*This is the famous cafe in Arles, France where Van Gough painted the “Cafe at Night”. Van Gough lived in this town for a few years.
After traveling to France five times now, I think I have a great idea of what to pack and what to leave behind. In this post, I’m sharing my top three must have items, and a bonus link to my other favorites!
*This photo is of the stadium in Arles where they still have bull fights
#1 Dresses!
This might be controversial because I know there are a lot of people who love to mix-and-match their items, so let me explain! First, dresses help minimize decision fatigue when packing – yes, that’s a thing. But dresses also help minimize over-packing. They are easy to wash, and they take up less space if you need to hang them up to dry (in case the place you are staying doesn’t have a dryer). They also look great in photos! When you visit France, take photos of yourself in front of castles, cafes, and cute doors, and when you do, you’ll be glad you were wearing a pretty feminine dress!
- This photo was take in the Provence region. They have an immersive light show inside an old stone quearry featuring Monet’s artwork and life.
Honestly, I don’t travel anywhere without this! It’s super affordable and decently small, so it fits perfectly into my carryon bag. Why do I bring this, you ask? Red light helps with so many things, so it’s a real life saver. If I get stomach cramps, a stomach bug, if I hurt my arm lifting my bag, stub my toe on the hotel room bed, get an upset stomach from trying new foods, etc., this little light is a lifesaver! Bonus, it also helps prevent wrinkles and aides in hair growth. Also, any time I’m feeling like I’m getting a cough or a cold, I hold this up to my nose and throat for 10 min each and I have always felt better!
Basically, red light therapy (when it has the correct wattage, intensity, and a few other things that are needed for effective treatment that this device has) it creates change at a cellular level. Red light therapy helps create new cells that help your body with whatever it needs help with. That’s pretty crazy, but for me, it helps me a lot. At home, I use this and my red light therapy mask daily. Here’s a link to a previous blog where I talk more about red light therapy.
*This was a photo taken in Provence looking across the river after we visited the local brocante!
#3 Comfy Tennis Shoes and No-Slip Socks
It’s the worst feeling in the world when you are walking all over France trying to take it all in, and your feet hurt, or your sock keeps sliding down to your arch area. Gosh I hate that so much. I also hate socks that are too tight and constricting. These socks are my ride or die socks and these shoes make it so I can easily walk 10k+ steps each day and have no issues.
The past two years before my trips to France, I bought these shoes and wore them around the house a couple weeks before my trip and had no issues with breaking them in. I love these shoes and don’t think I’ll ever waiver because the toe box is so roomy and the bottom of the shoes is firm and supportive, but also soft and cushiony (if that’s even a word). I’ve actually tried other brands, but they all end up hurting my feet or my back, so I’m sticking with these! They are also usually on sale for $50- $60 so that’s more than reasonable.
I would be a very bad friend if I didn’t also suggest that you pre-treat your shoes with a leather/suede protectant. Airports are dirty, so are places you’ll visit, so let’s protect those beautiful whites shoes with this spray, this pad, and this brush. Trust me, you will thank me later for these!
* This photo was taken in the quaint city center of Arles, France.
#4 Bonus Item
Actually, it’s two bonus items. Two things I always take with me are charcoal capsules and anti-nausea suckers. I usually buy the peppermint flavor (which is so good and I don’t like the taste of peppermint), but this time I bought the mango-ginger flavor… it was delicious! Apparently these are really helpful for morning sickness, but I use them to settle my stomach when it’s feeling off a bit. And I always bring the charcoal capsules in case I get glutened (I have Celiac disease and accidentally eating gluten or if my food is exposed to cross contamination, I get super sick real quick and the charcoal helps prevent the gluten from spreading through my body and causing more harm. It’s also great if you eat something that makes my stomach not feel well, I take one a day if this happens, unless my symptoms are severe.
To see a more detailed list of what I take to France – the must haves and the splurges, check out the detailed list here.
Did I mention that I fit everything I need into a carryon and personal item? Did I miss anything? What do you take to France?
