There's something magical about spreading a blanket in a Parisian park, unwrapping local delicacies, and savoring both the food and ambiance of the city. While Paris boasts countless exceptional restaurants, the humble picnic might just be the most authentic (and affordable) dining experience the city has to offer. After years exploring Paris's parks, gardens, and riverbanks with baguette in hand, I'm sharing my insider guide to creating your perfect Parisian picnic adventure.
Why Picnicking in Paris is Essential
Paris's picnic culture runs deep. On warm days, parks and riverbanks transform into social hubs where Parisians gather to enjoy good food, conversation, and the simple pleasure of dining outdoors. For visitors, picnicking offers multiple advantages:
Experience Paris like a local - Join the authentic rhythm of Parisian life
Budget-friendly alternative to restaurants (saving €30-50 per person)
Relaxed pace without rushed service or time constraints
Perfect settings with iconic backdrops for memorable meals
Flexible timing that accommodates sightseeing schedules
Weather appreciation during Paris's beautiful spring and summer months
The picnic tradition embodies the French approach to food - quality ingredients prepared simply and enjoyed fully, preferably in good company. It's a cultural experience that belongs on every Paris itinerary.
Assembling Your Perfect Picnic: Shopping Guide
Creating an authentic Parisian picnic starts with gathering the right provisions. Here's where to shop and what to select:
Boulangeries (Bakeries)
No Paris picnic is complete without bread, specifically a fresh baguette. Look for boulangeries with the sign "Artisan Boulanger," indicating they make bread on-premises.
What to buy:
Baguette Tradition - Slightly more expensive but superior to standard baguettes
Pain au Levain - Sourdough bread with more substance for picnics
Fougasse - Herb-infused flatbread that travels well
Recommended shops:
Du Pain et des Idées (3rd) - Their "escargot" pastries make excellent desserts
Boulangerie Utopie (11th) - Creative specialty breads
Poilâne (6th) - Famous sourdough worth the splurge
Fromageries (Cheese Shops)
The heart of any French picnic is an assortment of cheeses. Most neighborhoods have excellent fromageries where staff will happily help with selections.
What to buy:
Brie de Meaux - The classic soft cheese, perfect when ripe
Comté - Aged 18-24 months for best flavor
Chèvre - Fresh goat cheese, often sold in small rounds
Bleu d'Auvergne - For blue cheese lovers (intense but accessible)
Recommended shops:
Laurent Dubois (5th/6th) - Award-winning selections
Barthélémy (7th) - Small but exceptional
Fromagerie Quatrehomme (7th) - Perfectly aged options
Tip: Ask for "pour aujourd'hui" (for today) to get cheese at perfect ripeness.
Charcuteries (Cured Meats)
Cured meats complement cheese beautifully and require no preparation.
What to buy:
Jambon de Paris - Cooked ham, milder than prosciutto
Saucisson sec - Dry-cured sausage in various flavors
Rillettes - Spreadable pork confit, perfect on baguette
Pâté - Choose from countless varieties
Recommended shops:
La Grande Épicerie (7th) - Vast selection under one roof
Caractère de Cochon (3rd) - Specializes in ham
Any good butcher (boucherie) will offer quality charcuterie
Wine Shops (Cavistes)
Most picnickers in Paris enjoy wine with their meal. Unlike in some countries, drinking alcohol in most public parks is tolerated as long as you're responsible.
What to buy:
Rosé - Perfect for daytime picnics, especially in warmer months
Light reds - Beaujolais or Loire Valley reds work well without refrigeration
Sparkling - Crémant offers champagne-style wine at lower prices
Recommended shops:
Le Repaire de Bacchus (multiple locations) - Knowledgeable staff
Caves Bossetti (3rd) - Excellent neighborhood wine shop with personal service
Nicolas (chain throughout Paris) - Reliable quality and convenience
Tip: Ask for "un vin pour un pique-nique" for appropriate recommendations. Don't forget a corkscrew!
Fresh Additions
Round out your picnic with fresh components:
Seasonal fruit from any market or produce shop
Cherry tomatoes - Clean, easy to share
Olives from market vendors or olive specialists
Cornichons (tiny pickles) that pair perfectly with charcuterie
Sweet treats like macarons or pain au chocolat for dessert
One-Stop Shopping
If separate stops seem overwhelming, consider these efficient options:
Street markets - Find one in any neighborhood for fresh options
La Grande Épicerie (7th) - Upscale food hall with everything you need
Monoprix - Supermarket chain with surprisingly good selections
Planning your perfect Paris picnic?
Dive deeper into selecting the best local provisions with our expert guides:
Paris Cheese Guide: How to Choose Like a Local – Find the perfect fromage for your picnic basket.
Best Bakeries in Paris: Beyond the Baguette – Discover where locals buy their picnic breads and pastries.
Paris Wine Shop Guide: Budget to Splurge – Expert tips for selecting the perfect picnic wine.
Chocolate Shops in Paris: Artisanal Treasures – Add a sweet finish to your outdoor feast.
These insider guides will help you assemble an unforgettable Parisian picnic with confidence!
