The Viral Gummies That Saved Me on a Red-Eye to the French Riviera — and 11 More Items to Pack
The South of France, also commonly referred to as the French Riviera or Côte d'Azur, is one of those travel destinations that lingers on my FYP, particularly ahead of summer. No surprise there — it's one of the sunniest locations in Europe, making it a go-to for beach dwellers who like to discover a fresh, clear-water oasis everywhere they go. The most popular cities, which you can access via train, run the gamut. Whether you like to see iconic landmarks — from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet to the Circuit de Monaco in the streets of Monte Carlo — or simply enjoy the peaceful bliss of one of the quieter villages, there's something for everyone.
Having just returned from this luxurious vacation site, I decided to put together a handy guide full of travel tips and packing suggestions. Be forewarned — this is a particularly stylish region where chic dress codes are in place at beach clubs and restaurants, especially during the high season when the night begins with a late and leisurely meal no earlier than 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Best Time to Visit the South of France
I visited the French Riviera at the end of May, which is an optimal time to go. May to June and September to October are generally thought of as the best times, with enjoyable weather and fewer crowds than the peak season (there is a notable tourist influx in July and August). While I was there, high temperatures hovered around 70 with bright and sunny conditions and we enjoyed three to four beach days where the ocean was warm enough to swim in. The average high in May and October is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas it's 77 degrees Fahrenheit in June and September.
I would recommend visiting the South of France for a minimum of 10 days if it's your first time and you want to see as many cities as possible.
Top Places to Stay in the French Riviera
Whether you like to scour the internet for the best hotels all over the world or prefer to book through Airbnb, there are so many wonderful spots to stay in the South of France. I highly recommend checking out Hôtel Gounod in Nice for a great central location (the sister hotel Splendid Hotel & Spa is right next door with a fully accessible fitness center for guests). If you're headed a bit further to Saint-Tropez, I stayed at the charming Hotel Lou Cagnard, which has a beautiful courtyard and well-maintained pool.
Must-Visit Towns in the South of France
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Menton, Èze, Saint-Tropez
While some of the most well-known spots in the South of France shouldn't be missed — Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez, to name a few — there are quite a few lesser-known towns to explore that, in my opinion, should not be missed. Visit Menton's famous Les Rampes Saint Michel, where you can gaze down from the bight-yellow, sea-facing staircase and admire all the beautifully-colored homes built into the mountains. Just minutes away is Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where the picturesque medieval village is peaceful and quiet, yet breathtaking.
Similarly, Èze is known for the shops, art galleries, and perfumeries built wondrously into cobblestone — it's referred to as a village-musée, or a "museum village" by residents and travelers alike. I also enjoyed Antibes for the stunning sunset (Baba Restaurant Bar Plage at Cap D'Antibes Hotel was one of my favorite meals) and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for the tranquil blue waters (swim at Paloma Beach or Plage Passable) and stunning villas.
Also, it goes without saying that the Liguria region of Italy is a stone's throw away when you visit the South of France. I hopped on a 10-minute train then trekked through Ventimiglia and Sanremo all in one day, where I had some of the best pizza of my life at Senese.
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Travel-Friendly Curling Iron
Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron Brush ($14, originally $20)
Have you ever plugged in your blow dry brush on a European vacation only to instantly blow a fuse at your hotel or Airbnb? Same. So far, this is the only curling iron device I've found that works well with minimal (dual) voltage. The three-quarter inch barrel also works perfectly for my hair — and I have thick hair! — and it's got 25-different heat settings. With the affordable price tag, there's no reason not to try it.
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European Adapter
Tessan 2 Pack European Plug Adapter ($22, originally $27)
Trust me when I say you'll be struggling without this two-pack of converters — because really, one is not enough if you're traveling internationally for over a week and have gadgets to use in both the bedroom and bathroom. My partner and I have had this exact set for years and it hasn't let us down. This US-to-Europe adapter works in most countries including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, Iceland, Germany, Paris, Switzerland, and the Netherlands — but note that it's not compatible in the UK, Ireland, Scotland, or South Africa.
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Melatonin
Lemme Sleep Gummies ($30)
Taking a red eye flight to Europe to easily adjust to the time change is ideal — as long as you can actually fall asleep once you take off. I've tried different brands of melatonin through the years, but really like Lemme since it also contains magnesium to relax my muscles and 50mg of L-theanine, which the brand claims aids with calming. I find that these gummies not only taste good, but really work for me. You can read more in my full review of Kourtney Kardashian's Lemme gummies and supplements.
Editor Quote: "These are designed for people who have trouble falling asleep and those who inconsistently maintain uninterrupted sleep, and I would say I tend to fall into the latter category, typically awaking at least two times throughout the night to pee. Ever since taking them, I wake up once a night at most, and many reviewers agree that they also feel less drowsy in the morning."
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Daily Fiber
Bio.me Daily Prebiotic Fiber Travel Packs ($39)
Yes, traveling can make you constipated — it's no secret, and it's completely normal. In order to get things moving, I like to take Bio.me's travel packs of prebiotic fiber with me and mix them into yogurt or oatmeal. Each serving contains seven grams of soluble fiber to support a balanced microbiome without causing bloating, gas, or cramping, according to the brand. The plant-derived recipe is also glyphosate residue free, non-GMO, dairy free, gluten free, and vegan.
