backpack/handbag has pockets – Your other travel bag can either be a backpack, large purse, or cross-body bag, depending on your style.
Top photo: Joel Casey / Unsplash
Second photo: My Paris Photographer
