What to Wear in South of France: Outfits & Packing List

If you’ve been frantically searching Pinterest for what to wear in the South of France, you came to the right place. This guide is full of South of France outfits, style inspiration, and a full packing list to help you plan your French Riviera wardrobe like a pro. 

Since it’s likely that you’ll be travelling around a bit as part of your South of France itinerary, it pays to pack light. 

Having said this, it’s hard not to want to bring your whole wardrobe to keep up with the celebs of the Cannes red carpet and dress to impress in the beach clubs. 

This simple, insider guide offers the perfect capsule wardrobe with carefully selected chic pieces that solve the age-old problem of what to wear in the South of France. 

What to Wear in South of France: Essential Tips 

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• Pack as light as possible, since you’ll likely be travelling around a lot.
• Opt for beachwear that you’d feel comfortable walking around a city in. 
• For chic simplicity, stick to the ‘rule of 3’ when planning your South of France outfits – AKA, no outfit should feature more than three colours. 
• Many of the old towns and villages in the South of France feature crowded, narrow, sloping, and often cobbled streets. Bear this in mind when planning your footwear. 
• If you are planning to visit any of the upscale restaurants or casinos – check the dress codes before you go! Some don’t allow trainers, beachwear and flip-flops. 
• Opt for luxe fabrics and timeless silhouettes to blend in with the chic French locals! Linen is a great choice, particularly in the height of summer. 

South of France Outfits: Inspiration Gallery 

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Summer in South of France Packing List 

The following packing list features everything you need to create stylish South of France summer outfits for over 7 days on the French Riviera, along with all the essential tech and accessories you need.

It’s designed to be as minimal as possible to help you save space in your case, but you can always use it as a base and embellish it as needed! 

Clothes 

If you want to pack as light as possible, use this list and try to choose clothes that can mix and match. 

For example, when travelling with just a carry-on to the South of France, I stuck to black, white, and neutral linen hues to create multiple outfits using the same clothes. 

I also recommend choosing clothes that would work in multiple environments. 

For example, instead of packing a completely sheer skirt as a beach cover-up, choose a lined maxi skirt that could be worn on the beach, but also around town, or in a restaurant. Opt for summer dresses that can look causal during the day and elevated at night. 

Linen fabric is a great choice for South of France summer outfits as it’s cool, comfortable and chic. It can be dressed up for the ritzy beach clubs of the Cote d’Azur while still suiting the laid-back vibe of the smaller Provençal towns. A good quality cotton dress also works well!

• Cool pajamas 
• Underwear 
• Socks 
• 3 bikinis/swimsuits
• 1 beach coverup 
• 3 vests/crop tops/camisoles 
• 2 button-down shirts 
• 1 casual t-shirt
• 1 waistcoat top 
• 1 pair of linen trousers 
• 1 pair of shorts 
• 1 pair of wide-leg/palazzo pants 
• 3 skirts 
• 3 summer dresses 
• 1 elegant black dress
• 1 light jacket or cardigan (several if you’re travelling outside of summer)
• Trainers/sneakers
• Comfy sandals with ankle support 
• Slip-on leather sandals or flip flops
• Slingback pumps or heeled sandals 

Accessories 

A straw hat is obviously essential for a trip to the South of France in summer, but if you’re struggling for space, a headscarf makes an equally chic alternative. 

There’s just something so ‘euro summer’ about a silk headscarf and sunglasses! 

Speaking of sunglasses, the bolder the better. Large black frames and a statement designer look lend the perfect finishing touch to all of your South of France outfits. 

• A stylish sunhat 
• Sunglasses 
• A headscarf 
• Beach bag 
• Leather backpack for day trips
• Crossbody purse for evenings 
• Statement jewellery 

Tech 

Unfortunately, pickpockets are quite common in the South of France, so just be wary any time you are carrying around valuable items and keep an eye on your belongings on public transport. 

Always keep your valuables safely stored in your accommodation safe when not in use!

Some of the newer hotels have USB ports for charging your electronics but the majority still use traditional plug sockets, so make sure you bring an adapter! I use a universal one with multiple USB ports. 

