Seeing Céline Dion in Paris? What fans need to pack for a 72-hour concert break

Céline Dion fans heading to Paris have the perfect excuse to turn seeing the superstar into a long weekend in one of Europe’s most popular cities.

But if you are planning to squeeze sightseeing, dinner, a concert outfit and perhaps a little Céline merchandise into one cabin case, deciding what to leave at home can be almost as important as deciding what to pack.

Short city breaks remain hugely popular, with more than half of tourism trips lasting between one and three nights, while rising baggage charges are giving travellers another reason to ditch the checked suitcase and travel light.

For fans making a 72-hour trip to the French capital, luggage experts say the trick is packing clothes that can work double duty, rather than taking a different outfit for every part of the weekend.

Paris attracts around 50 million visitors a year, and there is plenty to cram into three days, from the Eiffel Tower and Louvre to Montmartre, the Seine, Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur.

It is also a city where you can quickly clock up the miles on foot, making comfortable shoes arguably more important than squeezing another glamorous outfit into your suitcase.

And while Paris can still be pleasantly warm during summer and early autumn, evenings can feel cooler, particularly as the year progresses, meaning lightweight layers are a better option than bulky coats and jumpers.

Visitors planning to step inside some of the city's religious sites should also think about what they are wearing. Carrying a lightweight scarf or shawl is an easy way to cover up when necessary without taking up valuable space.

What should you pack for three days in Paris?

For a three-day break, luggage experts at it Luggage recommend keeping clothes simple.

Two pairs of lightweight trousers or shorts, three or four tops, underwear and sleepwear should cover most of the trip, alongside a cardigan or overshirt for cooler evenings.

Then there is the all-important Céline outfit.

Rather than throwing several possible concert looks into your suitcase and deciding once you arrive, choose what you are going to wear before leaving home.

A smart-casual outfit that can also work for dinner or drinks on another evening will save space, while wearing your heaviest jacket and bulkiest shoes on the flight can free up even more room.

When it comes to footwear, comfortable trainers are essential for sightseeing, while a pair of lightweight shoes or sandals can be packed for evenings and the concert.

Blister plasters are also worth slipping into your bag, particularly if you are planning to break in new shoes while walking around Paris.

The small things worth making room for

Sunglasses, SPF, a refillable water bottle and a small umbrella are among the items worth finding space for, alongside a European travel adaptor and any medication needed during the trip.

A portable power bank could prove particularly useful for Céline fans.

Between taking photographs, navigating Paris, checking restaurant reservations and using digital concert tickets, phone batteries can disappear surprisingly quickly during a city break.

Concert-goers should download their ticket before leaving their hotel rather than relying on being able to access it at the venue.

A small crossbody bag can also work for both sightseeing and the concert, although fans should check the venue's latest bag restrictions before travelling.

Leave room for the Céline Dion merchandise

There is one packing mistake Céline fans may particularly regret: filling their suitcase before they have even arrived.

Anyone planning to pick up a tour T-shirt, programme or other merchandise should deliberately leave a little space in their cabin bag for the journey home.

A foldable tote bag takes up virtually no room and can also come in handy for shopping and souvenirs during the weekend.

Nick Gaskin, Sales & Marketing Director at it Luggage, said: “For a short trip, smart packing makes everything easier. One of the most common mistakes is packing for every possible scenario, instead of packing for the trip you’re actually taking.

“A long weekend in Paris calls for comfortable, versatile essentials that work from morning sightseeing to evening plans.

“If you’re travelling for a concert, plan your outfit before you leave rather than packing several different options. Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane, and leave a little room in your case for anything you might want to bring home from the show.”

Your 72-hour Paris packing checklist

For three days in Paris, aim to pack two pairs of trousers or shorts, three or four lightweight tops, one concert or evening outfit, a cardigan or overshirt, underwear and sleepwear.

Add comfortable trainers, lightweight evening shoes, sunglasses, SPF, a refillable water bottle, a small crossbody bag, travel adaptor, power bank, blister plasters and a compact umbrella.

A lightweight scarf or shawl is useful for visiting churches, while a foldable tote gives you somewhere to put those inevitable Paris souvenirs and Céline purchases.

Most importantly, check you have your passport, travel documents, insurance details and concert ticket before closing the case.

Because while you can probably buy another toothbrush in Paris, replacing a forgotten passport is considerably more difficult