I’m cheering from the banks of the Seine in a plastic rain poncho, my dress soaked and loafers sloshing. The rain has not let up once during the four-hour Opening Ceremony, but as we watch boatloads of beaming athletes float past us one by one waving their national flags, my smile could not be wider. By the time the evening comes to an end, Celine Dion is belting Hymne a l'amour from a glittering Eiffel Tower—some in the crowd cry, others dance, or FaceTime family—and a contagious sense of universal joy ripples across Paris.
What to pack for your trip to Paris this summer
25.07.2024 - 18:17 / lonelyplanet.com / Paris Olympics
Jul 25, 2024 • 4 min read
Go ahead and imagine it: you’re strolling along the Champs-Elysees on a perfectly sunny day. You’re hydrated. You’re wearing the high-SPF French sunblock that you picked up at the corner pharmacy. You’re ready to face a day of sightseeing, and you are – bien sur – wearing an outfit that makes you look perfectly chic without trying too hard. Sound like a dream? Well, it’s not impossible if you’re traveling to France in summer, and without too much fuss or expense.
I’m heading to the Paris Olympics this weekend – as a spectator, not an athlete, let me be perfectly clear – and I’m packing mostly for comfort and the weather, with one eye on style. Here’s what’s going in my suitcase.
Here’s the thing about France in summer: it’s hot. Sometimes it’s very, very hot. Let this be your singular guiding principle when you start packing. Focus on the absolute basics in lightweight fabrics and light colors: T-shirts, sundresses, tank tops, polos, and pants in cotton or linen all work.
The French are relaxed dressers, but they always feel a notch more formal than what most Americans would consider casual. Shorts are great, but maybe avoid the basketball kind, unless you’re a teenage boy or LeBron. Athleisure can work if paired with more dressed-up items, but keep it in perspective. If your outfit could also be worn to a yoga class, you’ll probably look a bit underdressed, and probably American.
Comfortable footwear is required for long days of sightseeing, and although this wasn’t always the case, athletic shoes are the norm in France. Wear them with pride and in comfort.
The best thing about this kind of clothing? It packs small and often doesn’t require a ton of ironing or hanging upon arrival. If you’re traveling for a week, try swapping out your big bag for a carry-on.
Accessories can make or break a hot-weather trip to Paris. Great pair of sunglasses? A must-pack. A visor or a sun hat? Indispensable. That’s especially true if you’re doing a lot of walking outdoors or seeing an event with seats in direct sun. Many Olympic events will fall into this category, as does tennis at Roland Garros. Even attractions like the gardens at Versailles offer very little shade. A hat can save the day and your literal skin.
Sunblock is another thing you’ll want to have handy. Pack it or, even better, buy it in France at the local pharmacy. Brands like La Roche-Posay and Vichy come in high-SPF and tinted versions that would likely cost you more at home. Plus, they’re more like skincare than the sticky goop you slather on the kids at the pool.
A personal fan is another way to keep cool. There are motorized versions that hang around your neck or are small enough to be stashed in a pocket. You could
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