Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
What kind of Paris luggage should you bring? From a functional personal item to a quality suitcase to a handy packable duffle, take a look at all the best pieces for a Parisian vacation!
Best Paris Suitcase to Bring
Table Of Contents
Great luggage is essential to making sure your travel experience is smooth and enjoyable! If you’re heading to Paris, you’ll likely need a great personal item bag that’ll fit all the essentials for a long flight, a durable suitcase with dimensions that satisfy the strict international carry-on requirements, and a packable duffle to bring back all the fun souvenirs you’ll likely find!
We’ve rounded up the top suitcase and travel bag options that readers recommend — check them out!
Best Personal Item For Paris
Your personal item for a trip to Paris is an important part of your luggage equation. It’ll need to hold all of your essentials for a long flight, be comfortable to carry through security lines and whizz around the airport, and fit comfortably under your seat. These reader-approved picks check all the boxes!
Besides the amazing round up below, these other personal item or day bag articles might be helpful:
- Choosing the Best Carry-On Personal Item
- Best Travel Purse for Europe
- Best Backpacks With a Trolley Sleeve
- Best Cross Body Purses
- Best Convertible Backpack Purse
Shop: Nordstrom | MZ Wallace
MZ Wallace Metro Tote
Readers absolutely adore the chic yet edgy designs of MZ Wallace bags, and the Metro Tote is a fave for both flights and sightseeing. Inside its beautiful quilted exterior, you’ll find a roomy interior with durable lining and plenty of pockets to keep organized. Readers describe this ultra-lightweight bag as high quality, super stylish, and practical for travel days.
You can switch it up from a shoulder bag to a crossbody with the additional crossbody strap, too. One reader shares that her MZ Wallace Metro Tote was the perfect personal item for Paris as it fits under the seat easily yet holds a ton.
Shop: Calpak
Calpak Luka Backpack
This Calpak Luka backpack makes an excellent personal item for Paris as it’s not only rugged and functional but really cute, too! Readers say it’s a dream to carry, as it weighs under 2 lbs and has comfy, padded straps, but it also has a luggage sleeve if you want to slip it over your carry-on.
The interior organization is great, with compartments for a laptop and shoes, and the scratch-resistant exterior is offered in a range of lovely matte colorways. One wearer wore it on a 10-day trip to Paris and says it was one of the MVP items on her trip!
Shop: Calpak
Calpak Luka Duffel
The Luka Collection from Calpak also offers this cute Luka duffel bag, which readers love to use on their flights. If organization is your thing, you’ll absolutely adore this bag, which is decked out with a whopping nine pockets, including a separate shoe compartment. This cutie is ultra-lightweight and highly durable, with water-resistant and scratch-resistant material.
One traveler says she can fit everything she needs and that it fits perfectly under the seat of an airplane, with a trolley sleeve and padded straps for easy and comfy carrying. She adds that spills have wiped off easily, and overall, it’s the perfect travel bag!
The Sak Ventura Convertible Backpack
It’s easy to see why this popular Ventura backpack by The Sak has recently made it onto our reader must-haves list! Not only do the premium leather and beautiful details make it such a stylish and versatile choice for travel, but the features are just as awesome. It’s compact yet spacious enough to hold a long flight’s essentials, it has multiple pockets, a secure closure, and an adjustable convertible strap so that you can wear it crossbody, too.
This would be a perfect sightseeing bag that you can wear from day to night, too! One traveler describes this bag as a chameleon, saying that it’s perfect for any situation or occasion and looks great!
Shop: Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons OG 2 Tote
TFG readers are obsessed with this Lo & Sons OG 2 tote bag for plane rides, saying it’s lightweight and the perfect size yet super spacious inside. There’s a place for everything in this bag, too, with its many pockets, laptop sleeve, and separate shoe compartment! Readers also say this sleek bag can take a beating, as it’s made from sturdy, water-resistant nylon with quality leather accents.
You can get it in either a medium and a large size depending on your needs — both will fit under an airplane seat! One traveler says all the pockets and compartments are a dream, the design is beautiful, and she loves the option to wear it crossbody or over her shoulder.
Shop: Tumi | Nordstrom | Amazon
Tumi Just in Case Backpack
The Tumi Just In Case packable backpack is a perfect multi-use option for a trip to Paris. Its spacious interior, trolley sleeve, and streamlined look make it a perfect personal item, and its packable design makes it super easy to store. Readers rave about how convenient it is to bring along in their day bags when sightseeing and pull out whenever they do some shopping!
One traveler says it’s an amazing, ultralight backpack that she brings along when sightseeing in case she finds some treasures she needs to bring home! She also highlights its excellent construction that doesn’t lose its shape and it’s a comfortable fit.
Sherpani Cali Travel Tote
While simple and cute, this Sherpani Cali tote bag is ultra-durable and decked out with some great anti-theft features that make it a major winner for air travel and beyond! The organization is wonderful, offering multiple interior and exterior pockets (including a water bottle pocket), while features like the trolley sleeve, water-resistant fabric, and comfortable straps make it all the more functional. It’ll offer you peace of mind, too, with an anti-slash bottom, a zipper lock, a chair loop lock, and an RFID-blocking pocket.
And with all these features, it manages to weigh only 1 lb! One wearer loves it because it’s the perfect size for her, it’s secure, and it has plenty of pockets.
Best Suitcases for Paris
If you’re taking an international flight to Paris, most airlines will require carry-on suitcases to be under 21” (though, be sure to check with your specific airline to be sure). Whether you’re opting for carry-on or checked luggage, you’ll want luggage that’s lightweight yet highly durable, with wheels that can handle the cobblestone streets and rough staircases you’ll likely encounter in Paris!
Besides the awesome picks below, here are more resources on how to select the best suitcase for your Paris adventure:
- Airline’s Carry-On Luggage Size Restrictions
- Best Hardside Luggage Picks
- Best Softside Luggage Options
- Best International Carry On Luggage
Shop: Amazon
Samsonite Omni PC 20” Carry On
The Samsonite Omni PC hardside carry-on is a top pick for travel to Europe, as it’s 20” size fits the majority of European airline standards. At 6.8 lbs and with its super roomy interior, readers say you can pack a LOT inside, especially with packing cubes! Tough spinner wheels, a sturdy handle, and a scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell mean this suitcase can hold up incredibly well to the rigors of travel.
It also expands to allow for some extra packing room in case you need to stuff in some fashion finds or souvenirs! One TFGer says even after checking it, it didn’t get a single scratch or dent, had no signs of wear, and it was easy to travel with — it rolled smoothly and easily.
The packing dimensions are 19″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″.
Shop: Away
Away The Carry On 21” Suitcase
The Carry On by Away is always at the top of the list of the best Paris hard shell suitcase reccomendations! This ultra-popular 21” suitcase boasts a lightweight polycarbonate shell that’s incredibly strong and a very roomy interior with a mesh zippered compartment on one side and a compression system on the other. The dimensions of this one are 21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″.
While it offers ample packing space, many readers share that they’ve never had issues fitting theirs in overhead bins, both domestically and internationally. One reader says her suitcase has behaved flawlessly over the years, highlighting the high-end wheels that feel effortless. She adds that at 7.5 lbs, the weight has never been an issue for her.
Away’s The Bigger Carry On is another popular pick that’s slightly larger at 22”. Despite the larger dimensions, many readers have shared that they’ve had success bringing it on international flights, with one sharing that she recently used hers for a month-long trip to France and loved it!
Check out what’s inside the Away suitcase in this video review!
Shop: Amazon
Delsey Helium Aero 19” Carry On Suitcase
Aside from its gorgeous exterior, this Delsey Helium Aero 19” suitcase is a reader-favorite for its compact size yet spacious interior, amazingly resilient polycarbonate shell, and smooth wheels that’ll make travel days an absolute breeze. Two interior pockets and handy compression straps allow for efficient packing (dimensions are 19” x13.5” x 9”), and at 8.2 lbs, it won’t weigh you down.
One reader says it’s indestructible and carries a ridiculous amount. Another reader used this Delsey carry on for hopping around Europe and says it met all the carry-on guidelines and fit two weeks of clothing with Compass Rose packing cubes!
