10 Things You’ll Be Glad You Brought to France (That Most Packing Lists Forget)
France is easy to romanticize but full of little surprises when you’re actually there. From cash quirks to public transport gaps, travelers often find themselves wishing they had packed differently.
These ten items don’t show up on typical packing lists, but they’ll save you time, stress, and awkward moments once you’re on the ground.
1. A small coin purse
You’ll need coins more than you think. Paris métro machines, public toilets, boulangeries, cafés with coin trays, all expect exact change.
French wallets often have a special pouch just for coins, and it’s not a bad idea. Trying to dig through your bag for loose euro cents while people queue behind you is a quick way to feel out of place.
2. A foldable shopping bag
Grocery stores, outdoor markets, and even small boutiques in France don’t provide free bags. Locals always carry a compact tote or reusable bag, often folded in a jacket pocket or purse.
You can grab one at Monoprix once you arrive, but having one from day one makes things simpler.
It also comes in handy when shops are closed and your only lunch option is a grab-and-go market.
3. An offline map app – or a backup paper map
Signal is unreliable in certain métro lines, older stone buildings, and small villages. Google Maps sometimes lags or crashes at the worst moment.
Having an offline navigation app (like Maps.me) or a small fold-out map means you can keep moving even when your phone doesn’t cooperate. It’s especially helpful when arriving late in unfamiliar areas.
4. A universal sink stopper
Many hotel and apartment sinks in France, especially older ones, don’t have built-in stoppers. If you want to hand wash anything, rinse fruit, or fill the sink with water, you’ll need something to plug the drain.
A flat universal stopper takes up almost no space and solves a problem you might not realize exists until you’re there.
5. A pen and small notebook
You’d be surprised how often you’ll need to write something down. French pharmacies, postal offices, and even hotels sometimes ask you to fill out short forms. Your phone might be out of battery or not allowed.
A pocket-sized notebook and working pen are simple tools that end up being useful more often than expected.
6. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
French weather turns quickly. What starts as a clear morning can shift to rain by afternoon. Many travelers try to tough it out, but soggy clothes and wet shoes make for a miserable day.
A foldable umbrella or packable rain jacket is enough to get through the downpour and fit easily in a day bag.
7. A small USB hub or compact power strip
Hotel rooms and vacation rentals often have just one or two available outlets – and sometimes none near the bed. If you’re charging a phone, watch, camera, or power bank, you’re stuck juggling devices overnight.
A small hub that allows multiple USB ports or a mini power strip solves the issue with almost no extra weight.
8. A backup bank card stored separately
Card machines sometimes reject foreign cards. Even major stations like Gare de Lyon have ticket machines that won’t take non-French cards, especially when they require chip-and-pin. Some travelers have had cards eaten by ATMs.
Bring a second debit or credit card and keep it in a different pocket or bag, just in case.
9. Good-quality earplugs for travel noise
Don’t rely on airplane freebies. City apartments often have thin walls and street noise starts early. In the countryside, you might hear roosters or tractors.
In either case, a pair of earplugs that blocks both high and low frequencies can mean the difference between a frustrating night and a full night’s sleep.
10. A short list of pharmacy terms in French
French pharmacists are knowledgeable and helpful, but not all speak English. If you need something for a headache, stomach issue, or minor cut, it helps to know the French word for what you’re asking about.
Write them down or save a quick screenshot on your phone. It saves you from charades when you’re already not feeling great.