After a 2 week-long vacation to Paris and the South of France, I have the ultimate travel checklist when it comes to where to stay and what to bring on your French adventure.
After exploring the enchanting streets of Paris and the sun-kissed shores of the South of France, I’m sharing top recommendations and everything you need to know about where to stay and what to pack for your own unforgettable French adventure.
Whether you’re planning to soak in the art and culture of the capital or relax and unwind by the Mediterranean, this ultimate travel checklist will ensure you’re fully prepared for every moment of your journey.
Pack Smart
First things first, the suitcase.
If you’re traveling to Europe, the lighter the better. However, that’s easier said than done when you’re planning outfits for a 2-week stay. That’s why I opted for the lightweight, Adjustable Handle Hard-Shell Suitcase 105L| Check In from MUJI.
This is my new go-to when it comes to traveling.
This Check-In luggage has received an eco-friendly makeover and a stylish new design, which is why I loved toting it on the go with me in France. It features a sleek matte finish (available in 4 colors) and a generous 105L capacity, making it ideal for packing all of my essentials- and then some- for this getaway. Additionally, it boasts an adjustable handle for ease of use as well as wheels that glide effortlessly and quietly. The built-in TSA-approved lock also ensures a stress-free travel experience from start to finish.
This was the perfect travel must-have for storing everything I needed for Paris and the South of France. Plus, it was super easy to maneuver and kept everything I brought super organized and put together.
Speaking of staying organized, packing cubes are a must when it comes to packing for any sort of getaway. I seriously won’t leave without them.
However, my packing cubes are a few years old and have seen better days, which is why I wish I had this set of Compressible Packing Cubes from the Monos x Sincerely Jules collection for my recent trip.
Available in a stunning limited-edition Cactus shade, this collab- done in partnership with Julie Sariñana of Sincerely Jules- features a collection of thoughtfully designed cubes that help keep clothes and belongings organized and compact. The brand’s compression packing cubes are durable and crafted from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. The interiors are also luxuriously soft in which the mesh design allows for quick visibility of contents on the go.
This is a definite must for your next getaway. Whether you’re heading off on a short weekend trip or you’re jet-setting across the world, packing cubes are a travel essential that are worth every penny.
Essentials for the Fashion-Forward Traveler
When it comes to packing, try to add a little French flair to your wardrobe. Think; timeless basics, elegant layering, and quality pieces. Plus, playing around with neutrals and striped patterns is a fun way to add a touch of sophistication to any French-inspired fit. This is because it makes for a versatile wardrobe that can easily be mixed and matched depending on the occasion.
These are some of my favorite places to shop for elevated basics, everyday staples, and fun beach must-haves that are essential when it comes to creating the ultimate chic French wardrobe.
MANGO
Before I left for my trip, I visited the MANGO Store at Yorkdale and stocked up on some go-to basics I could dress up or down for the trip. MANGO has the latest in fashion and footwear so these were some of my top picks for France:
Fitted Halter Neck Dress, Fine-Knit Crew-Neck Sweater, Slingback Heeled Shoes, Knitted Cardigan
EVER NEW
EVER NEW is celebrated worldwide for its effortlessly wearable and timeless collections that embody modern femininity. As a result, this is a go-to for me when it comes to finding items that seamlessly blend seasonal trends with feminine silhouettes for France. Check out my top picks below:
Jolie Button Mini Knit Dress, Josie Square-Neck Mini Dress
WINDSOR
Windsor is my go-to destination for occasion footwear and apparel since it offers stylish options that boost your confidence for everyday wear or special events. Highlighting the latest trends, Windsor’s collection includes everything from casual dresses to formal gowns. Check out my top picks from the brand below:
Love Me Flower Bow Halter Dress, High-Rise Ruffle Mini Skirt, Rhinestone Mesh Shoes,
PETAL & PUP
Petal & Pup is one of my fave online destinations for stylish and budget-friendly fashion. Check out some of my go-to pieces I rocked while out and about below:
Plisse Halter Mini Dress, Christina Knit Set, Zanita Set
SHEIN
SHEIN has always been a go-to of mine for new and exciting pieces to add to my travel wardrobe. This is because it’s an international online fashion retailer recognized for its stylish and budget-friendly clothing. The brand features a wide array of apparel, accessories, and footwear that are always on trend. Check out my go-to’s I brought and wore on vacay:
Bandeau Mini Dress, Flower Decor Bikini, Bubble Mini Dress With Straps, Polka Dot Print Dress
BYDEE
As one of my favorite places to shop for swimwear, BYDEE is a meticulously crafted swimwear brand that celebrates detail and design. It’s also inspired by the founder’s Mediterranean roots and travels. The company has now grown into an internationally recognized label, catering to confident women who appreciate beautifully designed pieces. Check out my go-to suit from the brand:
Ibiza Top in Soleil, Malaga Bottoms in Soleil
ALDO
ALDO is a global footwear and accessories brand that I can always count on for stylish and affordable shoes and accessories. Check out my top picks from the brand for my trip to France:
CALL IT SPRING
Call It Spring is a trendy footwear and accessories brand that features top-trending must-haves for any occasion. Check out my faves from the brand:
NEW BALANCE
New Balance is a world-renowned footwear brand known for its high-quality, comfortable shoes designed for performance and support. I wore this pair of shoes to walk all over France and they were beyond comfortable!