It can expand up to 2” for extra packing space (or to add some souvenirs on the way home!), but if you need a bit more space, check out the 21” version.
Shop: Monos
Monos 22” Carry On
Made of aerospace-grade, water-resistant, and dent-resistant polycarbonate, this Monos carry-on is as durable as it gets while still lightweight at 7 lbs. Its 22” size means it’ll fit in the overhead bins of all major airlines (including international flights), and its sleek, streamlined design gives it a stylish look. More features include high-quality spinner wheels, an anti-microbial lining, an anti-microbial laundry bag, a compression pad, and two shoe bags.
One TFG reader says the quality of her Monos carry-on is outstanding, and that she’s had it for four years and it still looks and functions as if it was brand new.
Shop: Amazon
Travelpro Platinum Elite 20” Carry On
Equal parts elegant and functional, many TFG readers would be quick to recommend this Travelpro Platinum Elite 20” carry on for trips to Paris (dimensions are 20” in x 14” in x 9”). This softside beauty is lightweight at 8.4 lbs, rolls effortlessly, and is constructed with flexible yet super robust fabrics that’ll hold up amazingly well over time. The organization is top-notch, with multiple inner and outer pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve, and it even offers a USB charging port!
One reader who owns this suitcase says she takes at least three to four international trips a year and loves this suitcase! She adds that it’s also great because you don’t need to worry about losing a cable or dropping your battery pack when rushing to board as it’s all contained.
If you need something a tad more compact, readers say the 19” version will easily fit into the smallest of overhead bins yet still offers ample packing space. If you’re looking for a great Paris luggage set, this is available in a beautiful 2-piece set.
Osprey Transporter Hybrid Carry On 22”
Readers rave about the durability of Osprey bags, so if you’re looking for something rugged and built for adventure, the 22” Transporter hybrid suitcase is for you! The oversized wheels make it impressively maneuverable, the frame is super sturdy, and the fabric is durable and water-resistant.
It also boasts great organization from the padded laptop compartment on the front to multiple interior pockets to the handy mesh dividers, and it’s overall very lightweight at 6.6 lbs, with dimensions of 21.5” x 14” x 9”. One user shares that it’s as perfect of a bag and company as you are going to find in this price range!
Shop: July
July 21” Carry On Suitcase
July is a newer luggage brand that TFG readers have been talking about recently, and their carry on suitcase has been receiving tons of praise for its chic, modern look and incredible quality. It’s made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, reinforced with aluminum bumpers at the corners, while the interior features water-resistant, stain-proof lining, a compression system, and a laundry bag.
At 21”, with dimensions of 21.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″, and at 7.4 lbs, it’ll work on the majority of major international flights and will be a breeze to roll around.
One reader who travels around 200,000 miles a year says she plans on investing in another July suitcase because its polycarbonate shell and spinner wheels are superior to other suitcases she’s had, the interior is really nice with plenty of organization, and it has a great warranty!
Beis 21” Carry On Luggage
Another luggage brand gaining popularity with readers, Béis offers this adorable 21” carry on suitcase that’s full of wonderful details. Readers rave about features like the interior zip pockets and drawstring pouches, a great compression system, and the built-in weight limit indicator that you can test just by holding it up! It’s also fairly light, at 8.36 lbs.
The price point is great, too, especially given the stellar quality. One reader says she’s used her Béis carry on for multiple 14+ day trips and will not buy another brand of luggage because of the amazing quality!
Shop: Amazon
Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21”
Readers say this Briggs & Riley 21” carry on is luxurious and very much worth the investment! This softside option is designed with a strong fiberglass frame, durable fabric, and corner guards to stay looking nice and keep your items protected. It’s also equipped with interior and exterior pockets, a garment folder to keep items wrinkle-free, compression straps, high-quality, shock-absorbing spinner wheels, and a power compartment for charging on the go, all at a lightweight 8.8 lbs.
One reader shares that she chose this suitcase because of its features, durability, and warranty. She used it for two weeks in France along with a backpack and didn’t check bags, and it made having to change destinations frequently super easy!
