The Parisians are crazy about picnicking. Throughout my 10 years living in Paris, I have been on more picnics than I had been on in my entire life before I moved here.
On a weekend afternoon or evening, you will see crowds of Parisians with their blankets, food and friends, sprawled on the grass of the many parks and gardens across Paris.
During the pandemic in particular, when all the cafes and restaurants have been closed, enjoying some open-air dining has been a welcome respite from being cooped up indoors, and the parks in and around Paris are much busier than usual with picnickers.
So when you are visiting Paris, consider having a picnic. It’s the perfect way to experience the city like one of the locals.
What are the best picnic spots in Paris?
THE QUAYS ALONG THE SEINE
This is one of the more obvious places to go, but you can’t go wrong by choosing a nice spot by the river. A popular location for the Parisians is on the Ile St-Louis and near Pont des Arts.
Square du Vert-Galant, located on the tip of the Ile St-Louis is a particularly nice spot. You can sit right on the edge of the bank and get a close up view of the river boats passing by.
PLACE DES VOSGES IN THE MARAIS
If you like to feel like royalty on your picnic, the Place des Vosges is for you. This is one of the prettiest squares in Paris and was once called Place Royale. The residences surrounding it were inhabited by nobility and in the 17th and 18th centuries and Place des Vosges was one of the most fashionable and exclusive addresses in Paris.
Today, the square is surrounded by luxury apartments, shops, private art galleries and cafes.
CANAL SAINT-MARTIN
Having a picnic along the shady, tree lined banks of this 19th century waterway is always a good choice. This area is quickly gentrifying. There are plenty of shabby chic shops, cafes and bakeries to explore nearby.
PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT
This beautiful, hilly park in the 19th district is one of the larger parks in Paris. It’s full of pathways, and has a pond with bridges, a waterfall and grottos. The sloping lawns make perfect tranquil picnicking spots.
PARC MONCEAU
Situated in the 8th district, Parc Monceau is elegant and romantic. Beautiful wrought iron gates embellished with gold, adorn the entranceway. You will find numerous statues dotted around the park, and a large pond.
TROCADÉRO GARDENS OR THE CHAMP DE MARS
Of course, the most iconic of picnic spots in Paris would be either one of these two places since you will have the Eiffel Tower in full view. And although, it's a touristy place, the Parisians love to picnic there too.
To prepare for your picnic, you can do some shopping at the local markets, boulangeries, or try out one of these ready to go picnic lunches.
Apero and picnic baskets (delivery). Available to rent and plates / glassware needs to be returned within 3 days. Coursed meals and vegetarian options.
Offer a two person picnic basket as well as a 6 person basket. Comes with bread, ham, rilette, cheese, tarama and wine.
High-end Michelin star restaurant that now offers delivery and pick up options. Picnic basket option available for two as well as aperitif basket.
Order online or go to one of the boutiques at either of the two locations in Paris. Mostly cheeses, tapanades and charcuterie.
You can call ahead and place your order for a picnic for two and pick it up on Saturdays.
And don’t forget to bring a refreshing bottle of wine and a corkscrew. These accoutrements are musts if you’re going to have a true Parisian picnic.
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