There is no where else in the world I love to picnic as much as I do in France. To gather a variety of delicious items from a market or grocery store and head to a park is one of the best luxuries to do while traveling in France.
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Related: Best Shoes to Wear in Paris
Where To Have a Picnic In Paris
In my opinion, having a picnic is one of the best things to do in Paris in the Spring.
Paris today has more than 421 parks and gardens so you won’t have a hard time finding picnic spots in Paris but I do have a few favorite spots. The area around the Eiffel Tower or in Montmartre are of course among the usual spots for a good picnic. But there are a lot of other unpopular yet scenic places that are perfect for al fresco dining,
Jardin des Tuileries
Picnic amidst the ghost of royalty here in the royal gardens of the former Louvre Palace. This beautiful green space is situated in Central Paris and has loads of the iconic green chairs on which you can set up your picnic.
This is one of my personal favorite parks in Paris and a perfect spot to picnic.
Parc Monceau
More of a locals park, this park is one of the most tucked away and elegant gardens in Paris.
It is surrounded by beautiful residences and features stunning gold wrought iron gates through which to enter the park.
Place Des Vosges
If staying in the Marais, the ancient square Place des Vosges is a beautiful little haven to spread out a blanket on a patch of grass or grab one of the few benches to enjoy your picnic.
I think this is one of the most picturesque squares in Paris and it is one of my favorite places for people watching.
Banks of the Seine
All along the banks of the Seine river you will find spots to picnic. If you want a spectacular Eiffel Tower view, head to Port Debilly.
Another great spot is the tip of Ile de la Cité which is the island on which Notre Dame is situated.
In select summer weeks, you can even enjoy your picnic at Paris Plages. Paris Plages is an installation along the banks of the Seine in certain locations that transform into a beach-like paradise to enjoy.
Champ de Mars
Often the most popular place for tourists to enjoy a Parisian picnic is in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower on this wide swatch of greenery surrounding the Iron Lady.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg gardens are an iconic park in Paris for so many reasons and one I always love to bring a picnic from La Grande Epicerie to.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
To experience more of a local fee, head to the Parisian favorite Parc des Buttes Chaumont. This sprawling park is located in northeastern Paris, in the 19th arrondissement and occupies over 61 acres of green space.
Your Accommodations
Weather not on your side or just looking for a more affordable meal for dinner one night? I have always loved doing a “bed picnic” on my last night in Paris on many a trip.
I shop for my picnic and then bring it home to my hotel to enjoy in bed, cozy in my pajamas with a favorite romantic comedy playing in the background.
My travel atelier En Route to Rêverie can help you select and book the best Accommodations for you and your party – often with some excellent VIP Perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and more.
How To Picnic In Paris
Choose your Spot
Choosing your sport will depend on the weather, where you are staying, what view you are looking to have and where you plan to shop.
Prepare a Shopping List
A few of my must haves for a Parisian picnic include a good baguette sandwich, a baguette to enjoy with my favorite French butter, wine or champagne, charcuterie, a selection of French cheeses and some lovely produce like stone fruit or berries.
Think of what the perfect picnic includes for you and prepare a shopping list accordingly.
I have two favorite baguette sandwich spots in Paris that I share exclusively with Rêverie in Paris clients.
Bring a Tote
Bags will cost you 10 centimes at grocery stores and often some of the best open air markets in Paris don’t have them either so you will want to bring your own favorite market tote to pop your goods into.
Alternatively, if staying at a luxury hotel, they can often prepare or provide a picnic basket to you.
Be Prepared
You may want to consider bringing a blanket if the park you choose doesn’t have ample chairs or benches or if it’s rained earlier in the week.
Planning to consume some wine? You’ll want a wine opener and glasses handy.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Having a great picnic in Paris can transport you completely to a state of reverie but you must always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves and pickpockets have been known to target tourists picnicking. Particularly at the Champ de Mars.
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If you are looking for a more upscale picnic experience, I am happy to share my favorite vetted vendors with my En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris clients.
Heading to Paris? Book En Route to Rêverie with me and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.
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It looks like having a knife would come in handy too. Perhaps one of the folding opinel knives
For certain items yes!