Self catering in France with toddler-what do I really need to take?

[LaTristesse]

We're taking DS to France for a week next month -our first holiday all together, he's 14mo. we'll be driving so can load the car up with all his paraphernalia, but do we really need it all?
What's essential, and what can I do without? For example, do I really need portable blackout blinds?
Thanks

I rent out our holiday home in France and we get lots of families with young children. I would start by checking out what is provided at the accommodation so you don't double up- we supply a Graco travel cot, basic buggy, high chair, baby bath, lindam stairgates for example. Some mums ask lots of detailed questions about the equipment, and I don't mind at all about that as I know that some equipment supplied in self-catering properties can be a bit old.

You definitely wouldn't need blackout blinds at our house as it has metal shutters which cut out all light. Many French properties have these so you could ask if yours does. French supermarkets stock items like pampers nappies etc, but I would take a small stock of items such as Heinz baked beans which are difficult to find and expensive when you do.
Two items I would definitely take are a travel changing mat and a travel high chair/booster seat for when eating out at restaurants. You rarely get decent changing facilities in restaurants, and "high chairs" are sometimes merely car booster seats with no straps - pretty lethal for a 14 mo old! Hope you have a lovely time.

I'd say familiar foods. We live in Belgium and struggle to find Marmite. If I do get a jar, it tastes different and is super expensive.
Everything else will be available. At a price. As you are driving, it may be worth your while taking things that he particularly likes to eat or drink.