Packing list France for summer holidays and winter sports holidays

France has been a favourite holiday destination for partners and families travelling by car for many years. Its popularity is due to its proximity, varied landscape, attractive climate, excellent road network and large choice of destinations. From the Atlantic coast to the Alps, and from historic castles to sunny beaches, France has something for everyone. Holiday parks in the Dordogne, luxury villas in Provence, comfortable chalets in the Alps or holiday homes in the Poitou - Charentes, the choice is yours. Families often opt for a holiday by car to France because it combines flexibility, comfort and adventure, and because you can easily stop wherever and whenever you want along the way. Good preparation is crucial, especially if you are traveling with children. Start packing for your holiday well on time, a relaxed start to your holiday prevents stress and creates a pleasant atmosphere in the car.

We are happy to provide you with a packing list. You can either 1. download the packing list below or 2. scroll down and read the packing list there.
To make it even easier for you, we have added links with which you can order some of the items you may need.

Packing list summer holiday + winter sports (or scroll down)

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Holiday check: check the car before departure

Going on holiday to France by car demands a lot from your car. You can easily drive a few thousand kilometres in a heavily loaded car together with your whole family and all your luggage. Temperatures  can reach up to 35 degrees, and you will occasionally be stuck in traffic jams or driving through the mountains. Have the cars vital parts checked before your holiday. Check the tyre pressure and brake pads, check that your spare wheel is still good, have the air conditioning checked and check all fluids such as oil, coolant and windscreen wiper fluid.

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What are you required to have in your car?

When on holiday in France, you are obliged to have certain things in the car with you. A valid driver's license, registration certificate, insurance certificate and proof of identity are required. You are also required to carry a warning triangle, a set of spare car bulbs and a safety vest for every person in the car. You will undoubtedly drive through environmental zones. Make sure you have a Crit'Air vignette, otherwise you risk a traffic fine. On our special page about the anti-pollution vehicle sticker of France you can read more about it and you can easily order the sticker.

Summer holiday packing list

Document, money, vignettes (Young) children Car
Bankcard, creditcard, cash Car seat/booster seat Check battery
Booking certificate holiday home Cot Bin bag
European claim form Baby monitor Check tire pressure
Insurance certificate of the car Baby food Fire extinguisher
Registration certificate Baby ointment / oil Oil level, windscreen wiper fluid 
Electric car charging card Bath products Roof box
Proof of identity Baby wipes Food, drinks for the road
Local emergency numbers Baby carrier (front/back) Bike rack
Anti-pollution vehicle sticker of France Drinking cup Warning triangle
Travel insurance Bottle warmer Navigation
Spare car key Pacifier Parking disc
Driving licence Stroller/buggy Roadside assistance telephone numbers
Telephone numbers to block bank card Stuffed toys Spare car keys
     card in case of theft Hot-water bottle Spare lamps
Toll badge for France Diapers/diaper ointment Spare tire, jack
Plane tickets Rompers Games/Ipad for on the road
Health insurance cards Bibs Jumper cable
Toys Safety vests
Medical/Health Spit wipes
First aid kit Thermos bottle Equipment
Hay fever tablets Sleeping bag Batteries
Medicines Read-aloud book Camera, memory cards
Medical passport Bouncer Mobile phones, chargers
Mosquito repellent Music
Nasal spray Clothing youth/adults Tablet, laptop, chargers
Norit Dress/skirt Flashlight
Paracetamol/suppositories Long and short trousers Small electric BBQ
Plasters Nightwear
Motion sickness tablets Underwear Pets
Tick tongs/tweezers Shirts/blouses Pet passport
Thermometer Rainwear Drinking and feeding bowl
Slippers/sandals/shoes Vaccination certificate
Toiletries Socks Dog tie out cable and stake
Bodylotion Sportswear Toys
Conditioner Sweaters Tick tongs
Deodorant Sun hat/cap Leash
Shower gel Swimwear Flea comb
Hairdryer Food
Gel/wax General
Hair accessories Ball Things to arrange
Towels Books/magazines Inform neighbours about your vacation
Hairbrush Take pictures of your passes, Holiday home details for friends/family
Sanitary pads    identification as a backup Burglar Alarm
Makeup Lenses/Contact lens solution/Spare Glasses Empty refrigerator
Nail scissors/file Inflatable boat/pump Temporarily stop newspaper
Shaver/blades Games Close windows
Shampoo Toilet paper Thermostat, air conditioning on holiday mode
Beach towels Dishwasher tablets Timer lamps
Toothpaste/toothbrush Flyswatter Put out rubbish containers (or ask someone)
Washcloths Garbage bags     
Cotton swabs and cotton balls Washing powder
Soap Sun protection rear windows
Suncream/after sun Sunglasses

Additional items winter sports holiday
Antifreeze blanket Ski-/ snowboardshoes  Ski's / snowboard
Gloves Ski box Ski socks
Headband Ski goggles Ski poles
Ice scraper Ski pants Sled
Insulated blanket Ski strap Lock defroster
Avalanche beeper Ski rack car  Snow chains
Hat Ski helmet Snowboots
Back protection Ski jacket Thermal underwear
Backpack Ski pass holder

Book your holiday to France

Our parks in France       Our homes in France

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On medical matters

Make sure you pack the right things in case of any form of medical emergency. It is important that you bring your health insurance passes, anything can happen during your holiday in France. Do you take medication? Take an extra supply with you,  just in case you lose it. For some people, it may be important to also bring a medical passport. Don’t forget your motion sickness tablets. It is mandatory to have a first aid kit in your car, but also bring tweezers, ORS, Norit, mosquito repellent such as DEET, spare glasses and tick tongs.

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Bring enough for the journey to your holiday home in France

Bring plenty of items for the road such as food and drinks, waste bags, toilet paper and refreshment wipes. Also think about the necessary relaxation and make sure you have CDs with good music, a DVD player, games for on the go and a tablet/iPad. If you are going on holiday with your children, download a couple of apps to keep them entertained. Many families play car bingo with various items that their children must spot during the trip. Whoever fills up all the items on the card first, shouts bingo!

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Bringing your pet with you on holiday in France

Pets are welcome at many of our holiday parks. In all cases, you must indicate in advance when booking whether you will bring your dog. Did you know that you also need to carry a European pet passport for dogs and cats? This passport contains their name, address, description, the pets’ identification number and the dates of their vaccinations. If you plan to travel with your pet within the EU, a rabies vaccination is mandatory. Learn more >>