How to Picnic in Paris: What to Pack & Where to Go
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Paris, with its iconic landmarks, romantic streets and picturesque parks, is the perfect place to indulge in a picnic. Whether you’re a local seeking a leisurely day in the Jardin des Tuileries or a traveler looking to savor French flavors Seine-side, I’m sharing the secrets to planning an unforgettable picnic experience that captures the essence of the city. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the essential items to bring and the most coveted picnic spots in Paris. Ready to enjoy the perfect Parisian picnic?
What to Pack for a Picnic in Paris
1. Bread
No French picnic is complete without a crusty baguette. It's versatile and pairs well with cheese, charcuterie, or as a base for sandwiches. Stop by any bakery or boulangerie and pick up a baguette de tradition, a baguette made in the traditional French way. You might also see a baguette ordinaire, which usually has a less robust flavor. Most people agree that traditional baguettes are the best. If you’re in a pinch, you can also purchase baguettes at almost any French supermarket.
Read More: Where To Eat Breakfast In Paris
2. Cheese
Create a cheese board with a selection of French cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Comté or Roquefort. Include a mix of hard and soft cheeses for the perfect plate. Pair them with fresh baguettes for an authentic taste.
You can find cheese at any French supermarket, but the best place to buy cheese is at a cheese shop or fromagerie. These shops offer a wide selection of artisanal and regional cheeses, and the vendors can help you choose what kinds of cheese to buy based on your tastes.
3. Meat
Include a variety of cured meats such as saucisson, prosciutto, or pâté. They complement the cheeses and add protein to your picnic. A classic choice for a French picnic is saucisson sec, A dry-cured sausage that comes in various flavors. Another favorite option is jambon cru, a cured ham, often served thinly sliced. It pairs well with cheese and bread.
If you’re looking for something truly French, try pâté de campagne, a rustic country-style pâté made with pork and spices, or rillettes de porc, shredded and seasoned pork. You can spread both options on bread for a rich, savory option.
While not a traditional French charcuterie, smoked salmon (saumon fumé) and diced roasted chicken (poulet rôti) are convenient options to pack for your Parisian picnic.
4. Fruits & Vegetables
Pack a selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables for a healthy option. After indulging in bread, cheese and numerous patisseries, it’s refreshing to fuel your body with something less processed.
The best place to purchase fruit and vegetables is at a marché (market), where you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce. These markets take place across Paris, so shop at the closest market to you or venture out to some of Paris’s best markets such as Marché Saint-Martin, Marché d'Aligre, or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Larger supermarkets like Monoprix, Carrefour, or Franprix have well-stocked produce sections too.
Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and baby carrots are just a few veggie options to pack. Pick up a pre-made dip like hummus, tapenade or tzatziki for an effortless crudité platter.
Choose fruits that are in season for the freshest and most flavorful options. In Paris, you’ll find grapes, berries, apples, peaches, and cherries depending on the time of year. Wash, peel, and cut your fruits and vegetables in advance or have a bottle of water on hand to wash your produce for an impromptu picnic.
5. Sweets
No French picnic would be complete without at least one (or two) pastries. Macarons, éclairs, madeleines, and tarts are just a few sweet options to try in Paris. The best place to buy pastries is at a patisserie or boulangerie, where you’ll find the largest selection of French sweets. The supermarket selection tends to be less impressive. Don’t forget to be mindful of the weather. On warmer days, stick to sweets that won't melt easily in the heat.
6. Wine
Elevate your picnic with a bottle of French wine. Lighter options like rosé, white wine, or light reds are ideal for daytime picnics. If you want to elevate your picnic even more, you can savor a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine.
The best place to purchase wine in Paris is at a caviste (wine shop). Here you’ll find a large selection of French wines, and the vendors will provide recommendations based on your preferences. I’d suggest checking out Nicolas, one of the largest wine retailers in France. You can find numerous locations throughout Paris (and across France) with a diverse selection of wines to cater to different preferences and budgets.
You can also find an impressive selection of wine at French supermarkets, and the quality is usually excellent, even if you opt for a very affordable bottle. If you're savoring a picnic solo or with a smaller group, consider opting for half bottles of wine or smaller individual-serving bottles.
Read More: A Beginner's Guide to French Wine
7. Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Stay hydrated by bringing along your favorite non-alcoholic beverages. You can find a variety of beverages at any supermarket. During the summer months, you won’t regret packing a bottle of French sparkling water like Perrier or Badoit. If you’re looking for a truly French drink, try Orangina, a carbonated citrus beverage with pulp, or Schweppes Agrumes, a popular citrus soda.
A less practical option (but still just as delicious) is to concoct your own mocktails. I’d recommend grabbing a bottle of Pulco Citron, a concentrated lemon juice that can be mixed with water to create a refreshing citrus drink. Just as good are Teisseire syrups, available in various flavors, perfect for mixing with water to craft a fruity beverage.
