What I Packed (and Actually Wore) for Two Weeks in France: Paris, Burgundy & Provence in Late April–May
Those of you who know me know I am a bit of an obsessive travel planner ,spreadsheets, approximately forty browser tabs open at any given time. This time was different. I did not have the time to over obsess. So when Steve and I finally landed in Paris for the first leg of our two-week France road trip through Burgundy and Provence, I felt something close to a mild sense of panic. I planned this trip on a whim.I had packed one checked bag for two weeks across three very different regions in late April and May when the weather can be anything from a chilly Parisian drizzle to a sun-drenched Provençal afternoon with the “Mistral” doing its best to ruin your scarf situation. Did I get it exactly right? Mostly. Here’s everything I packed, what I actually wore, what earned its place in the bag, and the one thing I almost left home that I wore constantly. Let’s chat about What I Packed (and Actually Wore) for Two Weeks in France: Paris, Burgundy & Provence in Late April–May.
What I Packed (and Actually Wore) for Two Weeks in France: Paris, Burgundy & Provence in Late April–May
Why Packing for France in Late April and May Is Trickier Than You Think
Let me say something that every France packing list conveniently skips: late April into May is not one kind of weather. It’s three.
And while we’re being honest — I am not a fashion blogger in the traditional sense. I’m not hauling clothes to France that exist solely for Instagram. I am 71, I have foot issues, and I have long since graduated from dressing for a photo and then suffering for the rest of the day. What you see is what I actually wore. If you came here for glamour shots in cobblestone-friendly heel, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong blog.
In Paris, you are looking at highs in the low 60s, overcast skies more often than not, and the kind of rain that arrives without warning and disappears just as quickly. In Burgundy, mornings can be genuinely cold, we’re talking sweater-and-jacket cold, even when the afternoons warm up beautifully. And Provence? Provence is sunshine and market mornings and lunches on terraces, but the Mistral wind is not a joke. It will arrive out of nowhere, knock your wine glass off the table, and make you very grateful you packed that extra layer.
Shop my Packing List
Why One Checked Bag (and Not a Carry-On) Made Sense for This Trip
For two weeks across three regions, and a road trip where we were moving our bags in and out of rental cars and hotels, a carry-on would have been an exercise in misery. I wanted the real estate. I wanted options. And frankly, when you’re 70-something and traveling for two weeks through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world with unpredictable weather, I am glad I took the medium sized bag.
That said, a checked bag is only as smart as the edit you make. I packed with intention (mostly). The misses are coming up!
My France Packing List: What Actually Made the Bag
Bottoms
This is where I felt most confident, and looking back, I’d change almost nothing.
Twill Painter Pants-I wore these with my Zara blazer jacket as a set, with the purple sweater and the black sweater and more.
White denim jeans were my single most-worn item. I know , white jeans in France for two weeks sounds like a recipe for disaster. I am careful, any spots are easy to touch up, and there is something about a white jean in Paris that just works. I wore them with everything: sweaters, my blazer, various tops. They went from morning museum visits to evening dinners without complaint.
Dark jeans were the workhorse. Cooler days in Burgundy, rainy Paris afternoons, evenings where I wanted to feel pulled-together without trying too hard. If I had to pick one bottom to bring to France in spring, it would be dark jeans. Every time, without hesitation.
My Lily skirt was the romantic in the bag.the dress I packed for Provence and was right to. There is something about a great skirt that can be worn with a tee, sweater or a shirt that works.i I wore it less than the jeans, but I wore it twice out to dinner and could have worn it more.
Ruti travel pants were the sleeper hit. Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, stylish enough to not look like travel pants, and comfortable enough to wear on a long driving day through Burgundy. If you don’t know Ruti, you need to. These pants are designed for exactly this kind of trip.
Tops and Layers
Three cotton pullover sweaters — one in a neutral and two in a slightly more interesting color did a lot of heavy lifting. They worked over my leopard dress on a cool evening in Paris, over a blouse on a cool morning, and on their own during warmer Provence afternoons. Easy, packable, endlessly useful.
My Zara blazer was, without question, the MVP of the trip. I wore it over everything, with a pair of utility pants as a set, with jeans, the Lily skirt, and the travel pants. It made casual outfits look intentional and dressier outfits feel relaxed. If you are packing for France and you do not have a blazer in the bag, reconsider. The French wear them constantly and with good reason.