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SPF Glow Oil
Supergoop Glow Oil ($40)
I feel like I've probably added this to every single editor packing guide I've created, but if you're traveling internationally and checking a bag, there's no reason not to take this SPF 50 with you in the five-ounce bottle. Not only does it offer broad spectrum sunscreen protection, it makes you glow like you won't believe without that greasy residue or overpowering smell. I wear it even when I'm not going to be in the sun because I really feel like it gives my skin a boost and it honestly just makes me feel good. And, if you are about to dive into the Mediterranean Sea, it lasts for 80 minutes before you need to reapply.
Read our Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 review for another one of the brand's viral products our editors love.
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Moisturizing and Firming Body Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($48)
I find that when I travel (especially after a long flight), my skin gets super dry and craves almost a tightening boost of energy. I rotate between this fun-colored tub — which packs a punch on any vanity and contains cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, coconut oil, and caffeine-rich guaraná to energize and improve my skin's texture — and the Biossance Caffeine Toning Body Cream + Squalane ($30), which helps me achieve a similar effect in a pinch. It's such a luxurious experience for me to rub these lotions all over my body after a shower and a long day of sightseeing.
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Lightweight Minidresses
Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Knit Mini Dress ($70). Cider Cotton Broderie Anglaise Lettuce Trim Bubble Hem Mini Dress ($38)
Thin, packable minidresses that you can rewear during your travels — especially in neutral colors — are essential. Whereas attending the Monaco Grand Prix on RD Grand Prix's Superyacht experience called for a luxe-leaning Parisian moment in the form of this A&F dress (which comes in two colors), a day trip to Cannes that involved some type at the beach was a bit more relaxed, so this bohemian-style bubble hem dress from Cider was ideal.
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Toiletry Bag
Dagne Dover Mila Repreve Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag ($75)
Meet my new favorite toiletry organizer. Available in both Onyx (black) and Moonbeam (ivory), this pouch looks so chic on the counter and has the perfect amount of pockets for all of my essentials. I like that you can keep your solutions standing upright and separated by the convenient soft dividers. The top handle also makes it easy to carry to and from the bathroom if you need to move it around or are traveling to multiple hotels on one trip.
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Passport Cover
Royce New York Leather Vaccine Card & Passport Holder ($95)
When I'm traveling internationally, my passport feels way more secure in a bright cover that I can spot anywhere — and particularly one that has extra card slots. After checking my luggage, I often stow away the associated sticker in my passport case, and might even slip in my ID for easy access as I make my way through security and customs.
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Travel Pillow
Trtl Pillow Plus and Sleep Mask Bundle ($130, originally $184)
When I tell you I have trouble sleeping on planes, it's not just a light exaggeration so you feel bad for me. I've spent nine-hour overnight flights to Europe completely wide-eyed in a panic that the jet lag would ruin my entire trip. Trtl's ergonomic and adjustable neck pillow, coupled with the blackout eye mask, is the only product I can rely on to get in some shut eye. And I'm not the only one — you can read how three of our editors depend on it in this Trtl Travel Pillow review. There are various designs you can pick from, but I recommend the cooling fabric if you sleep hot.
Editor Quote: "I never considered buying a travel pillow (I usually roll up my scarf or sleep on my handbag) but now I don't know how I traveled without it. Once I figured how to wrap it properly, it was so convenient and comfy I nearly fell asleep in my cab ride home from the airport. The cushion is super supportive, so you wake up feeling rested and without any aches or neck pain from awkward positioning. And the pink color helps — when I turned the pillow around to rest on the back of my neck, it simply looked like a vibrant scarf." — Jessica Andrews, senior content director
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Crossbody Bag + Sightseeing Sandals
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette ($219 with Vivrelle Couture membership). Jonak Paris Platform Sandals With Straps ($175)
I rented this Bottega Veneta bag from Vivrelle ahead of my trip and in hindsight am so relieved I didn't settle for something smaller. Not only is the padded, woven structure of the leather comfortable to wear, the strap is adjustable and the entire pouch is surprisingly lightweight, even with the necessary contents packed in — my passport, credit cards, hand sanitizer, and SPF chapstick.
Similarly, Jonak's Isaure sandals in camel leather made for some of the most versatile sightseeing shoes I've ever worn with just a two-centimeter heel and supportive straps that really held my foot in place. The bonus is that they're waterproof and stain-resistant. And if you need even more convincing, I walked 12 miles in them one day with zero blisters or pain.
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Trunk Luggage
Away The Trunk ($435)
As an avid overpacker, I usually bring this trunk for all my clothes and shoes (thank you, I know I'm crazy) and then a carry-on for all the other essentials, including bathroom must haves and the like. I've owned this suitcase for years and it's never let me down. From the durable, lightweight shell to the interior compression straps that keep my belongings in place, I recommend it to everyone who travels internationally. To optimize space, I use these Cozy Essential Compression Bags For Travel ($19, originally $23) to squeeze as many items as I can into one compartment.
If you love luggage in fun colors, you'll be pleased to know The Trunk is offered in 14 different shades (with a matching laundry bag inside), and you can even personalize it to make it feel really unique to your travel experience.
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Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of PS Shopping. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner For Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.
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