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The Best Places to Picnic in Paris: Deciding on Where to Plan A Picnic on Your Paris Trip

August 4, 2024 by Donna Ryan

Eiffel Tower by Zoltán Pethő, Pexels

When thinking of traveling to Paris, many may think of its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, historical significance and romantic environment.

However, beyond the museums and busy streets lies plenty of places for picnicking in Paris – where you can delight in the simple pleasure of eating outside.

Below is a review of some of the parks and gardens – where you can picnic Paris.

Each of the following popular picnic spots is found across Paris in the heart of the city. They are surrounded by beautiful fountains and plants and have some of the best views around – including a place to relax.

What to Pack for Your Picnic in Paris

For a great picnic, include a selection of French cheeses such as brie, camembert, chèvre ,and picnic foods such as charcuterie or sandwich meats, vegetables like ratatouille, or a cold salad. A crusty bread or picnic baguette are other good picnic selections.

Parisian Picnic by Nata S, Pexels

Picnic in Paris Just About Anytime

Now that you have an idea what to bring to the picnic, make sure you schedule a trip during picnic season (generally spring to early fall). You can also spread out a picnic blanket (or cover yourself in one) during the winter months. You’ll just have to make some concessions.

1. Champ de Mars – The Place to Picnic in Paris Beneath the Eiffel Tower

The Champ de Mars sits at the base of the Eiffel Tower — it’s one among several renowned picnic areas within the city. The enormous green space measures over 780 meters (2,560 feet) long, and sits between the Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire, making the sote perfect for families as well as tourists or locals.

Highlights:

Breathtaking Vistas: The park offers unspoiled views on all sides around the Eiffel Tower which makes it ideal for taking photographs.
Spacious Lawns: Wide lawns can accommodate big gatherings and games.
Accessibility: It is easy to get to the location via Public Transport with different nearby stations like Bir-Hakeim or Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel.

Tips:

If you want to secure a good spot during peak tourist seasons come early!
A bottle of French wine enjoyed while watching dusk fall upon an illuminated Eiffel Tower should be your plan if you’re in Paris for a romantic getaway.

2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – One of the Best Picnic Spots to See Great Views

This hilly English-style garden located towards northeast Paris has a rocky terrain unlike any other park in town, providing diversity when it comes to landscape design.

Highlights:

Pinnacle Views: Situated higher than other parts within this area allows you see much further, including Sacre-Coeur situated atop Montmartre.
Cave and Waterfall: A little cave with waterfall sound adds charm to the site’s beauty.
Diversity Of Plants: Trees from different regions provide color throughout each season ensuring year-round vibrancy.

Please note:

The park features steep trails. So wear comfortable shoes when walking.
The Temple de la Sibylle region attracts many people looking for elevated areas where they can enjoy a picnic while taking in breathtaking views below them.

3. Jardin des Tuileries – One of the Best Places to Picnic that’s Close to the Louvre Museum

This historic garden runs between the Louvre Museum and Place De La Concorde, making it one of the oldest parks visited most often by tourists each year.

Highlights:

Statues and Fountains: The garden is adorned with beautiful statues, water features, and manicured lawns.
Proximity to Museums: Ideal for combining a picnic with a visit to the Louvre or Orangerie Museum.
Formal Garden Layout: The symmetrical layout and well-maintained pathways make it pleasant for leisurely strolls before or after a picnic.
An Ideal Location for Viewing the Eiffel Tower: Enjoy your picnic behind the Eiffel Tower.

Tips:

Be sure to respect the garden’s regulations; some areas may restrict picnicking.
Chairs and benches are available throughout the garden for those who prefer not to sit on the grass.

4. Parc Monceau: Bring Your Picnic Basket for a Perfect Picnic in the Park

Parc Monceau is an urban park located in the 8th arrondissement, known for its blend of formal French and English garden styles. It’s a favorite spot among locals for its tranquility and beauty.

Highlights:

Architectural Elements: Features such as the Classical colonnade, Renaissance arches, and scaled-down landmarks add visual interest.
Lush Grass: The park’s lawns are ideal for stretching out with a blanket and enjoying a quiet picnic.
Play Areas: Suitable for families, the park has dedicated play areas for children.

Tips:

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Take a moment to explore the various statues and monuments scattered throughout the park.

5. Bois de Boulogne: Plenty of Spots for a Picnic Along a Canal

Another one of the largest green spaces in Paris, the Bois de Boulogne offers a variety of landscapes and activities. Located on the western edge of Paris, it spans nearly 2,000 acres.

Highlights:

Lakes and Streams: The park features several lakes and streams, perfect for a scenic waterside picnic.
Botanic Garden: The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil within the park boasts stunning greenhouses with exotic plants.
Diverse Activities: Opportunities for rowing, horseback riding, and cycling make it an active destination as well. You can work off those calories after you are finished with your picnic.