I also brought a handful of tops, a denim, and two cotton versions of the same shirt from BR, — a couple of blouses, a black Michael Stars tee, and an interesting blouse for interest. A few basic layers that rotated through depending on the day. The key was that everything worked with everything else. No orphans.
My scarves were the hero element.
They don’t take up much real estate and worked wonders on transforming the outfits.
A trench coat was my outer layer for plane travel and rainy days Light enough not to be a burden, polished enough to feel appropriate everywhere. Worth every inch of luggage space.
Shoes: The Honest Truth
I brought four pairs of shoes, and this is where the mixed verdict comes in.
Sneakers were the right call and I wore them constantly. Cobblestones are relentless. Paris is a walking city. Burgundy involves uneven terrain around wine caves and village streets. Comfortable, stylish sneakers are non-negotiable, and I will not apologize for mine.
Low-heeled boots were the rainy day shoe and earned their spot completely. Paris was chilly and Provence had rain . The boots were waterproof enough, comfortable enough to walk in, and polished enough to wear to dinner. Good investment.
Loafers barely came out of the bag. I thought I would wear them constantly but between the sneakers, flip flops and the boots, I never really needed them. They were the polite houseguest who never quite relaxed. Next time I would swap them for a second, more versatile sandal or leave them home entirely.
Flip flops are a necessity for me as my right heel blisters easily. They were not the stylish sandal I could have packed, but they were leather and backless (a necessity for my skin grafted skin)By the time we hit the warmer days in the Luberon, I was wishing for something a bit more stylish.
If I’m being honest: three pairs would have been enough. Sneakers, boots, and one good sandal. The loafers were the lesson (that’s me dealing with my foot issues).
Accessories-the scarves saved me from boredom!
You can’t take too many scarves they transform every outfit and take up no space. Jewelry I kept to a minimum, machete tortoise earrings & bracelet, and a pair silver hoops. Handbags-one travel friendly from Lo & Sons, and a tote for the plane.
Travel Days
This photo is not exactly flattering. We walked to the Louvre fresh off our 14 hour plane ride before we were able to check in to our hotel.
I always wear the same outfit going and coming. This trip was no different.
What I Wore in Paris
Paris in late April is a city in the best possible mood, flowers on every corner, café terraces filling up, that particular golden light in the late afternoon that makes everything look like a painting. What it is not is warm. I dressed in layers every single day.
My uniform for Paris was largely: dark jeans or white jeans, a blouse or sweater, the Zara blazer, the Natalie Martin dress, and the trench when rain threatened. Sneakers for daytime museum-hopping and walking the Marais; boots for evenings. A scarf always.
The casual Zara blazer was the piece that made everything feel Parisian. I am convinced it is the single most important item you can pack for a Paris trip in any season.
What I Wore in Burgundy
The Ruti travel pants were made for Burgundy. We were navigating uneven village streets, sitting at long leisurely lunches in small restaurants where no one was in any hurry and neither were we. Comfortable, stylish, not a wrinkle in sight. The white jeans also worked hard here , they were just the right weight for the cooler mornings and evenings.
What I Wore in Provence
Provence is where the bag finally made sense in its entirety. It rained in Bonnieux, and the weather was beautiful in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, as well as Chataneuf du Pop. The Lily skirt came out for a visit. The sneakers stayed, but the flip flops got their moment in the sun,antiquing, literally.
Provence in May is not hot, exactly, but it is warm and it calls for lighter things. Market mornings in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, lunch terraces in Bonnieux, long golden evenings with a glass of local rosé, this is the context for which the more romantic pieces in the bag were packed, and they delivered.
Dinner at the wonderful Campelongue resort.
The Mistral, however, did show up. And when it did, I was back in the sweater or blazer. Pack the layers even for Provence. You will need them. I am sure if we were two weeks later the sweaters would have been a moot point.
Rainy day at Campelongue
The Honest Edit: Wins, Misses, and What I’d Do Differently
The wins: White denim jeans, dark jeans, Ruti travel pants, the Zara blazer, the two cotton sweaters, the trench, the low-heeled boots, the sneakers. Every single one of these earned its place.
