France in February can feel like two trips in one, depending on where you go. This France February Packing List helps you plan outfits, shoes, beauty, and essentials that stay practical from museum days to long walking routes.
Use it to pack in smart layers, handle sudden drizzle, and keep your daily bag ready for transit, cafés, and day trips. Adjust quantities based on your route, laundry access, and whether you’re visiting the Alps or the Coast.
Note: This article is all about France February Packing List. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt it to your needs and share your tips in the comments!
How Is the Weather Like in France in February?
February in France is Winter, so packing works best with warm layers and rain-ready pieces. Expect roughly 0–10°C (32–50°F) in many northern and central cities, colder in the Alps, and milder near the Mediterranean around 7–15°C (45–59°F). You may get rain, wind, damp cold, or occasional snow, so plan for changeable days and lots of walking.
France February Packing List
Luggage & Packing Tools
- Carry-on suitcase – Faster airport exits feel great when the carousel’s jammed—mine stays with me and everything’s easy to reach. For smoother, low-stress travel, I’d bring a carry-on suitcase.
- Packable daypack
- Compression packing cubes
- Waterproof luggage cover
- Laundry bag for separates
- Small crossbody bag with zipper closure
- Refillable travel bottles set
- TSA-approved suitcase locks
- Luggage ID tags
- Foldable tote bag for groceries and souvenirs
- Mini lint roller
Clothes
- Thermal leggings – Cold mornings in the tent feel way less brutal, and I stay warm without piling on bulky layers. I’d toss thermal leggings in—easy comfort for the whole day.
- Thermal base layer top – Early-morning chills hit hard at the trailhead; this keeps my core warm without bulk and dries fast after a sweaty climb—worth packing.
- Insulated waterproof coat with hood (1 PCS)
- Wool or cashmere sweater (2–3 PCS)
- Midweight long-sleeve tops for layering (3–4 PCS)
- Short-sleeve tees for indoor heating (2–3 PCS)
- Fleece or knit cardigan mid-layer (1–2 PCS)
- Dark jeans or warm trousers (2 PCS)
- Water-resistant pants for rainy days (1 PCS)
- Thermal underwear set (1–2 PCS)
- Warm sleepwear set (1 PCS)
- Warm socks, wool blend preferred (6–8 PCS)
- Opaque tights for dresses or skirts (1–2 PCS)
- Day-to-night outfit top for dinners (1–2 PCS)
- Scarf-friendly dress or knit dress (1 PCS)
Skincare
- Gentle hydrating cleanser
- Rich face moisturizer for cold and wind exposure
- Barrier-repair cream for dry, irritated patches
- Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
- SPF 30+ sunscreen for Winter sun and snow glare
- Moisturizing lip balm
- Hand cream for frequent washing and cold air
- Body lotion for dry hotel heating
- Soothing face mist for dry cabins and trains
- Spot treatment for stress breakouts
Makeup
- Hydrating primer for dry Winter skin
- Medium-coverage foundation or skin tint
- Concealer for under-eyes and redness
- Cream blush for a non-powdery finish
- Setting powder for T-zone only
- Water-resistant mascara for drizzle and wind
- Neutral eyeshadow palette
- Eyebrow pencil or gel
- Hydrating lipstick or tinted balm
- Makeup remover wipes or cleansing balm
Hair Care
- Travel hair dryer – After a quick shower in a chilly hotel room, having my own means dry hair fast and fewer bad-hair surprises before dinner—worth packing if you like a reliable routine.
- Hair straightener – Bad hair days vanish fast—after a red-eye or humid afternoon, a quick pass keeps me polished in minutes. Worth packing for smooth, confidence-boosting mornings.
- Shampoo and conditioner travel sizes
- Leave-in conditioner for dry Winter air
- Anti-frizz serum for damp weather days
- Dry shampoo for busy sightseeing mornings
- Heat protectant spray
- Wide-tooth comb
- Hair ties and claw clips
- Travel-size hairbrush
- Scalp care treatment for dryness and flaking
Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof sneakers – Dry feet and no soggy socks makes the whole day smoother. After a surprise downpour or puddle-filled walk, I’m always glad I packed waterproof sneakers.