8. Utensils and Napkins
You might be focused on the food and drinks, but you can’t forget the extra stuff. Pack disposable or reusable utensils and napkins. You can find these supplies at most supermarkets like Monoprix and Carrefour. Depending on your accommodation, you might even find these items at your hotel, hostel or Airbnb.
Forks and spoons are likely optional, but you’ll definitely need a knife to cut cheese and meats. Glasses or paper cups are also essential if you plan to drink a bottle of wine. Napkins always come in handy for wiping hands and cleaning up spills.
Paper plates and bowls can be nice for serving your picnic fare, but you definitely don’t need them. Another optional item is a small cutting board for items like cheese and meats. Again, it’s not a necessity, and it’s usually easy to cut food on a napkin or in its packaging.
9. Corkscrew and Opener
If you're planning to enjoy wine, ensure you have a corkscrew (tire-bouchon) or wine opener on hand. Screw-cap wine is pretty rare in France, so you’ll definitely need a corkscrew to open most wine bottles. You can find corkscrews at most supermarkets in Paris. If you forget to bring one along, fret not. In popular picnic spots like the Champs de Mars and along the Seine, you’re likely to find several other picnic-ers whom you can ask to borrow their opener.
10. Blanket
Depending on where you picnic, it can be nice to have a blanket to sit on. It’s not essential, but makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re traveling to Paris and don’t have a blanket on hand, consider bringing along a jacket or beach towel to sit on. You’ll see a lot of people just sitting on the ground too.
11. Book
Consider bringing a book or magazine to relax and enjoy some reading during your picnic. This is perfect if you’re traveling solo, but still want to partake in a picnic in Paris. If you’re looking for a new read, browse the selection of English-language books at Shakespeare and Company, one of the most popular bookstores in Paris. You might also explore the wide variety of books sold by the bouquinistes along the Seine to find your next French favorite.
Read More: The Monoprix Gift Guide: 20 French Supermarket Souvenirs
Best Picnic Spots in Paris
1. Jardin du Luxembourg
One of the best picnic spots in Paris (and my favorite garden) has to be the Luxembourg Gardens. It’s a quieter spot surrounded by lush greenery and the iconic Medici Fountain. Spend the entire afternoon lounging on the grass near the boulevard and soak in the beautiful view of this regal garden or relax by the small pond and watch miniature sailboats gliding across the water. Either way, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day.
Read More: A Day in the Life of an American in France
2. Seine Riverbanks
The banks of the Seine offer a romantic setting for a Parisian picnic with views of historic bridges and passing boats. The river runs through the heart of the city, so you can find a spot near iconic landmarks from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Other popular spots to picnic include Île de la Cité, Île St Louis, Trocadero, and Paris Plages, where you’ll come across many picnickers enjoying a glass of wine and soaking up the sun.
3. Jardin des Tuileries
Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries offers a central spot for your Parisian picnic. It’s one of the biggest and oldest public gardens in Paris, making it a popular place for locals to visit too. With its meticulously manicured lawns, colorful blooms, and view of the Grande Roue De Paris, this garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine and relax all afternoon with a stunning view.
4. Champ de Mars
Champ de Mars is one of the most popular Parisian picnic spots, and for good reason. Stretching from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire, this vast green space offers front-row views of the famous landmark.
You can enjoy your Parisian picnic and the beautiful view day or night. For an evening picnic, you can watch the stunning light show on the Eiffel Tower. Beyond being a favorite picnic spot, Champ de Mars is also one of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower. The Champs de Mars is often crowded with tourists, especially on warm summer days. Consider arriving early in the evening to secure a prime spot for a memorable sunset picnic.
5. Place des Vosges
Tucked away in the heart of Le Marais district, Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris. Its well-maintained gardens and elegant Haussmannian buildings, make it a lovely spot to enjoy a leisurely picnic in the middle of the city. You’ll also find shady trees and benches, perfect for escaping the sun during the summer months.
Read More: Paris in Autumn: 12 Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall
6. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
A hidden oasis in the heart of the 19th arrondissement is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. It features a picturesque lake and a towering suspension bridge that make it the perfect backdrop for your picnic. You’ll also get beautiful views of the city from this hilly picnic spot. Stroll around this expansive park and discover the Temple de la Sibylle as well as the 60-foot-high waterfall tucked away in the park’s grotto.
The picnics I enjoyed in Paris are some of my most cherished memories. Whether you call Paris home or are just visiting the City of Light, don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in a Parisian picnic. It will deepen your appreciation for Paris in so many ways.
What do you pack for a Parisian picnic? What is your favorite picnic spot in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.