The misses: The loafers, which barely saw daylight. The flip flops, which were too casual (even though I wore them a lot) I would replace both with one really good sandal ,something backless with a little more style that still works for walking.
What I wished I’d packed: Not much. And perhaps one more shirt or blouse. Towards the end I felt like I was rotating through the same tops, which is fine, but a little more variety would have been nice.
What I’d leave home: Loafers and the quilted jacket that took up too much space that I never wore.
A Few Final Thoughts on Packing for Two Weeks in France
Two weeks across three French regions in one checked bag is absolutely doable, and I would do it the same way again, with a few edits. The key is building a wardrobe that travels in all directions: from cool Paris mornings to warm Provence afternoons, rainy days, from wine cave visits in Burgundy to evening dinners wherever the road takes you.
France in late April and May is one of the great travel experiences. Pack for the France you are actually going to, varied, layered, occasionally unpredictable and you will be fine. If I were travelling a few weeks later I could have packed a carry on.
Now tell me: are you planning a France trip? I want to hear about it in the comments. And if you want to know where we stayed across all three regions, that post is coming soon.
Further Reading:
What to Pack and Wear in Paris in Late April – La vie on Grand
What French Women Over 60 Actually Wear-I Just Spent Two Weeks in France
Remember you can find all of my Shopmy Reader Discounts here
Oh how I loved this post, Cindy! And man do you look tres magnifique in anything you put on!!
Hi Linda
You are so sweet old friend!!
Thanks old pal!! I am going to visit the coconut casita one of these days!!
I’ve read many sites, but this is one of the useful and realistic guides for a 65 year old woman. We’ll be traveling to Quebec City soon and your advice is easily adaptable. Thank you!
Hi Amy
Thank you so much. It was a lot of work!!
Hi Cindy – thanks for writing about this! My 13 YO granddaughter and I will be doing a “grand tour” of France in June and July, starting in Provence and ending in Paris. I’ve got my packing list ready to go.
Hi Rebecca
Let me know how it goes with your granddaughter I would love to take Summer when she gets a little older!
Thank you Cindy. Your blog is the best one I have found in all my googling of what to pack for France in March/April (Close enough to your dates). I too am 71 and am a mad spread sheeter regarding packing etc. for travel. I am now so much calmer about what I have planned to pack and how to actually wear them in an “effortless” and beautiful way. All the other I blog have found have either been too young (!) or too “perfect French woman” (!) which don’t suit me at all. I can relate to nearly everything you packed and how you wore them and I am looking forward to adapting your lovely outfits to my very similar wardrobe for our 3-week trip to Provence and Bordeaux in 2027. You looked great by the way!! Cheers Maryan
Hi Mary Ann
Thank you so much! I sure appreciate it!! Enjoy your trip when the time comes and report back to us here!!
We were in Paris late August last year and it rained every day for five days, so my raincoat was the most valued piece. Am heading off next March to Europe, so it will be cold and although I don’t wear jeans, those Ruti trousers looked fab and similar to what I already own. We are catching some trains, so I am trying to pack a little less, or perhaps take a soft sided, light weight suitcase. Not sure yet.
This post was so helpful! thank you! My friend and I are heading to the same area in September. Can’t wait to hear about where you stayed and further info. 🙂
Hi Elynn
I will be posting on that next week!!
I have never ever met anyone else whose name is spelled the same as the way my mother entered it on my birth certificate! Was your name ALWAYS spelled ‘ELYNN’? As a young girl, the different spelling made me so unhappy. As a woman, I can appreciate my mom’s creativity.
I thoroughly enjoyed your Paris trip posts- your outfits were chic, polished, and so wearable. I especially loved how thoughtfully you packed and styled everything for the trip. It was inspiring without being overdone. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure. I personally don’t have the courage to(or the right white jeans) to wear white traveling.
Hi Ann
I loved watching what you wore on your last trip. I thought to myself…she gets it…comfortable, practical and stylish!
Cindy, I love this post! Love your chic outfit and honesty about what you packed and what you wore! I agree with you, if you are going to Paris you want to look nice, feel comfy and be able to enjoy the city and the sites. You do not have to dress for Instagram.
Hi EliZ
Absolutely! And thanks to you for all the great suggestions!!
Cindy loved this! Top be honest, I would have thought you were French- it all looks so good.