Beauty Essential
If you’re anything like me and you love maintaining a sunkissed glow on a year-round basis, the St. Tropez Self Tan Suprême Violet Mousse is the ultimate beauty essential for toting on the go.
Since I can easily burn if I stay out in the sun for too long, this was my go-to during my trip because it’s customizable and super easy to apply. As a result, this gave me a gorgeous golden glow without having to risk sun exposure. The mousse texture is ultra-blendable and offers a gorgeous rich, deep olive tan, giving you the ultimate summer sunkissed glow. Plus, Melanin Boosters help activate the body’s natural tanning process by utilizing micronutrients and polyphenols.
This product also uses the brand’s Tri-Tan Technology. which thoughtfully combines three potent active ingredients to enhance your tan to its fullest potential. Simultaneously, the violet-tinted base helps balance your tan’s tones, ensuring a more natural-looking finish.
Where To Stay
Booking.com has always been a go-to of mine when booking top-recommended accommodations and activities. It’s a top choice for finding accommodations due to its extensive selection of options, in which you can browse everything from luxury hotels to unique rentals. The platform is super easy to navigate and features tons of user reviews and ratings, ensuring travelers can make all-around informed decisions when planning.
My favorite part about Booking.com is that it has flexible booking options, detailed descriptions and photos, and easy comparison features. As well, Booking.com provides local insights, special deals, and reliable customer support- all within a user-friendly interface. This combination of convenience, variety, and valuable information makes it an absolute go-to resource for booking the perfect stay in France- and beyond.
Check out my top recos for accommodations all thanks to Booking.com:
Paris
Yuna Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Serviced Apartments
Boasting an Exceptional 9.5 rating on Booking.com, Yuna Saint-Germain-des-Prés is perfectly situated in the 6th arrondissement, in which it offers a prime location when staying in Paris. The property features an elevator, a 24-hour security service, and complimentary WiFi throughout. It is also just 1.1 km from the city center and Luxembourg Gardens. Additional amenities include a dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, and kettle, along with bed linen and towels.
Temple
Situated in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, near Sainte-Chapelle, Temple (apartment) is only 300 meters from the Pompidou Centre. This property includes an elevator and is 1.8 km from the city center and under 1 km from Notre Dame Cathedral, making it the ideal central location for visiting top tourist destinations. This spacious apartment features two separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area and dishwasher, as well as a living room with a flat-screen TV.
South of France
Maison Durante
One of our favorite central stays in the South of France was Maison Durante, which is a 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Nice. This stay featured a garden, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, and private bathrooms, with options for continental or buffet breakfast. The rooms are clean and spacious and guests also have the option to relax on the sun terrace. We also loved how the hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions like Sporting Beach and Avenue Jean Médecin.
Locarno
Locarno is a top-rated hotel stay that is only a 20-minute walk from the historic district. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, and a private bathroom, in which some also feature a balcony. A must-stay if you’re looking to travel around Nice and neighboring towns, Locarno is a 15-minute walk from Nice SNCF and local Bus Stations.
Be sure to check out Booking.com for more must-visit stays and must-try activities next time you’re planning your next getaway.
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: MUJI, MONOS, MANGO, EVER NEW, WINDSOR, PETAL & PUP, SHEIN, BYDEE, ALDO, CALL IT SPRING, NEW BALANCE, Samantha Vecchiarelli