The park below Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre Paris, France.

The romance of a French picnic. *le sigh* A unique tradition that I have always admired!

Here’s how to have a Parisian picnic in France, when and where!

Here are some basics to consider for your outing:

First of all, a large blanket is key to be able to lounge and recline. No one enjoys ants and grass that make your legs itch. I also recommend a book or journal if alone, as this will help you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Pro tip: If it’s rained recently, or if you are worried there will be dew on the ground, bring a small tarp or some plastic garbage bags to lay your blanket over!

Second, you want a variety of items to snack on. I like picking something up from a local market on my way - don’t forget to bring a canvas bag or two to carry your items! Sweet and sugary items will attract bees (especially in the fall), so bringing an enclosed case or a ziplock bag to store them in is most helpful.

Finally, bring a couple of things to do. Perhaps a journal, a book of poems, or even a card game! Reading at a park has become a thing that I do on a regular basis - it gets you out of the house and into the fresh air. I’ve also gotten bolder and begun to bring my watercolor paints with me to the park!

When is the best time to picnic in Paris?

In my opinion, May and June is the best time in the spring for a picnic. Late September and October are the best times in the fall. The summer months of July, August and beginning of September are often very hot, making it not the most comfortable environment for eating.

The best parks and gardens in Paris, perfect for a picnic:

Parc Monceau: Scenes from the movie Gigi were shot here! It has ancient roman ruins, and a quaint merry-go-round! It's small and lesser known, and the perfect place if you don’t want to go somewhere buzzing with tourists.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A 19th century park with a lake, waterfalls, and an old iron bridge! This is a great spot if you want to walk around more!
Jardin du Luxembourg: The gardens of the Luxembourg palace are absolutely stunning, and a great spot to relax for an afternoon or evening with your favorite snacks or treats! Be sure to check out the beautiful Medici Fountain while you’re there!
Square Louise Michel: If you want to be able to do some people watching, this is a great spot as it sits at the bottom of the hill from Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre.
Along the Seine: Having a picnic along the river is one of the most Parisian things you could do! There are areas close to the Louvre that have stairs leading down to the water.
Versailles: If you want to eat where the kings and queens of France used to, consider a trip to Versailles! Take the train from Paris, and when you arrive in the city there are markets and boulangeries where you can purchase food and beverages before walking toward the palace grounds. For this location, you will need to purchase tickets to the gardens, but in my opinion it is totally worth it! Pro Tip: consider renting a golf cart so you can picnic in the gardens of Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon!