The countdown to our French winter adventure has begun! A good friend is turning 40 and him and his wife wanted to celebrate in style…in France! Did I mention this good friend makes delicious wine, lived and studied in the Rhone Valley and has a mentor that will be throwing us a decadent wine dinner? Yeah, sign me up for that!

So the question of what to pack has arose. This is a trip where we will combine wine tasting in the Northern Rhone region of France, near Malleval, and skiing Mont Blanc in Chamonix. Two very different vibes – both equally amazing!

Having checked the luggage policy for Lufthansa, I found out we were allowed one carry on and one checked bag (we are flying economy class – got almost free tickets using our WellsFargo business CC points!). Because we will have our skis (putting them in one bag so it’s considered one checked!) Mike and I will have to share a bag. This is really not a problem, as I’m used to packing minimalistically for long trips. I didn’t even check a bag for our ten day trip to Portugal!  The weather will be a bit on the warmer side in Malleval (50’s) where we will spend the first 4 days,  and colder in Chamonix (20’s-40’s) where we’ll spend 5 days, with snow in the forecast, yay! But, dang, what to pack! Plus, it’s France, so I have to be presentable…..

With all of that considered, I put together a simple, classic, yet practical wardrobe that checks all the boxes. The first thing to consider: outerwear. I’m hoping we’ll do some hiking/walking in both Malleval & Chamoix, so needed warm, yet functional footwear. On the opposite end, we’ll be walking around historical sites, tasting wine, being very French, so need an easy (but cute) walking shoe. And with the chance of snow, have to bring the cute hats! I choose the below, and planned my color scheme around these colors: tan, navy blue, black, grey.

I’m bringing three hats – one beret, one ski cap, one furry flap hat – and mittens that will match it all. The sporty, yet cute Cole Haan boot will be worn on the trails and the slip ons pack beautifully – and are comfy!

I then thought about our time in Malleval, France…..touring the quaint villages, dining in French cafes, sipping French wine, hiking in Pilat National Park, getting wined and dined with Pierre Gaillard. And the weather would be mild – so I opted for skirts and dresses, all having layering options.

Next, I picked pants – one pair of jeans and two yoga pants – that I could dress up or down and all could be worn with interchangeable tops. And layering with a shawl or poncho – of which I was bringing three  (a grey, creme and a olive green one) – would keep me warm.

And the rest was easy – ski clothes (that I’d wear multiple days, sorry crew!) a bathing suite (hoping to hit some hot springs!) and toiletries, undergarments and pjs.

I’m beyond excited to explore the Rhone Valley, French Alps, and everywhere in between. And I’ll have packed for any and all adventures we encounter!

Bon Voyage!