I agree shoes are always my issue… I pack too many and wear the same two most of the time. You have to have sneakers and your boots and flip flops even look chic. I like that you showed how you really traveled and wore. Your pants and jackets with the scarves look very chic. Great idea bringing a bit bigger case. I always wondered how that would work on trains etc, but the carry-on can sometimes be a bear to also drag! It’s nice to have less to manage.
You are making me want to go to France in spring. We were last in Provence in summer a few years back and those winds are no joke! We loved Isle Sur la Sorgue so much too… Thanks to Mary Ann’s recommendations. I hope you’ll do a post with the itinerary! So glad you and Steve did this! xo
Hi Kim
We adored Llisle Sur la Sogue too…would love to go back for the market!!
Great post. The thing that resonated with me the most was how terrific you looked and how much you looked like “yourself,” not some tourist version of you. It inspires me to continue to craft/curate capsules that look like me. Thanks, as always.
Hi Susan
Thank you. I thought when I returned that you all might be disappointed that I didn’t share unrealistic multiple “influencer” outfits. I am happy that I could share what I really wore. Jeanette made a good point about looking put together on top, then the shoes don’t matter!!
Your post, and the previous one, couldn’t be more timely!
Heading to the South of France this Friday for a river cruise and it’s going to be in the 90s! My items are similar to yours, but with more lightweight dresses for the hot weather. Appreciate seeing what your husband wore as well. We just put my husband’s clothes together yesterday. It looks like we’re on the right track. From France, we head north to Amsterdam on the Rhine, so layered clothes are a must. From the 90s to the 60s in two weeks!
Hi Emily
That always makes packing tricky doesn’t it. France in late April was a bit of a challenge as well.
I’ve been to Paris at least 20 times, and for my latest trip in April, I took only one pair of shoes. They were brown suede sneaks and were very comfy. They worked for long days of walking and for the fancy restaurants. We went to Monte Carlo, too, and they were fine for that location, also. I have decided if the top of me is put together, then I can get away with a more casual shoe. I always travel with just a carry-on and a bag and stay in places with laundry facilities. That way I have room to pack the goodies that I purchase.
Such a helpful post for an attractive, practical and varied European Spring Trip wardrobe, thank you Cindy!! You always look so perfectly put together. At the end of August I will be on a choir trip sightseeing in Oxford/the Cotswolds for a week followed by a week singing in Florence and then a few days in each of Verona and Venice just for fun – and a smidge of opera and gelato! Think it will be blazing hot in Italy but may be cooler (hopefully!!!) and more casual in Britain at the start of the trip. Any recommendations or pointers?
Thanks much!
Diana
Hi Jeanette
I agree with your theory! I couldn’t get by with one pair of shoes because I have blister issues but I could get by with two!
Hi Diana
Gauze!! The lily skirt if you can pick one up on eBay, and linen!!
Your capsule wardrobe was great—mixed and matched well.
Do you have a link for your Lo & Sons handbag? Please comment on the handbag for those of us not familiar with the company—quality, practical, would you use at home and not just traveling? Thanks
Hi Rose
I see I accidentally left it off. To be honest that bag was gifted. I had never heard of the company either. I chose it because it had a zippered compartment inside the bag for my passport, and a smaller one for my phone. No zippeted compartments on the outside for pickpockets!! I carry it at home to. It holds a lot without being bulky.
Hi Cindy! Your clothes were fun and a color coordinated capsule is the way to go. My husband and I sometimes spend 3 weeks to a month traveling and fit it into a carry-on bag. Talk about a challenge! I wear my heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane. Layering for warm to cool weather is a must. I still have a hard time cutting down the amount of footwear, especially with the weight that shoes add. I can usually fit 2-3 pairs in my luggage, while wearing one pair. Scarves are the secret weapon! They can be worn so many ways and can really change the look of an outfit. I’m always looking for new scarves. A good pashmina can keep you warm on the plane, too. A recent scarf purchase in London gave me the perfect color palette for the next trip to Newport Coast, CA.
BTW, your trip looked amazing! Vive la France!
Cindy you look polished as always, glad you had a wonderful time in France with fabulous photos to share 🩷🇦🇺
Hi Simone
Thank you so much!
I really appreciate your honesty, backed up with pics!
