Paris in summer is hot! What’s all this weather good for if not to enjoy a sunny day with a scenic location to unwind, relax and eat while hanging out?
Here’s some of the best places to have a picnic in Paris. Whether romantic of with a group of friends. Pick up some baguette from your local bakery – ask for the Tradition “une baguette traditions s’ il vous plait” some pastries… some wine at your neighborhood Nicholas or Monoprix supermarket, you can get a decent cheese platter at Monoprix too. If you have a decent food market close to your apartment – stock up here and you’ll find some of the best cheeses and charcuterie around (I’m a big fan of goat cheese and you’ll get the freshest ones from the markets or specialty cheese shops – they any Brebis they may have from Corsica!)
And don’t forget your bottle opener! ( the cork screw?is always forgotten – but ?you’ll make tons of friends from people sitting close by wanting to borrow yours).
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Champ de Mars
This is by far the most classic and clich? spot on the list, but it certainly is an impressive one! The Eiffel Tower dominates the skyline, and despite its slightly cheesy status, observing the architectural details of the iron work from the comfort of a picnic rug is quite simply, fabulous.
- Address: 2 All?e Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007
- M?tro line 8 Ecole Militaire
Buttes-Chaumont
While this certain parc is extremely popular and often overflowing with les jeunes, it does offer an alternative from the usual formal aesthetic at other Parisian parks. It offers commanding views of the surrounding area and there is plenty of green space to relax on the grass.
- Address:?1 Rue Botzaris, 75019
- M?tro 7bis Buttes Chaumont
Jardin du Luxembourg
These are the quintessential Parisian gardens- young students from the nearby Sorbonne take chairs up with coiffured bejewelled dames. The gardens and fountains are beautiful, there isn?t a lot of grass to sit on (only to look at) but there are plenty of chairs and benches around.
- Address:?1 Rue Botzaris, 75019
- M?tro Line 4 & Line 10 Odeon RER
Canal St. Martin
The canal is a great place for a casual picnic or evening apero on a Friday or weekend night. Here you?ll find an alternative young crowd, and bar patrons spilling out onto the street- a good area to meet new friends if you have moved to Paris.
Also lots of places offer food / coffee to go!
- Address:?Quai de Valmy, 75010
- M?tro R?publique line 3, 5, 9, 11
Seine
There are numerous spots along the Seine, all of which offer postcard views. However on the tip of ?le de la Cit? is the small Parc du Vert-Gallant. Go here especially if it is a warm day, as you?ll be cooled down by the breeze rushing down the Seine.
- Address:?Square Vert-Gallant 75001
- M?tro Line 7 Pont Neuf, Line 4 Cit?
Place des Vosges
Once a private garden, the Place des Vosges is one of the more exclusive addresses in the city. Henri IV commenced the square in 1605 and it is one of the first examples of royal urban planning- so be sure to feel rather stately when picnicking here.
- Address:?Place des Vosges, 75004
- M?tro Line 1 Saint Paul
Parc de Belleville
As its name suggests, the park is located in trendy Belleville, while the gardens itself aren?t necessarily spectacular, the park is quiet and spacious- a welcome treat in Paris. There is great Chinese and Vietnamese food in the surrounding streets too!
- Address:?47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020
- M?tro Line 2 Couronnes
Les Ar?nes de Lut?ce
This Roman amphitheatre was rediscovered in the 19th century and Victor Hugo lead the perseveration of the ancient site. Luckily today it remains in good condition and provides a secluded picnic stop nestled in the relatively unknown 5th arrondissement.
- Address:?49 Rue Monge, 75005
- M?tro Line 10 & line 7 jussieu
Bois de Vincennes
The large parks and forest of Vincennes is located on the edge of Paris. Yes, you may shun this one, but it certainly worth the journey (it really isn?t that far). There are large fields in the park and you may even feel like you?re in the countryside, this place is perfect for larger gatherings.
- Address:?Bois de Vincennes 75012
- M?tro line 1 Ch?teau de Vincennes