Quamp Château Packing (Luggage) Guide

How We Quamp
Written By Philippa Girling

... for the other kind of “packing” (aka simulating bulge) check out this article on gender affirming care tips from them.us

Here is a realistic, queer, practical list for your week in Southern France.

Packing for Quamp can feel like trying to predict the weather, your mood, and the exact moment you’ll want to look devastatingly hot while also being comfortable enough to cry in the grass. Here’s the list we wish past campers had.

We’ll keep it simple, honest, and aligned with our values:
authenticity, unity, and gaiety — but also comfort, practicality, and calm.

Before you pack,

choose luggage you can carry up stairs. Both châteaux have steps and no elevators.

The most common mistake? Overpacking.

Fashion is optional, never required. Show up as you are today. Maybe you’re giving couture or maybe it’s more “I’ve been on a plane for 12 hours.”

Weather reality check:

  • June: warm days, crisp mornings/evenings.

  • September: warm-ish days, moody evenings, potential surprise rain. Layers will save you.

Checklist

  • These are the things that cause the most panic when forgotten:

    • Passport / ID

    • Travel tickets

    • ETIAS / Visa documents (if needed)

    • Wallet, money (card + some cash)

    • Important contacts written down

    • Travel insurance info (optional but helpful)

    • Medications (enough for the whole trip + a small buffer)

    • Any accessibility-related tools you personally rely on

  • Bring what makes you feel like yourself. We provide the basics.

    Already included on-site:
    Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, towels, hairdryers.

    Pack:

    • Toothbrush & toothpaste

    • Deodorant

    • Sunscreen (we sell it too)

    • Tampons / pads / menstrual products

    • Face wash / skincare

    • Make-up

    • Razor / shaving items

    • Wet wipes

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Tissues

    • Perfume

    • Floss

    • Contacts + solution

    • Any personal hygiene items you can’t go a week without

  • You’ll want outfits that cover:
    lounging, walking, movement classes, pool time, dinners, photo moments, rain, and “I was not prepared for this temperature.”

    Pack:

    • 1–2 comfy travel/lounge outfits

    • Pajamas

    • Tops (3–5)

    • Bottoms (2–3)

    • Swimsuit(s)

    • Yoga / movement clothes

    • A sundress, jumpsuit, or outfit you love (optional)

    • Sweater / warm layer

    • Light raincoat

    • Socks + underwear for the week

    • Sneakers / shoes for walking

    • Sandals or flip-flops

    • Clothes you don’t mind getting paint, glue, dirt, or emotions on (for electives)

    • Something that makes you feel like “Yes. Photograph me.”

    • Something that makes you feel like “Don’t perceive me.”
      (You’ll want both.)

    You do NOT need:

    • More than 7 outfits

    • More than 2 pairs of shoes

    • A robe

    • Multiple bags/purses

    • More than one sunhat

    • Three books (you will not read three books, you will nap)

  • For Catwalk / Catswim:

    • Sunglasses

    • Sunhat

    • A poolside outfit that is dramatic, campy, tender, or unhinged (your choice)

    For Apero & Dinner:

    • Something you might want in the group photo
      (But truly — the vibe ranges from “glamorous queer cousin” to “I forgot an outfit and this is what I found.” All welcome.)

    For Creative Electives:

    • Nothing required

    • Optional: personal art journal, sketchbook, markers

  • Bring if they’re part of your comfort ritual:

    • Journal

    • Book (just one)

    • Power bank

    • Camera

    • Sunglasses

    • Fanny pack or small bag

    • Earplugs (sleeping)

    • Travel adapter (EU plugs)

    • Headphones

    • Refillable water bottle

    • Phone

    • Charger

    • Portable battery

    • EU travel adapter (if needed)
      We provide USB & USB-C charging stations in each room.

  • You don’t need to pack these:

    • Towels (bath & pool)

    • Fresh linens

    • Hairdryers

    • Umbrellas

    • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash

    • Charging stations

    In our camp shop:

    • Sunscreen

    • Bugspray

    • Merch

    • Laundry tokens

  • You’ll likely encounter at least one of these:

    • Warm sunshine

    • Cool mornings

    • A sudden breeze

    • A surprise sprinkle

    • A sweaty hike

    • A cold hallway

    • A hot hallway

    • “Why is it both?”

    Layers are your friend. Sweaters are your friend. Shoes that can get muddy are your best friend.

Ready to go?!

Share tips & tricks below 👇

Philippa Girling
Next

Assessing Your Elective Vibes