After spending a month in Provence, I realized that even with all my careful planning, there were a few things I really wish I’d brought along. Nothing major, just the little things that would’ve made life a bit easier (and packing wine bottles a little less stressful).
If you’re planning an extended stay in France — or any long European trip — here are a few items I recommend packing.
INSULATED COOLER BAG
My friend actually brought one of these, and I thought it was such a genius idea. It folds completely flat in your suitcase but comes in handy constantly. Think grocery store trips, picnics, or keeping bottles cold by the pool. It’s one of those things you don’t realize you’ll use every single day until you see someone else pull one out and wish you’d packed your own.
COLLAPSIBLE WATER BOTTLE
It sounds simple, but having a reusable water bottle you can flatten when it’s empty is a game changer. Provence days can be warm, and between markets, hikes, and road trips, we were constantly buying bottled water. A collapsible one saves space in your bag and is perfect for refilling throughout the day.
MINI BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
I didn’t bring mine, and I really regretted it. A portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for poolside lounging, boat rides, or playing some French music during dinner to make everything feel more authentic. Compact and easy to pack, it would have made those little moments so much more fun.
TRAVEL WINE BAGS
Provence and Burgundy were overflowing with amazing wine, and I quickly realized I should have packed a few of these. I ended up wrapping my bottles in clothing, crossing my fingers that nothing would break. These reusable padded sleeves are leakproof and make it so much easier to bring bottles home safely. No more worrying about red wine exploding in your luggage!
CASUAL FLIP FLOPS
Somehow I forgot these and ended up wishing for them daily. Whether for the pool, the beach, or just walking out to the garden, a comfy pair of slides is a must. These literally take up zero space and weigh practically nothing, so there’s no reason to leave them behind. I ended up wearing my good slides through damp grass, dusty pebble patios, and down at the waterfront — these would’ve been so much handier.
EXTRA INTERNATIONAL ADAPTOR
We thought we had enough, but we didn’t. Between phones, laptops, hair tools, and cameras, we were constantly swapping plugs around. Bring one or two extra travel adapters so you’re not negotiating charging time with your spouse.
MINI TRAVEL SPICE CONTAINER
We cooked a ton at the villa. As you know, rental kitchens rarely have more than salt and pepper. A compact spice kit or small travel container with your favorites (think herbs de Provence, chili flakes, garlic powder) makes a big difference when you’re cooking for a group. It also saves money, so no need to buy full-size spices you’ll just end up leaving behind.
FOLDABLE DUFFEL BAG
By the end of our trip, my suitcase was overflowing with market finds, linens, wine (of course), a dress for my mom, and even a sweatshirt I couldn’t resist. Every single woman in our group was scrambling to find some kind of bag at the last minute to haul home their treasures. A lightweight foldable duffel would’ve been perfect. This packs flat, weighs almost nothing, and makes a great extra carry-on or checked bag. You can toss your soft clothing in the duffel and use your suitcase for the breakables and heavier items.
Read about our [month in France] here.
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