What to Pack: French Riviera (Summer Edition)

Here’s a streamlined and stylish packing list for a 10-day trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Aix-en-Provence, ideal for a carry-on and personal item. The key is versatility, breathable fabrics, and layering.

Essentials

  • Passport + ID

  • Travel documents (boarding pass, itinerary, confirmations)

  • Credit cards + euros

  • Phone + charger + power bank

  • EU power adapter

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight tote or day bag

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Medications + copies of prescriptions

  • Small toiletries bag (TSA-approved sizes: 3.4 oz / 100 ml max)

  • Makeup + SPF moisturizer

  • Travel-size laundry detergent / stain remover pen

  • Sleep mask + earplugs

Clothing (mix & match capsule wardrobe)

Neutral tones with pops of color or pattern make it easy to repeat outfits without it feeling repetitive.

Tops (5–6 total)

  • 2–3 linen or cotton tank tops / T-shirts

  • 1–2 blouses or elevated tops (for dinners or village strolls)

  • 1 lightweight long sleeve shirt (sun or chill coverage)

Bottoms (3–4 total)

  • 1 flowy midi skirt

  • 1–2 linen or cotton shorts

  • 1 pair lightweight trousers or jeans

Dresses (2–3 total)

  • 1 casual day dress (easy to throw on for village exploring)

  • 1 nicer dress for dinner or seaside cocktails

  • Optional: 1 beach dress or cover-up

Layers

  • 1 light cardigan or wrap

  • 1 denim jacket or lightweight blazer

  • 1 pashmina or scarf (great for flights, sun protection, and modest settings)

Swimwear

  • 2 swimsuits

  • 1 packable sun hat

  • Flip-flops or waterproof sandals

Shoes (wear one, pack two)

  • Stylish walking sandals (Teva, Birkenstock, or similar)

  • Lightweight sneakers (like Vejas or Allbirds)

  • Dressier flat or sandal for evenings

Toiletries/Beauty (TSA-compliant sizes)

  • Toothbrush + toothpaste

  • Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo/conditioner (or use hotel’s)

  • Razor

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Minimal makeup (tinted SPF, mascara, lip tint)

Other Useful Items

  • Foldable tote for markets/beach

  • Ziplock or wet bag for wet swimsuits or dirty laundry

  • Mini first-aid kit (bandaids, pain reliever, antihistamine)

  • Notebook + pen (for notes or journaling)

  • Guidebook or offline maps

  • Small umbrella or packable rain jacket (just in case)