Cindy,
A huge thank you…. I live in Paris and friends are always asking me what to bring. I’m sending this article to all of them. The well-edited wardrobe you assembled was chic, fashionable and practical.
(I might add one little black dress with black tights that you could wear with boots and layer for dinners out if spending more time in Paris and not sure what the restaurant vibe will be.)
Bravo! Bravo!
PS. Because the best parts of Paris are seen on foot… Next time get some Compeed patches.
Available OTC in most French pharmacies. And the pharmacists (most of whom speak some English) will advise you how to use them.
Hi Lynn
I was burned as a child and the the grafted skin on my heel is very sensitive. I actually purchased those ahead of time! They did help. I did take a pair of tights to wear with the leopard dress if needed but I did not need them. If I were traveling a little earlier or spending more time in Paris another dress probably would have been appropriate!!
Hi cindy,
Lovely pictures of you and Steve!! I travel abroad quite a bit and your packing tips sound terrific. I get cold easily so third layers are a must. I hear great things about Ruti and they have petite sizing. Have a lovely week.
What a timely post for me! I am planning a trip to Paris with my daughter next year, but not sure if it will be in May or September. This is a great guideline! What do you do about laundry?
Loved how you packed … you looked great and your outfits were stylish and intentional. I was hoping to see you in the J.Crew wide striped shirt, as I have personally been thinking about ordering it. I love the wide stripes, but I’m not sure about the color. Did you wear it and did you love it? Thanks for the great packing post!!
I was in Paris the week before you (I think) and we had gorgeous warm but not too hot weather. I agree with you about the white jeans – they were perfect for Paris, and next time I might bring two pairs and leave something else behind. We brought jackets (a cropped trench for me), but only wore them in Basel – we didn’t need them at all in Paris! Well done on your wardrobe selection!
Sounds like it worked out well for you. Packing is always a crap shoot because one can never know the weather for certain. I was in Paris just 2 weeks before you and it got up to 79 degrees one day with other days in the high 70s. But then it also sprinkled a bit one day.
I’ve developed a method where I lay items out on my bed with all of the possible ways they can be made into outfits. I leave the blouses and sweaters folded and place them with the pants they will work with. The shoes go on the floor in front of them and I take pictures of each possibility. That way, when my luggage gets lost, as it inevitably will for the first few days, I have a record of what I have packed, also good for insurance if needed. Men have it easy! No jewelry, makeup and fewer pairs of shoes!
I read this with great interest because yes, I will be going to France, Paris, and Annecy plus London and the Cotswalds in a shoulder season, late September to early October. My particular challenge is that I will need to pack carry-on only because, although I am for the most part with my husband in Paris and Annecy improving our French at a language school, I am doing a solo detour by train(s) and need to be able to schlep my own bag. I am already planning, editing, and yes, stressing! That said, it is all worth it and if worst comes to worst , I may need to shop for a sweater or two!
Thank you so much for giving such a wonderful gift of a post! I always overpack and feel I finally have a true picture of outfits that work traveling as a 65 year old. The surprise for me were your white jeans. I love white jeans and now will pack them too! You are an inspiration as always. Thank you for sharing your special trip as well. Now to plan a trip…!
Hi Lisa
I wore the jeans three times. Of course had I spilled wine on them I would have been sunk!! I find they are easy to touch up and they look a tad more polished than blue.
Bravo on the packing! I’m trying to get away from that “just in case” packing, especially as aging makes it more difficult to schlep heavy luggage or too many bags, no matter how small.
I can relate to your comment about needing flip flops due to thin skin causing blisters, even with shoes that have been worn for years. Between blisters and bunions, it can be a challenge to find comfortable good looking shoes and sandals!
Would love to see a future post of you wearing the things you bought on your trip. So many beautiful purchases, including that Gerard Darel beauty. As a fellow scarfaholic, I am tempted!
Cindy, thank you for the very helpful post! My husband and I have used carryon suitcases for our trips for the last 20 years, even for a month-long stay in Florence, but looking at what you were able to fit into a medium bag (and your bags got to your destinations) makes me re-think my packing options. I may not pack the exact same items, but you have offered us a template to use for future trips. Also, it would be rather nice to walk through the airport not dragging one’s carryon. Thanks again.
