Ready for a trip to Provence but unsure what to pack? For this practical guide, I asked an expert on the subject to share her tips. My friend Esther lives in Normandy, where she works for a company whose headquarters and factory are in Avignon. For the past 20 years, she’s been summoned annually to a seminar there in late August. She’s become an expert at packing the perfect suitcase for a summer stay in Avignon. Trust her superpower for organizing small spaces and her pragmatic mindset.
Consider your mode of transport to the South
Before deciding what to pack, start by choosing your luggage: duffel bag, hard-shell suitcase, with or without wheels. All options are valid. I base my decision on how the suitcase will be carried and handled.
In general, the rule is one bag per able-bodied person—easier to manage than one huge shared suitcase. If traveling as a family, pack shared-use items separately, then distribute them among everyone’s luggage based on available space.
Flying to the South of France
If you’re flying, you’ll have to comply with strict airport security rules: maximum cabin luggage size and weight limits for checked baggage. Don’t try to cheat—rules are enforced.
When flying, I strongly recommend a solid suitcase with a hard shell for the hold, as it protects your belongings. Add a strap through the handle to keep it closed in case the lock breaks or the zipper fails.
Wheeled luggage is essential for airport access ramps, orientation corridors, and large halls. Distances can be athletic! What feels light at home can become a burden in transit.
Train travel to Avignon Centre
You’ll be carrying your luggage to the train platform and through metro corridors, probably in Paris. In this case, wheels are a must. You may face stairs, which are equally tiresome up or down with baggage. Don’t count on escalators—they’re often broken or overcrowded. Once on the train, SNCF offers limited luggage space—bags are stacked roughly. And you’ll need height and strength to pile yours on top.
Don’t forget: identification is mandatory—name, town, and phone number on a disposable paper tag (available for free at ticket counters) or a durable fabric/plastic tag.
Road trip to Provence
Driving is the most convenient way to choose what to pack: short distance from home to trunk and then to your lodging. No wheels needed. I love individual and thematic travel bags—they’re easier to fit in the always-too-small trunk. It’s a real-life game of Tetris to avoid having the cooler end up on someone’s lap!
Avignon is still France!
Plenty of blogs offer packing lists for Provence, but the “just in case” sections are often overkill. You risk overpacking with things you could easily find on-site. Yes, even if Avignon feels far from home, it has the same shops and pharmacies as your own town. Don’t bother packing a box of band-aids—you’ll find some if needed, and bring them back home if unused. Not the other way around!
What if you must check out early?
If you must vacate your accommodation early on the last day, how can you enjoy your final hours without lugging bags? In case you’re driving, problem solved—leave them in the car (ideally parked in the shade and secure, especially if perishables are inside).
If using public transport, look for luggage lockers. Most tourist spots offer luggage storage. When in doubt, ask a staff member if they can hold your bag during your visit—and don’t forget a small tip when you retrieve it. Airports and train stations (TGV or regional) also have lockers for small bags and suitcases.
Clothes for a comfortable vacation
Let’s talk about how to make sure you don’t forget anything when packing for Avignon.
Tip 1: Lay out everything you plan to take on your bed or table. One pile per complete outfit per day: top and bottom, underwear, shoes, accessories.
Bonus for women: A dress takes up less space than a t-shirt + skirt or blouse + pants. This becomes strategic when trying to fit everything in your suitcase.
Once in the South, the heat will drive you straight to the shower after your daily activities. You won’t want to wear the same sweaty clothes again—so a second set of evening outfits is essential. Add a light sweater to each pile.
Take a break here—you’ll probably panic: there’s no way it will all fit in your suitcase!
Make everything match to save space
Tip 2: Reduce the bulky accessories. For example, if dress A goes with shoes A and dress B with shoes B, find an alternative dress A’ that also goes with shoes A. Replace B with A’, and you’ve halved your shoe load!
This also applies to sweaters for cool evenings: choose one that matches all outfits. A basic cardigan or hoodie is your best friend here.
Beware of A/C in Southern France
Let’s address the cold lurking in Provence. Tourists wrongly assume heat is constant. Outside, yes. Inside? Drastically different. On August 25, a roommate once got up to add a duvet because the A/C was freezing. That’s right: air conditioning!
In Normandy, a hot day means 22–28°C, with cool indoor temps around 20–25°C (a 5°C difference).
In Avignon, outdoor temps hit 31–38°C, while indoors stays at 20–25°C, often a 10°C drop.
Most public places are air-conditioned:
- Museums
- Theaters
- Restaurants
- Hotel rooms
- Mid- to high-end shops
So, always carry a warm top and perhaps a light scarf to protect your throat.
