Ahh, Paris – the city of love! With so much culture, art and shared experience to take in, the ideal way to relax and absorb all of its beauty is to stretch out in the iconic parks for a picnic. For the ultimate French experience, why not craft your own Parisian style picnic to dine al fresco? If you’re ready to embrace the romance and luxury of France, here’s how to plan the perfect picnic in the City of Lights. Bon appetite!
1. Unveiling the Art of Picnicking in Paris: Discover the French Way of Experiencing a Picnic
Picnicking is an art form in Paris, and its traditional form is often described as “beautiful chaos.” Experiencing a picnic in Paris is a unique and exciting way to create memories and explore the beautiful parks of the French capital. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your Parisian picnic:
- The snacks: observing the French picnickers will often be like attending a gourmet convention. Start off by buying all of the French staples – baguettes, cheese, charcuterie, fruit and macarons – then grab an ice-cold drink before you hit the parks.
- The blanket: a picnic without a blanket is almost unheard of in Paris. Bring your own to give your picnic a personal touch, or buy a tartan or cotton blanket from a local flea market.
But the art of French picnicking doesn’t stop at blankets and brie. Prepare yourself for plenty of nibbling, lounging and chatting with friends amongst lush trees and perfect scenery. It’s all part of the ritual.
Take the time to savour the food and the moment. In Paris, that’s what counts. Pour un Verre de vin – appropriate for over 16s only, of course – devote an hour or two to hearty conversation with friends. Or kick back and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t worry about time. Relax and enjoy.
Once you’ve experienced a Parisian picnic, you won’t want to go back to sandwiches in the park. Take part in the French tradition and open your eyes to the simple beauty of a picnic in Paris.
2. Parisian Delights: Crafting a French Picnic Experience Among Iconic Landmarks
Gorgeous parks, picturesque river or a vibrant café, no matter where you choose to have a picnic in Paris, your experience will be unforgettable. Here are some ideas to help you create an amazing French picnic experience.
Picnic Basket Essentials
It’s only natural that alluring French cuisine should be the main star of the picnic. Cheese, charcuterie, olives and boules de Plessis are some of the delicious options you can include in your picnic basket. An assortment of baguettes, savory pastries, and decadent cakes and eclairs are also a must. You can complete your picnic menu with French wines and Champagne..
Picnic Spot
One of the best spots in Paris to have a picnic is the exquisite Tuileries gardens. You can also head to Luxembourg Gardens, Bois de Vincennes, even the banks of the Seine River. There’s certainly no lack of options. You will likely find a good spot near any of Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Enjoying the Experience
- To keep your picnic relaxed and leisurely, plan ahead and pick up some pre-made food from one of the local markets. The treats available are enough to give your picnic the unforgettable experience it deserves.
- Relax and let the bubbly atmosphere of Paris to take hold. You can bask in the sights and sounds of the city, while entertaining yourself with French conversation with your picnic companions.
- Take your time. Parisian picnics are all about enjoying an effortless, sophisticated, and relaxed meal outdoors with great company.
3. Savouring the City of Love: Indulging in a Picnic Extravaganza in Paris
Nothing Beats a Parisian Picnic
The City of Love is home to dozens of iconic monuments and stunning panoramas, but nothing compares to a leisurely picnic spent hopping around the impressive sights of Paris. Start by visiting your local fromagerie – France is a cheese enthusiast’s dream destination. Prepare an array of fresh French brie, comté, and fourme d’Ambert. Don’t forget to pick up some french baguette or pain aux noix.
The markets of Paris also an incredibly colorful place to pick up gourmet ingredients. Visiting a local Marché makes for a great photo opportunity. Feel inspired by the locals as they pin down the freshest seasonal vegetables for their evening soup. Sample some of the fruits on display, and pick up some ripe tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers to add a zesty flavor to your picnic.
When it comes to charcuterie there are no shortages of aumoneries to choose from. Grab some smoked salmon, prosciutto, and cured meats for some carnivorous-pleasure. And for the vegetarians, some cornichons, olives, and fresh figs served with a creamy goat cheese will get the show on the road.
Finally, celebrate the modern twist on French cuisine with a selection of marmalades, jams and chocolate truffs to complement you picnic and hold off any sweet cravings. Serve a bottle of rose wine under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower to settle into a picnic extravaganza before heading to your next Parisian destination.
- Cheese: brie, comté, fourme d’Ambert
- Charcuterie: smoked salmon, prosciutto, cured meats
- Vegetables: tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers
- Fruits: figs, olives, cornichons
- Sweet treats: jams, marmalades, chocolate truffs
4. A Gastronomic Adventure: Exploring Parisian Cuisine Through a Delightful Picnic
What could be better than a perfect picnic in an iconic city? Parisian cuisine is celebrated as some of the finest gastronomic experiences in the world. Being a top destination for food enthusiasts, the city offers a range of experiences sure to delight all palates. Whether you’re exploring the culinary gems of cobbled streets or picking up a gourmet picnic to enjoy at one of the city’s many stunning parks, here are a few ideas for a delightful day of exploration.
- A Classic French Delight: Enjoy the delicious tradition of Paris with classic French favorites like ham, cheese, olives, freshly baked sourdough bread, and a bottle of burgundy. Perfect for sharing over a lazy lunch in one of the city’s parks.
- Cafes and Bistros: Explore the city’s vibrant café culture – each arrondissement has its own unique neighbourhood restaurants full of flavour. With a selection of wines, shared platters of fresh seasonal produce, and indulgent desserts, there’s something for everyone!
- Gourmet Markets: Head to one of the gourmet markets scattered around the city for fresh, local produce to craft your own delicious creations. Sample the wares of local artisans and try out a selection of unusual ingredients, such as locally produced goats cheese or freshly caught seafood.
- We-Go: Take the hassle out of planning your picnic with the We-Go app. Simply choose your destination, and the app will take care of all the hard work for you. With guaranteed freshness, quality ingredients and a range of menus to choose from, your picnic will be perfectly tailored to you.
For a truly memorable culinary experience, be sure to book an intimate dinner at one of Paris’s most iconic restaurants. Whether you’re exploring the classic cuisine of the L’Ecluse Bistro in the 11th district or the haute cuisine of Le Cinq, you can expect an evening of delicious indulgence, French-style.
Make sure to pick up a few souvenirs to take home, too. From chocolate mousse to crunchy macaroons, there’s sure to be a sweet treat that will remind you of Paris for years to come.
Let your taste buds lead the way on a delicious day of exploration in the city of lights! Have fun and savour the flavour of Parisian cuisine.
Exploring Paris with an intimate picnic is a perfect way to create a romantic ambiance and truly feel like locals. So go get a baguette or two, find your favorite spot, and cherish the spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower while you savor a bit of the famous Parisian charm!