• Smartphone 
• Smartphone charger 
• Camera 
• Camera charger and spare batteries 
• Adapters (for European type C/E plug sockets – two round prongs) 
• Power bank
• Headphones/earphones
• Kindle or e-reader 

Toiletries

Like most places in Europe, you’ll find pharmacies on every street corner in the South of France, so don’t worry too much if you forget something. 

Just be warned the prices might be more expensive than you’re used to back home, and many pharmacies shut for a few hours during the middle of the day. 

• Medication 
• Insect repellent 
• Broad spectrum SPF sunscreen
• Aftersun 
• Lip balm
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hand sanitiser 
• Makeup
• Skincare
• Hairbrush 
• Hair ties and accessories 

Miscellaneous 

Lastly, don’t forget these essential items! To get into any of the fancy clubs or casinos, you’ll need a photo ID.

• Passport and ID card (to get into the casinos you will need your passport) 
• Visa, if required
• Travel insurance information 
• Euros
• Reusable water bottle
• Beach towel (many of the beach clubs charge you extra to rent a towel, so consider bringing your own to save money)

Things to Add if You’re Travelling Out of Summer Season

If you’re headed to Provence outside of the main summer season (June, July August), the weather can be a little more changeable, so you’ll want to come prepared. 

Those travelling in spring or autumn will find the weather warm during the day but a little colder during the evening. Therefore I suggest a light sweater or two to layer over your outfits as well as a warm jacket. 

What to Wear in South of France Beach Clubs 

The beach clubs of the French Riviera are the place to be and be seen, from the infamous La Guérite on the island of Île Sainte-Marguerite to Tahiti Beach in Saint Tropez. These iconic institutions are home to an elite set that spends all day sipping from magnums of rose and dancing on the sand. 

However, unlike the beach clubs of Ibiza and Marbella, the beachwear is far more upscale and elegant on the French Riviera. Think timeless one-piece swimsuits and luxe linen, in place of skimpy bikinis and sheer sarongs. 

An elegant sunhat is de rigueur, along with a statement pair of sunglasses. Over your swimwear, a chic button-down shirt is a popular choice, paired with tailored shorts or a maxi skirt. 

If you’re headed straight to dinner after the beach, a lightweight maxi dress also works well, paired with flat, strappy sandals. 

What to Wear in South of France Old Town

Whether you’re taking a trip to the medieval village of Eze, spending a few days in Nice, or just wandering around Le Suqet of Cannes, there’s so much history to discover in the South of France. 

When exploring during the day, where cool, comfortable clothes such as linen separates and midi dresses, paired with comfortable walking shoes or sandals. 

If you’re planning to go inside any churches or religious buildings, be mindful of dressing modestly where appropriate. Take a sunhat and a bag for all your belongings, but watch out for pickpockets on crowded streets. 

What to Wear in the Evening in South of France 

When it comes to South of France outfits for the evening, it really depends on where you’re planning to go. If you’re just heading out to the local French bistro for your evening meal, resort wear is generally accepted, including shorts and flip-flops, although I would avoid sportswear. 

If you are heading to one of the more upscale restaurants, you will find many of them enforce a variation on a ‘smart-elegant’ dress code. This generally means shorts, caps, beachwear, sneakers, and sportswear are not permitted. Most of the men will be wearing shirts and trousers while women will be dressed in elegant dresses, separates, and sandals. 

Casinos, especially the one in Monte Carlo, enforce a strict dress code which leans more towards cocktail attire. You will also need to bring an EU identity card or passport to enter the casinos. 

What to Wear in the South of France for Men 

Typical South of France outfits for men include shorts, swim shorts, t-shirts, button-down shirts and sandals or sneakers during the daytime. Tailored slacks, linen shirts, polo shirts, and loafers are a good choice for men in the evening. 

Any dress codes are often aimed more towards men, with some restaurants asking guests to stay away from shorts, sportswear, caps, sandals, flip-flops and sleeveless shirts. 

Plan the Perfect South of France Itinerary 

Looking for the perfect South of France itinerary to help you plan your trip? 

Read my guide to travelling the South of France by train, from the best things to do in Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez to tips on how to get around and stylish spots to stay.

Read the full guide here. 

Have any questions about what to wear in the South of France? Drop them in the comments below!