Tips:

The Jardin d’Acclimatation, located north within the park, is a fun visit for families with children. The amusement park is at its busiest around 2:00 pm.
Some areas of the park can be quite remote; it’s advisable to stick to the more populated and patrolled sections for safety.

6. Parc de la Villette: One of the Best Picnic Spots in Paris to Listen To and Watch Entertainment

Parc de la Villette is a modern park in northeastern Paris, known for its contemporary design and cultural institutions. Spanning 55 hectares (135 acres), it’s one of the largest parks in Paris.

Highlights:

Cultural Hub: The park is home to various cultural venues, including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Philharmonie de Paris.
Themed Gardens: Different themed gardens offer unique and unique settings for a picnic.
Event Space: The site often hosts outdoor concerts, film screenings, and festivals, providing entertainment alongside your picnic.

Tips:

Check the park’s event schedule to coincide your visit with a public event or performance.
Bring a variety of picnic supplies, as there are fewer traditional cafes and restaurants within the park compared to other central locations.

7. Jardin du Luxembourg – Luxembourg Gardens: One of the Most Beautiful Gardens in Paris

The Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the 6th arrondissement, is one of Paris’s most picturesque and historically significant gardens. Commissioned by Marie de’ Medici, it is a quintessential example of formal French garden design.

Highlights:

Palais du Luxembourg: The stunning palace and its formal gardens make for a regal picnic setting.
Fountain of the Observatory: The park’s central fountain and basins are beautiful focal points for a relaxing afternoon.
Activities and Sports: Tennis courts, a children’s playground, and pony rides make it a family-friendly spot.

Tips:

Picnicking is permitted on the designated lawns; be sure to follow the park’s rules and regulations.
For an added cultural touch, bring a book and sit by one of the park’s iconic green metal chairs, widely recognized from artworks and films.

Some of the Best Spots for a Paris Picnic Along the Seine River: Choose Your Special River Paris Picnic Spot

Île de la Cité

Baguette and Strawberries on Park Bench by Nadin, Pexels

The Seine splits briefly into two, which, in turn, forms two “islands” – each connected by the small Saint Louis bridge.

One of these isles, the Île de la Cité, is a popular place for a Parisian picnic, especially on the eastern tip. On sunny days, you’ll usually find students with guitars, dangling their feet along the banks.

At nighttime, however, the site attracts a more boisterous crowd, and a never-ending stream of vendors selling roses.

Flowers for Sale in Paris by Leah New house, Pexels

Quai Bernard

Across the street from the Jardin des Plantes, the Quai Bernard is an idyllic spot for a picnic experience whenever you’re in the City of Lights.

You can also take part in a Batobus (boat tour) in this location. Enjoy a pleasant stroll, after your meal, along the riverbank. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a view of the Seine, whether you’re picnicking or taking a boat ride.

Trocadero

If you want to see the Eiffel tower glittering in the evening, and don’t like the crowds on the Champ de Mars, then check out the gardens at Trocadero, across the Seine River and directly opposite the Eiffel Tower.

This is the ideal place to go if you want a place to enjoy your meal that is less busy. You can picnic in Paris like a local – along the banks of the Seine, unfold your picnic blanket and rest during the day in Paris, enjoying the warm sunshine. It’s not surprising that residents consider this site a favorite picnic site.

The view is great and the fountains are impressive too. Plus, you can dine right next to the river. Just the ideal spot for a dinner on the grass in central Paris. Just like a square in Paris, you’ll find the atmosphere is tranquil and friendly.

Paris Plages

Each year, from July 20 until August 20, your popular Parisian picnic can be set up at the Paris Plages (beaches or strands) – installed on the riverbanks of the Seine. Busy streets suddenly turn into beaches – complete with loungers and sand.

The Plages make it possible to find a popular picnic site as well as wander along the river and enjoy a lazy afternoon stroll.

Conclusion

Paris offers an array of spots to picnic, each bringing its own blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical charm. Whether you’re looking for a Parisian picnic spot near the Eiffel Tower or wish to relax in a peaceful garden, Paris provides the ideal backdrop for any alfresco dining experience.

While some visitors prefer to dine at an outdoor cafe, others consider the perfect Parisian picnic their first choice for enjoying the city’s green spaces and lovely urban gardens and scenery.

You can arrange an impromptu picnic in different areas in Paris. You just need to find that patch of grass that seems to be telling you that it’s the perfect picnic spot for you.

Contact Carlisle Travel Management A Branch of Tzell Travel Group to Schedule Your Paris Trip Today.

Contact info@carlisletravel.com for more information about planning a Paris vacation.

Author: Donna Ryan is a writer and editor. You can reach her at Inky Publishing in Tucson.