What I Pack for A Day Out in Paris

If you have been following the blog for a while, you are familiar with The Paris Diaries. I share my daily life in Paris through an online diary. Everywhere from where I stayed, ate, and explored through photos. I am a full time photographer that started this blog on a whim after feeling homesick for Paris. I had no idea what I was getting myself almost three years ago, but I am so glad I took a chance on this adventure.

My days in Paris can be pretty full in between meetings, gathering blog content, and shooting photographs for The Print Shop. I try to schedule my meetings throughout the day and plan around them so I can see more of the city. There are times where I will choose a new coffee spot just because I haven’t explored a neighborhood in a long time and I want to see what has changed.

I carry my Cuyana bag with me pretty much everywhere I go. It has a good amount of Passport stamps from Cuba, Italy, and Portugal to name a few. I think it is the best travel bag. I have owned mine for almost three years and it is still going strong. I recently purchased the Cuyana insert for my tote and it was a game changer. Instead of being a bottomless pit of black, I now have dividers and spots for every little thing. There is even a spot to hang my keys so I never have to worry about them falling out.

As I am about to head back on another adventure, I thought I would share what I pack in my bag for a day out. This my help you plan ahead or maybe inspire you to pick up my favorite tote for your next adventure.

I trade my larger wallet for a smaller wallet. This is one of my safety tips. I keep one credit card, euros and change in my smaller wallet and leave everything else back at the hotel or apartment. If for some reason my wallet is lost or stollen, I don’t loose everything.

I always have at least one notebook in my bag at all times. I still write everything down on paper and then follow up on the computer. My thoughts are better when it comes to pen and paper. I have a notebook for every project. I also keep a few black pens in my bag. I pick them up at the hotels or restaurants when I am in Paris for good memories for when I am home.

I am not embarrassed to say there is usually a book in my bag on most given days. It all depends if I know there will be a break at a café. Books can get heavy so I have to plan accordingly.

I have at least one lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm in my bag. The Caudalie lip balm is in every one of my bags and coats. I can’t leave home without it. It is $12 in the US and about $3-4 in Paris so I always stock up when I am back.

I have been shooting with the same Canon 70D for almost 5 years now. I think I could operate it in my sleep. I want to upgrade but I don’t think I would find anything as light as this. I carry a few lenses with me and my back aches by the end of the day. I recently purchased a Fujix100 that I love carrying at night and on the weekends. It packs quite the punch but it so light. I am still getting used to it when it comes to shooting but I am happy that I purchased it.

Don’t forget the comfortable walking shoes when out and about in Paris. Heels are pretty but they get stuck in the uneven streets and cobblestones. I swear by my blondos which are also waterproof.

For those of you asking, I am wearing the Simone Jumper in Size S from Sézane.

This post does include affiliate links which helps contribute to my coffee and croissant research. Merc!