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To me, a Parisian picnic is heaven on earth. Few pleasures compare to popping into a boulangerie for a warm baguette, grabbing fresh cheese from a fromagerie, crisp wine from a local bottle shop, and any other bits and bobs that suit your fancy—all in the pursuit of a perfect al fresco meal in the most romantic city on earth. Toss in a chic blanket and basket (maybe some cute napkins), and it’s a quintessential Paris day.
On a recent two-month sojourn in the French capital, I spent much of my time en plein air, nibbling on whatever scrumptious specialty I could get my hands on. Aged Comté in a hidden garden behind Sacré Cœur, just-sliced saucisson on a pontoon boat down the River Seine, and a basket of fresh cherries next to a gurgling fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg. But despite my affinity for this Parisian pastime, the fact of the matter is: I’m a New Yorker. And so, I turned to locals to learn where they go for the best picnics in the city’s most charming arrondissements. Ahead, 16 spots you ll want to bookmark for your next Parisian holiday, plus expert advice on what to pack (and what to leave behind).
Canal Saint-Martin
“Boho Heaven: the Canal Saint-Martin is swarming on hot summer nights with international youth enjoying being alive,” says author and Mkrs. founder Kate van den Boogert. “I like to picnic down there just so that I can finish up with one of the incredible artisanal ice creams at my friend Julia Bell’s ice cream shop, JJ Hings. The best ice cream in town.”
Palais-Royal
The Palais-Royal was built in the early 17th century and would go on to play a pivotal role in the French Revolution (a speech given onsite is said to have triggered the storming of the Bastille a couple days later). These days, one of the best ways to soak up the historic atmosphere is with a picnic at Palais-Royal’s peaceful gardens. “You can’t see or hear a car, and instead you have beautiful trees and kids playing,” says Sarah Andelman, founder and creative director of Just an Idea and Colette.
Pro Tip: Canetta natural wine cans are Andelman’s current picnic essential.
Square du Vert-Galant
There are few more majestic spots for a Parisian picnic than along the banks of the River Seine. “The Vert-Galant on Île de la Cité is the perfect perch to watch the sunset behind the Pont des Arts,” says Marianne Fabre-Lanvin, founder of organic wine brand, Souleil. “The atmosphere is lively, and the walk across the Pont Neuf feels like stepping into a movie. At the tip of the island, a majestic weeping willow dips its branches into the Seine, offering shade to those who want it.”
Pro Tip: “In my straw market basket, I pack beautiful napkins and a tablecloth that also works as a picnic blanket,” says Fabre-Lanvin. “I add small plates, all second-hand, found on eBay or at the flea market. I bring vintage glasses and real cutlery—no plastic! These little touches make a picnic feel special, and for all the right reasons.”
The Medici Fountain
The Jardin du Luxembourg always ranks high on destinations for a lovely Parisian picnic, but this peaceful fountain is especially of note. While it’s popular with tourists passing by for a photo, wander further down either side of the fountain to find a couple of chairs—one for you, and one for your al fresco accoutrements.
Bois de Vincennes
Situated on the edge of the 12th arrondissement, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest green space in all of Paris, taking up around 10 percent of the city. “I have a route I take that starts on the Coulée Verte René-Dumont and eventually leads me into the park. It’s not the fastest way in, but it’s the one that makes me feel like I’ve left Paris without really leaving,” says photographer Clémence Polès. “I usually end up near Lac Daumesnil, which has good tree cover for shade.”
Pro Tip: “Cheese from La Récolte, bread from Terroirs des Avenirs, wine from Crus Découvertes,” says Polès. “I can’t drink wine out of paper cups, so I bring real glasses. I also bring some kind of textile from Le Marché Saint-Pierre—right now it’s a black lace throw.”
Square Maurice Gardette
Sometimes the best Parisian picnics are motivated by very specific food cravings, like a bagel from Fitzcaraldo. “Right now, they’re serving the most delicious field-grown tomato, caper, and dill bagel,” says van den Boogert. “Get one to take away and then go hang out in the lush Square Maurice Gardette, just opposite. The public ping-pong tables there are fun, too.”
Square du Temple - Elie Wiesel
“The Marché des Enfants Rouge in the North Marais is foodie heaven,” van den Boogert notes. Her order for your Parisian picnic? “Some oysters, then a nice cold bottle of a German natural sparkling from my Greek friend, Nikos at his brand new spot, Kissa—it’s a listening bar inside the market that s inspired as much by his travels to the Balkans as to Japan.” After you’ve snapped up your provisions, van den Boogert says to set up in the Square du Temple - Elie Wiesel, a bit further along the Rue de Bretagne.
Jardins du Trocadéro
There are plenty of hidden gem picnic spots in Paris, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the heavy hitters merely on principle. “If you’re on vacation in Paris, picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower," Floral Designer Ryan Norville suggests. “It is truly something I think everyone should do at least once. And don’t feel too cool about it. If you’re a tourist, who cares?”
If you’d rather skip the chaos of Champ de Mars, Andelman points to the Trocadero Gardens. “In the Trocadero garden, in front of the Eiffel Tower, behind the Musée de l’Homme, there’s a secret little area that looks like you’re in Japan with a mini pond with Koï carps. And it’s close to Carette, where you could pick up their little wrapped sandwich (and nothing else!)”
Pro Tip: “Try bringing something unexpected and everyone will love you,” suggests Norville. “Whether it’s a thoughtful dessert, an exceptional wine, or even bug spray and hand sanitizer.”
Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen
Though Paris has an abundant supply of green spaces for spreading out a blanket, it also offers unique urban settings that are equally befitting of an impromptu picnic. “I spend a lot of time on the weekends at the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen flea market (and even wrote a book about it in 2024 called The Paris Flea Market),” says van den Boogert. “What a joy to pull up a seat around an improvised lunch banquet at one of my dealer friend’s stands and uncork a bottle while we discuss the treasures we’ve seen. Vive les Puces!”
Parc de la Turlure
As striking as Sacré-Cœur is, a midday visit can be spoiled by the hordes of tourists and street performers. The secret? Head to the rear of the basilica for a picnic. “You’ll find an amazing view of Paris in the Sacré-Cœur Gardens," says Villa Junot house manager Florian Pialoux. “On the Paul Albert/Utrillo side there’s much more shade and, best of all, far fewer crowds. Just watch your step as the ground is sloped.”
Pro Tip: Pialoux suggests strolling along Rue Caulaincourt to buy “one of the best baguettes in the city” at Maison Lardeux, Chez Virginie for cheese and wine, and Arnaud Nicolas for “exquisite charcuterie” and Arnaud Larher for “masterful pastries and chocolate.”
River Seine Sailing
“I love picnicking on boats along the Seine,” says Fabre-Lanvin, who notes it can be as simple or as fancy as you like. “When I’m feeling low-key but still want an unforgettable experience, I hop on a one-hour cruise with Vedettes du Pont Neuf for a very reasonable €10. I bring my favorite picnic and a chilled bottle of rosé. Both are welcome on board.” The route passes the Institut de France, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Île Saint-Louis. “For times when I’m in the mood to splurge, together with friends we rent a private barge from Green River,” she says. You can order from nearby Les Maquereaux or bring your own food. “A friend once arrived with a tarte au citron from La Tour d’Argent’s pastry shop across the island. We ate it with vintage silver dessert forks I had packed. Beauty, after all, lives in the small details.”
Pro Tip: Check the sunset hour and the weather before you head out. “Paris sunsets are magic,” says Fabre-Lanvin. “They’re deeply underrated. Keep your plans loose. The best picnics are the ones you don t want to leave. Let the city lead!”
Jardin des Plantes
“You’re not technically allowed to drink in Paris gardens. Most of the time, no one cares—except at Jardin des Plantes, where they do,” says Polès. “It’s still one of my favorites, even without the wine.” The botanical garden has been open to the public for nearly 400 years and is free to enter.
Jardin Anne Frank
The beauty of a Parisian picnic is the ability to combine it with another activity, like a museum visit. “I’ll go to the Pompidou first, then walk over to Jardin Anne Frank with something small for lunch,” says Polès. “It’s tucked away and easy to miss, which is probably why it stays quiet.”
Pro Tip: “I’m loving: Tanchen’s MAZHA Stools and their picnic bags, also love Paloroa’s large basket bags. But I usually go with my panier en osier; you can score a cheap one off Leboncoin (France’s Craigslist),” says Polès. “And an issue of Lux Magazine!”
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is one of the largest green spaces in Paris and can be found in the neighborhood of Belleville. “Half of my happiest memories in Paris have happened here,” says creative director and brand consultant Catharine Dahm. “It’s easy to bring a group and spread out, though I come alone with a book all the time. When the weather’s nice, you know where to find me.” One of her favorite pitstops for provisions is Epicerie Le Caire. “It’s an Egyptian market owned by a husband and wife. They make the best hummus, tapenade, and tabouleh."
Pro Tip: “Don’t forget a bottle opener,” says Dahm. “I keep one on my key ring.”
Arènes de Montmartre Gardens
If you re searching for a hidden gem in Montmartre, the Arènes de Montmartre Gardens are just the ticket. “They provide a peaceful and original picnic spot right at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur, where you can enjoy your meal in a calm atmosphere with a uniquely Montmartre vibe,” says Pialoux. This small stone amphitheater also hosts beautiful events, like classical music nights in the summer.
Pro Tip: “Add a touch of charm with a classic Vichy tablecloth and matching wicker picnic basket,” says Pialoux. “Then bring along a speaker and a portable light to set the mood for a truly romantic moment.”
Jardin du Carrousel
While you’re not allowed to sit on the grass in the Jardin des Tuileries, take a stroll toward the Louvre and you’ll discover this petite, elegant garden with a lawn and rows of hedges. Wander down one of said hedges to spread a blanket out and picnic like you’re Louis XIV.
FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Paris parks?
“Sadly many parks in Paris don’t accept dogs, like the Parc André Citroen,” Andelman notes. You can visit this site to see a list of green spaces that are accessible to dogs.
What are the best picnic foods in Paris?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! That said, the best picnic foods in Paris take advantage of the city s exquisite cuisine. “For me, a picnic is complete with a good sweet dish, a good savory dish, a cheese and a beverage of choice that you can share,” says Norville. If you’re renting an Airbnb with a kitchen and enjoy cooking, consider preparing something on your own. “I love to make tarts and pies in the summer (especially tomato when they re in season),” says Dahm, who uses the pie bags from Maison Empereur in Marseille.
What wine is best for a picnic?
The best picnic wines are refreshing and food-friendly. A sparkling crémant, crisp piquepoul, or chilled red from the Jura would all make excellent choices. If you don’t have a cooler handy, pack a few wine cooler sleeves to keep your bottles cold.
Tips for an urban picnic in Paris?
The secret to a perfect picnic in a large city is all about preparation and observation. “Bring a trash bag. Get there early if you want shade. Pay attention to what the locals are doing; if no one’s on the grass, there’s probably a reason. Don’t overpack—it’s better to want a little more than to have too much,” says Polès.