You did great! You looked very French & blended in well, I’m sure. Neutral bases and those few accent colors in mostly solids, and the scarves, bien sur!- We began making our two week trips in late September and found the vineyards, trees etc full of color, and the temperatures perfect-and no mistral! So glad you enjoyed it but beware, you will want to return again & again!
Hi Janet,
I am going to Paris and Provence with my daughter the last 2 weeks of September.
I’m wondering about the weather? We were in southern Italy last September and it was very warm.
Thanks!
Hi Mary
Ask the more experienced French travelers but I would guess it will be warm! Italy can be hot that time of year!!
Think so too. I may need to buy your Zara jacket anyway. Love it❤️
Hi Mary
I love that jacket. It does run big. I could. have purchased an XS.
Cindy
Where did you purchase the animal print dress?
Thanks,
Penny
Hi Penny
The dress is linked in the shop my packing list widget. It is by Natalie Martin. Here is the link https://go.shopmy.us/p-59199136. I love that dress. I just wore it to a wine event last night again.
Loved your photos. Have been to all 3 regions, but over multiple trips, not all in one visit. Every trip has been either May or September and you are right about the weather!
The mention of Ruti travel pants does not “click through” to an item. I searched their website for “travel pants” and nothing came up. And the photo that is along with the other small photos of items you packed just takes us to the Ruti website. Can you be more specific about the pants you chose to take that ended up being a mainstay?
This was my favorite post of yours! So concise and informative. After ending up in South Africa without clothes for 4 days, I decided I had to figure out how to travel in a carry on. After years of hits and misses I finally am confident in doing so. I’m 73 and understand completely that you need to dress for who you are and not what you think you should look like. Foot comfort is imperative and can make or break your experience. Glad that you had a good time.
Hi Janet
I could do this in a carry on if the temperature was more dependable. I needed the sweaters and the jackets that took up space. I normally pack just a carry on. I have to say it was nice not dragging two carry ons around!!
What a fabulous post! We are heading to Burgundy, Provence, and the French Riviera on August 30th. This will be our 4th time in France. I’m pushing 58, and nothing beats comfortable feet. My Birkenstock white leather sneakers are my travel workhorse. I also love a good walking sandal. I am scarf obsessed (have been for years), so I loved all of your selections. I have a couple of pairs of Ruti pants, and they are amazing. I absolutely love your white denim. I need to check them out, as well as the animal print dress. Looking forward to the travel recap. Love your blog and style.
Hi Christy
You are going to be warm!! Enjoy your trip. I cannot wear birkenstocks (not enough cushion for my thin skinned heel) but my daughter lives in hers!
Cindy Loved this description of your clothing choices for France! I have taken only one set of pearl earrings, a watch, several scarves that coordinate to dark long sleeved tees, black trousers, a trench coat, two cardigans, and black sneakers as the wardrobe…one pair of nice shoes for dinners. I agree that the scarf planning helps everything and can change the look of the same combinations of clothing. The time of year I usually go to France is late Fall; it’s still warm during the day after a very crisp morning. As a carry on I have used a computer case which can hold magazines, a small purse, makeup bag , documents, snacks and a water bottle. That way there is one medium checked bag. The computer case can be underneath a seat with take off and in my lap otherwise or at my side. My first computer bag was a thrifted one! and lasted around 8 years…no computer taken but had a business aspect to it. Your trip sounds wonderful and I hope you will be able to return. I miss France ! Thanks, Donnie
Hi Donnie
I am sure I am going to get some comments about my wardrobe as it wasn’t “instagram worthy” but practical! I am too old to worry about that!!
You really did get it right! I love everything you packed! I didn’t see the white jeans you
took.. . Is there a link for them?
I saw your post with the cute green top from BR, so I ordered it…I love it!
Thanks for the Inspiration!
Hi Gay
I am sorry I accidentally left them off. I took the Frame jeans and they are now linked in the widget. I knew I would forget something.
Thank you💜
Hi, Cindy. This is a great post. I am heading to Provence and Nice for two weeks in September so I’m assuming I’ll still be packing a summer wardrobe with maybe a light jacket or a sweater for evenings. While the weather may be warmer when I travel, your examples of what style to bring to France is very helpful.
Hi Janet
Have a wonderful time and report back on how you packed!!