Packing List & Travel Tips

What to Pack?

• Comfortable Shoes: Paris is explored on foot — cobblestones, stairs, and long museum corridors. Elegant yet comfortable is the Parisian motto.
• Layers: Parisian weather is unpredictable — cool in the morning, warm at noon, windy in the evening. A light jacket and a scarf are sensible year-round.
• Umbrella: Small and compact — Parisian rain is brief but frequent.
• Small Backpack / Crossbody Bag: Practical and theft-proof. Large backpacks are not allowed in many museums.
• Adapter: Type C fits (German plug without grounding contact). Schuko plugs with grounding pin may need an adapter (Type E — the socket has a pin).
• Water Bottle: To refill at the Wallace fountains (green cast-iron fountains, everywhere in the city).

Important Notes

• Sunday Opening: Most shops are closed on Sundays (exception: Marais, Champs-Élysées, Grands Magasins on certain Sundays). Supermarkets in the center (Monoprix, Carrefour City, Franprix) often open until 1 PM on Sundays.
• August: Many traditional restaurants, bakeries, and small shops close for 2–4 weeks “vacances annuelles" (annual holidays). Check in advance!
• Toilets: Public toilets (Sanisettes) are free and self-cleaning — green cabins on sidewalks. In cafés: order at least an espresso.
• Smoking: Prohibited indoors, but widespread on café terraces. If it bothers you: choose an indoor seat.
• Strikes (Grèves): Strikes are part of French culture. Metro, trains, and airports can be affected. Before traveling: check ratp.fr (Metro/Bus) and sncf.com (trains) for real-time information.