What to pack for your trip to Côte d'Azur

The Côte d'Azur has a typical Mediterranean climate: relatively mild winters with the occasional rainy days, relatively warm and dry summers and, generally, extended periods of intense sunshine throughout most of the year. The the warm and dry season typically is from April until October.

All-weather gear. Ideal are lightweight hoodies like the highly weatherproof Arc'teryx Squamish jacket, which is breathable, too – handy for when the weather clears up again. During the winter you might also opt for an actual rain jacket like the Patagonia Torrentshell, especially if you plan to go hiking in the jungle or explore the island interior's natural beauty.

Lightweight shoes for hiking. Pack a not-too-bulky pair of trail runners that can handle both streets and trails in dry and wet conditions, such as Saucony’s Peregrine 7 for men or women, that hold up well on wet and dry ground.

Mosquito and sun protection. Along with an effective bug repellent and great sunscreen, bring a wide-brimmed hat – when the sun is out along the Côte d'Azur it's quite strong in summer. Tilley's LTM6 AirFlo Hat is stylish enough to wear in the city, but also keep you cool and provide a convenient perch for a personal mosquito net, like this one from Outdoor Research.

Don't forget your swimwear! You’ll also want a comfortable, easily adjusted pair of goggles, like Aqua Sphere goggles and a space-saving microfiber towel like the Sea to Summit DryLite towel. A pair of sandals, like Chaco's Z/VOLV or Ecotread, will give you better traction on wet surfaces than a standard pair of flip-flops.

Power adapter and charger. In France the power sockets are of type F (his socket also works with plug C and plug E). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. These power adapters are included in this world adapter set from Bestek, and a multiport charger, like Anker’s compact Powerport 4.

Packing cubes. They not only keep your suitcase organized, but also compact your clothes to save space. One of frequent travellers'favorites are Eagle Creek‘s Pack-It cubes, which come in different sizes so you can tailor your setup to your needs.

Check out the Lonely Planet's Provence and Côte d'Azur Travel Guide – Try local cheese and wine in hilltop villages overlooking lavender fields, relax on the beaches of St-Tropez, or try your luck in Monaco's famous casino.