Best Packable Duffle Bags for Paris
A trip to Paris will no doubt include a bit of shopping! Readers agree that if you’ll be hitting the local clothing boutiques or hunting down the perfect souvenirs to bring home, a packable duffle bag is a must.
Some readers like to put their precious shopping finds in their duffle and use it as a carry on, checking their suitcases on the way home. Others like to check their duffles, filling them with laundry and shoes, while storing souvenirs in their suitcase.
Enjoy these great choices, but also refer to these resources when it comes to souvenirs:
- The Best Packable Tote
- How to Pack and Safely Transport Souvenirs
- Best Travel Tote Bag
- Best Packable Duffle Bags
Shop: Amazon
Wandf Foldable Duffle
The Wandf foldable travel duffle is a go-to for so many TFG readers, boasting incredible durability and great features at a super low price point. The nylon fabric is water-resistant and tear-resistant and the zippers are super strong, so rough handling at the airport is no biggie! Readers love that it’s lightweight, has a handy trolley sleeve, and folds up into a teeny pouch!
It also comes in a ton of colors and patterns. One traveler shares that they packed it full and had no problems with durability or portability, the side pocket is very well-constructed, and folding and unfolding it is super easy!
Shop: Nordstrom
Longchamp Expandable Travel Bag
This Longchamp expandable travel bag is seriously stylish, and readers love it because it’s just as functional! While it folds flat and is super packable, it expands to various sizes to suit your needs. In classic Longchamp style, this bag is made of durable, water-resistant nylon with chic leather trim and offers a simple design that keeps it endlessly versatile.
Readers say it makes excellent Paris carry on luggage for souvenirs. One TFGer says she brought this Longchamp duffle to Paris to use on the flight home, opting to check her suitcase, and it was perfect!
Shop: Amazon
Gonex Foldable Duffle Bag
Durable as can be yet ultra-lightweight, this reader-approved Gonex packable duffle is a wonderful travel companion. The nylon fabric is water-repellent and wear-resistant, so it can definitely take a beating, and readers say it’s comfortable and easy to carry. The organization is great too — there are inner and outer pockets, end pouches, and a shoe compartment for easy organizing!
One reader checks her suitcase and uses this as her carry on bag when flying home, sharing that it’s good quality material, packs flat, and is super easy to get back into the pocket, unlike other brands she’s had in the past!
Shop: Eddie Bauer | Amazon
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable Duffle
The Eddie Bauer Stowaway duffle is constructed with lightweight, water-resistant polyester, so it won’t weigh you down but is super resilient to the wear and tear of travel. While it has an impressive 45L capacity, this duffle packs down into a small pouch that won’t take up any room in your luggage! Also decked out with a zippered shoe compartment and a trolley sleeve, it’s easy to see why readers love traveling with this handy bag.
One reader says she stuffed all of her clothes in it and checked it when heading home on various trips so that she could put her souvenirs in her roller luggage, and shares that it’s very sturdy, withstood being checked in and tossed around, and is still in perfect condition!
Compass Rose Carryon Packing Cubes
How to Pack Your Paris Luggage
When you’re ready to travel to the City of Light, start with packing cubes; they will seriously change the way you pack! We designed our own brand of slim packing cubes, with a unique color and numbering system, so it’s easy to remember where you’ve packed everything. See more in the video below.
Learn our packing hacks with packing cubes in this video!
We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This method has helped many women travel carry-on only!
What do you think is the best luggage for Paris? Share your picks with us in the comments!
For more ideas on packing for Paris, please read the following:
- Ten-Step Packing Guide for Paris
- What to Wear in Paris Packing List
- What to Wear in Paris in Summer
- What to Wear in Paris in Winter
- Best Travel Dresses for Paris
- Paris Travel Essentials
- French Fashion Tips
- What Shoes to Pack for Paris
Suggested travel resources:
- Lonely Planet Europe Travel Guide
- Lonely Planet France (Country Guide)
- Travel Shoes for Europe
- The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hope you’ve found these tips on what luggage to bring to Paris helpful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