Essential Picnic Supplies
Beyond food, consider these practical items:
Lightweight blanket or pareo (large scarf) to sit on
Compact knife for cheese and charcuterie
Corkscrew if buying wine with corks
Napkins or paper towels
Water bottles - Stay hydrated, especially in summer
Small cutting board - Optional but elevates the experience
Reusable cups for wine or other drinks
Many Paris hotels provide basic supplies if you ask at reception, and some shops offer "picnic kits" during summer months.
Paris's Best Picnic Locations
Paris offers countless picturesque spots, but these locations combine beauty, convenience, and authentic atmosphere:
Champ de Mars
The Classic Eiffel Tower Picnic
Experience: Iconic views of the Eiffel Tower from its surrounding park
Best Spot: The lawn area midway between Avenue Joseph Bouvard and the tower
Shopping Nearby: Rue Cler market street (7th) for all provisions
Crowd Level: High, especially on weekends
Best Time: Weekday afternoons or early evening before sunset
Luxembourg Gardens
The Elegant Local Favorite
Experience: Manicured gardens with a distinctly Parisian atmosphere
Best Spot: The apple orchard section or near the central fountain
Shopping Nearby: Rue Mouffetard market (5th) or shops around Boulevard Saint-Michel
Crowd Level: Moderate, popular with students and families
Best Time: Lunchtime any day
Note: Only picnic in designated grassy areas (not on the main lawns)
Canal Saint-Martin
The Hip Local Experience
Experience: Urban waterway lined with contemporary Parisian life
Best Spot: Along the elevated portions between République and Jaurès
Shopping Nearby: Du Pain et des Idées bakery, small shops along Quai de Valmy
Crowd Level: Moderate to high on summer evenings
Best Time: Early evening when locals gather after work
Bonus: People-watching and authentic local atmosphere
Square du Vert-Galant
The Romantic Seine Island
Experience: Intimate park at the western tip of Île de la Cité
Best Spot: The very tip overlooking the Seine and Pont des Arts
Shopping Nearby: Latin Quarter or Rue de Rivoli shops
Crowd Level: Low to moderate
Best Time: Sunset for magical light on the river
Note: Small space, arrive early to secure a spot in peak season
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The Local Secret
Experience: Dramatic 19th-century park with hills, cliffs and a lake
Best Spot: The sloping lawns facing the central island
Shopping Nearby: Shops around Place du Colonel Fabien or Rue de Belleville
Crowd Level: Mostly locals, few tourists
Best Time: Sunday afternoons when neighborhood residents gather
Bonus: Spectacular city views from the temple on the central island
Berges de Seine
The Riverside Experience
Experience: Pedestrianized riverbanks with Paris flowing around you
Best Spot: Left Bank between Pont de l'Alma and Pont Royal
Shopping Nearby: Rue de Seine or Boulevard Saint-Germain shops
Crowd Level: Moderate to high in good weather
Best Time: Late afternoon as the light softens
Note: Very exposed to sun; bring protection on sunny days
Seasonal Considerations
Paris picnics change with the seasons:
Spring (April-June)
Weather: Variable but often perfect (14-22°C/57-72°F)
Best Foods: Fresh chèvre, spring vegetables, strawberries
Top Locations: Luxembourg Gardens for spring blooms, Champ de Mars
Timing: 12:00-19:00 when sun is warmest
Summer (July-August)
Weather: Warm, occasional heat waves (22-30°C/72-86°F)
Best Foods: Light options like melon, burrata, charcuterie
Top Locations: Canal Saint-Martin for evening breeze, shaded areas of parks
Timing: Later picnics (18:00-21:30) avoid peak heat and enjoy long daylight
Fall (September-October)
Weather: Mild, sometimes rainy (15-22°C/59-72°F)
Best Foods: Richer options like pâté, aged cheese, grapes
Top Locations: Buttes-Chaumont for fall foliage, Luxembourg Gardens
Timing: Midday (12:00-16:00) for warmest hours
Winter (November-March)
Reality Check: Traditional picnics are challenging in winter
Alternative: "Indoor picnic" at your accommodation
Winter Option: Quick sandwich on a bench during rare sunny days
Picnic Etiquette in Paris
To picnic like a local:
Clean up completely when finished (limited trash cans; bring a small bag)
Keep noise reasonable, especially music (headphones preferred)
Never picnic on memorials or private property
Drink responsibly - public intoxication will draw negative attention
Share space graciously in crowded areas
Respect signs prohibiting picnics in certain grass areas
Budget Tips for Paris Picnics
Creating an impressive spread needn't be expensive:
Daily markets often reduce prices in final hour before closing
Monoprix house brand products offer good value
Bakeries sometimes discount baguettes before closing
Ask for small portions at cheese shops ("un petit morceau")
House wines (vins de table) provide good value
Prix fixe sandwiches at bakeries include drink and dessert at savings
A magnificent Paris picnic can cost as little as €10-15 per person, compared to €30-50 for a comparable restaurant meal.
Final Thoughts: Creating Picnic Memories
A Paris picnic transcends simple outdoor dining—it's an immersion into Parisian culture. Sitting among locals, enjoying regional specialties with iconic backdrops creates memories that last far longer than another restaurant meal.
Take your time, savor each bite, and embrace the leisurely pace that defines Parisian dining culture. Your picnic might just become the highlight of your Paris experience, combining culinary adventures with the simple pleasure of being present in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Have you enjoyed a memorable Paris picnic? Share your experience in the comments below!
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