How many clothes to pack?
If there’s one thing not to pack for Avignon, it’s laundry detergent. Even space-saving versions are unnecessary.
With 2 outfits per day and interchangeable pieces, you already have backup plans for spills or extra changes.
Still, if you must wash something, use what you have: soap, body wash, shampoo. Scrub in the sink, rinse well, hand-wring, and hang on a hanger (they can go anywhere: shower, window, balcony, tree…). Several hanging clothes can give your rental a charming Italian vibe.
For longer stays, use hotel laundry or a laundromat—often found near rural supermarkets with 30-minute quick cycles and detergent included.
What to pack for windy weather?
The Mistral—a strong Southern wind—is rare in summer but not impossible. Be prepared with:
- A windbreaker (not necessarily warm, just windproof: raincoat, K-way, canvas jacket). Wool sweaters don’t block wind.
- Hair accessories: If your hair goes past your jawline, it’ll go wild in the wind. Pack clips, headbands, ties, scarves, or bandanas.
Anti-fatigue footwear for exploring Avignon
Shoes deserve their own section in your packing decisions. The challenge is to balance:
- Comfort for walking (on cobblestones or trails)
- Style that matches your outfits
- Breathability to prevent swelling
- Compact size for your suitcase
Ideal shoe types:
- Canvas or leather ballet flats (not tight)
- Ankle-strap sandals
- Comfortable flip-flops
- Espadrilles, fitted with or without ankle ties
Avoid heels or platforms. Choose flat models.
Reapply the “everything matches everything” rule to reduce how many pairs you bring.
What to pack besides clothes?
Once you add pajamas, the essentials are mostly done. But here’s the rest—the “essential extras” you’ll need in Provence:
Preparing for the sun
Provence promises sunshine, but we Northerners aren’t used to it. Here’s how to co-exist with that bright beast:
Avoid sunburn:
- Hat or cap: Fabric can be soaked to cool your head.
- Quality sunglasses: UV rays damage your eyes just like skin. Unprotected, your vision may age prematurely.
If you forget, replacements are a must and easy to find at gas stations, train stations, or airports.
Strong sunscreen: I prefer roller applicators for clean hands and easy reapplication. Kids’ versions are tinted to show coverage.
Lip balm for sun protection.
After-sun care: Soothing body lotion, moisturizing hair care, nourishing lip balm.
Skip last year’s leftover bottles—sun filters degrade quickly. You’ll find fresh ones on-site with local discounts.
Enjoying the good weather
Pack a swimsuit—pools are everywhere (rental homes, hotels), and the sea is nearby. Consider if you’ll bring fun gear like floats or beach games.
For active holidays
Bring the right documents if planning sports:
- Medical certificate for new activities
- Membership card for your sport—avoid being stuck with beginners if you’re advanced
- Consider packing your technical gear
Beating the Southern heat
Sun = heat, and it can sneak up on you. Don’t overdo it. Pack smart:
Easy-access items:
- Pocket fan and/or hand fan
- Spray mister
Optional depending on your body’s needs:
- Anti-migraine meds (tailored to hot conditions)
- Supplements for leg fatigue
- Anti-sweat hygiene products (including shampoo)
- Heat-adapted makeup
- Shaving/waxing supplies—heat can accelerate hair growth
The mosquito war
Yes, they love tourists in Provence! Their favorite meal? Tender skin under lightweight clothing.
Buy your mosquito gear on-site:
- Preventive lotions for people and pets
- Soothing creams for bites
- Diffusers for room or car use
Avoiding pickpockets
Tourists aren’t the only ones enjoying Avignon’s streets. Alongside beggars, pickpockets lurk. These petty thefts can ruin a trip.
Leave your regular handbag behind. In the heat, it’ll feel heavy and insecure.
Use a crossbody pouch or fanny pack worn across your chest. Keep essentials (ID, phone, keys, money) close and zipped.
Also, keep copies of key documents (license, tickets, prescriptions) in your luggage at your lodging. Just in case.
Keywords to help you pack
I won’t give you a checklist of t-shirts and underwear. You’re not going to summer camp. If you can organize a trip to Southern France, you can apply and adapt this advice.
Here are the main packing themes for Avignon:
- Transport method
- No “just in case” overload
- Mix-and-match outfits
- Overzealous A/C
- Mistral wind
- Flat, light shoes
- Blazing sun
- Sports activities
- Oppressive heat
- Mosquito defense
- Theft prevention
The best way to avoid heat and sun? Visit Provence at night!
We offer many nighttime tours that will enchant you—without the suffering.
