There are four primary climatic regions in France: oceanic, continental, mountainous and Mediterranean. Weather conditions will vary from region to region as well as from season to season. Knowing where and when you will be visiting will have a large impact on what you pack.
Instructions
Pack for Fall and Winter Travel
1. Pack for cold weather. Take a medium to heavy coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Certain areas will be warmer than others, but all of France is relatively cold during this period.
2. Include a poncho or umbrella, especially if you will be on the western coast or in mountainous areas.
3. Take thermal underwear and heavy socks to wear under clothing. It may not sound very glamorous, but if you're out sightseeing, you want to keep yourself as warm as possible.
4. Exclude any shoes that are open-toed. Your shoes should be comfortable and weather-proof. Make sure they are broken-in before the trip and can be worn for long periods of time.
Pack for Spring and Summer Travel
5. Pack a mixture of short- and long-sleeved shirts, since weather conditions are often highly variable. Prepare for warmer weather along the Mediterranean coast and chillier weather in oceanic and mountainous zones.
6. Include a poncho or umbrella for travel during this time period, since coastal and Alpine regions often get rain. Continental parts of the country don't get as much rain, but you don't want to get wet while you're out sightseeing.
7. Take clothing that can be easily layered depending on the day's weather. You can't go wrong with neutral colors.
8. Add a sweater or lightweight jacket that you can take with you as you set out each day. Sightseeing may last into the evening, or you may decide to enjoy a dinner under the stars. Be prepared to fight off the evening chill.
9. Bring along a bathing suit just in case the weather permits a little time in the water. You will especially want to be prepared if you're going to be on the French Riviera.
10. Wear your bulkiest walking shoes on the plane so that you don't have to pack them. This will leave room in your suitcase for beach thongs and comfortable walking sandals.
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