- Ankle boots – Comfy but sturdy on long city days, they handle surprise rain and uneven cobblestones without blisters. I’d toss ankle boots in—easy to dress up and still walk everywhere.
- Compact travel umbrella – Unexpected drizzle on the way to dinner? This little canopy keeps you dry without hogging bag space—worth tossing in.
- Waterproof walking shoes (1 PCS)
- Warm ankle boots with grip sole (1 PCS)
- Dressier flats or loafers for dinners (1 PCS)
- Wool beanie or knit hat (1 PCS)
- Warm scarf that blocks wind (1 PCS)
- Touchscreen gloves (1 PCS)
- Thermal neck gaiter for extra-cold days (1 PCS)
- Sunglasses for low Winter sun and reflections
- Small anti-theft bag lock
- Reusable water bottle
Documents & Essentials
- Passport
- Visa or ETIAS confirmation if required
- Travel insurance policy details
- Flight, train, and hotel confirmations
- Driver’s license and International Driving Permit if driving
- Credit card and backup payment card
- Some euros in small bills
- Emergency contacts card
- Printed prescriptions
- Copies of key documents stored offline
First Aid
- Travel first aid kit – When a blister or headache hits mid-transit, I’m not hunting for a pharmacy. A small travel first aid kit keeps things calm and on schedule—worth slipping into the bag.
- Blister pads for long walking days
- Pain relievers
- Cold and flu tablets
- Antihistamines
- Anti-diarrheal tablets
- Motion sickness tablets for buses and boats
- Bandages and gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Digital thermometer
- Reusable heat patches for cramps and sore muscles
Health & Hygiene
- Electrolyte powder – After a long flight or sweaty hike, one packet in my bottle stops the headache and keeps my energy steady—worth tossing a few in.
- Alcohol hand sanitizer
- Hand soap sheets for public restrooms
- Travel tissues
- Wet wipes
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss or interdental picks
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor and shaving cream
- Nail clippers and nail file
- Small packet of laundry detergent sheets
Tech & Electronics
- Universal travel adapter – Nothing kills momentum like a dead phone at an airport café—this keeps everything charging in any outlet, so I’m calm and ready. I always toss one in.
- Power bank – Peace of mind when your phone drops to 5% mid‑commute—no scrambling for outlets, just quick top‑ups for maps and tickets. I’d toss a power bank in if you can.
- Wall charger – Keeps my phone alive during long layovers when every outlet’s taken for a minute. I toss a wall charger in so I can top up fast and stay relaxed.
- Noise cancelling headphones – Long layovers feel way shorter when the cabin noise disappears and I can actually relax or focus. I’d toss noise cancelling headphones in—worth it for instant calm.
- Bluetooth speaker – Instantly makes the room feel like yours—music on while you unpack or shower keeps the mood up and cuts the silence. I’d toss one in for easy, reliable sound.
- E-reader – Long layovers go faster when I can dip into a book without hauling hardcovers, and the backlight saves my eyes on red-eye flights—worth tossing it in.
- Phone with offline maps downloaded
- Charging cables for all devices
- SIM card or eSIM plan for France
- Smartwatch charger
- Camera and memory card
- Small tripod for photos
- USB flash drive for backups
Entertainment
- Podcast downloads for train rides
- Offline playlist
- Travel journal
- Pen
- Small card game
- Mini crossword or puzzle book
- Language app with offline French lessons
- Downloaded museum audio guides
Extras
- Reusable shopping bag for markets and pharmacies
- Snack bars for long transit days
- Thermos or insulated cup
- Mini sewing kit
- Stain remover pen
- Compact binoculars for viewpoints and architecture
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Door alarm for extra accommodation security
- Travel clothesline
Travel Tips
- Plan layers for indoor heating and chilly outdoor walks
- Choose shoes with grip for wet cobblestones and metro stairs
- Keep a small umbrella in your day bag daily
- Book key museum tickets ahead for shorter Winter queues
- Use a crossbody bag with zippers on busy transit lines
- Carry hand cream and lip balm for cold-dry days
- Build a simple capsule of mix-and-match tops and bottoms
Visa Tips
- Check Schengen rules based on your passport nationality
