The 14 Best Picnic Spots in Paris
Whether you want to catch up with old friends or spend a warm, peaceful day in the sun with a loved one, having a picnic is never a bad idea. Grab pastries and sandwiches from a nearby bakery or take home-made chicken pie and set out for your picnic in Paris.
The city of Paris is full of breathtakingly beautiful places. Parisian summers are warm and beautiful, and the food is delicious. That’s maybe why the summer is one of the best time to visit Paris.
There is nothing better than a peaceful picnic in Paris during the warm summer months. So here are some of the most popular places to have a picnic in Paris.
1. Place Des Vosges
Not far from the Marais and the Seine river, situated right in the center of the massive architectural-style mansions in the 4e arrondissement of Paris is a little park called the Place des Vosges.
Built during the 17th Century, this oldest square in Paris is one of the most beautiful spots to go for a picnic and is my favorite little park in Paris. “The park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic with friends in the summertime, or sip on a warm Chocolat Chaud βen terraceβ in the winter” says Solosophie.
The park is surrounded by beautiful buildings made of limestone and brick. This area of land was home to many famous people, including the author of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo.
Its rich history and natural beauty make it an ideal picnic spot for a summer outing in Paris.
2. Champ De Mars
The Champ de Mars is easily one of the most romantic spots in Paris, the City of love. Situated at the bottom of the world-famous Eiffel Tower, the best time to visit this park is immediately after sunset when the tower lights up.
Paris nights can be quite chilly, especially in the open air, so make sure to take a warm blanket with you. Imagine lying down with your significant other, under the night sky, looking up at the magical tower lights.
If you would rather visit during the daytime, thatβs perfectly alright too. If you simply want to bask in the glory of the sun, the park is equally glorious during the day.
The park is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. The two metros that you can take to and from the venue are Ecole Militaire and Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
3. Vert Galant
Vert Galant is situated at the top of one of the two islands that lie on the famous Seine river. This particular island is called the Ile de la Cite.
The Vert Galant is a very romantic picnic spot and the perfect place to spend a day or an evening with a loved one because of the beautiful views it offers.
From this square of grass, you can see the famous love locks bridge and the Louvre. Imagine lying down here, spending quality time with someone you love, in the most romantic city in the world!
4. Canal Saint-Martin
Along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin is another very popular spot for a picnic in Paris, especially among the locals. This neighborhood in Paris is increasingly gaining popularity as a picnic spot because every evening, young Parisians gather here with food and music.
Tourists are also attracted to this spot because of the traditional Parisian vibe it offers. You can sit on the banks of the canal and look at the boats that are passing by while enjoying a fun-filled evening with young Parisians.
5. Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens are located in the 6e arrondissement of Paris. It is a very popular park to enjoy picnic in Paris because it is easily accessible. There are many metro stations you can walk to easily, such as the RER station with the same name “Luxembourg”.
This picnic spot is ideal for those who want to enjoy a day out with their families, especially those with young children.
There are many fun activities for children at this park. These activities include pony rides, toy sailboats, and even puppet shows.
The park also offers fun activities for adults. These include Tai Chi, sports such as tennis, basketball, board games, and martial arts. The park even houses a quaint little outdoor parisian cafΓ© where adults and children alike can enjoy delicious food. After all, whatβs a picnic without food?
6. Jardin Des Tuileries
There are many places you can picnic in Paris in the Jardin Des Tuileries. The Jardin Des Tuileries is located in the very middle of the 1e arrondissement of Paris, and it offers a number of corners and hedges that are hidden from the public eye so that you can enjoy some privacy with someone you love.
The park is linked with two very popular tourist spots in Paris β the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. Regardless, this park is particularly popular among the locals.
Sitting in this park with your significant other, you can get a beautiful evening view of the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower. You can even sit on one of the many benches or chairs in the park.
The Jardin des Tuileries is also a very peaceful spot to read a book under a Parisian sun.
7. Esplanade Des Invalides
The Esplanade des Invalides is an extension of the Invalides War Museum. It is located in the 7e arrondissement of Paris at the intersections of some major roads of the city.
Although this park does not have too many trees and experiences too much traffic, it is still a peaceful place to have a picnic in Paris. You can stroll around the park by yourself, spend some quality time with your friends and loved ones, or just relax on one of the park benches or directly on the grass.
8. The Seine River
The Seine River is easily the most popular river in France. If you want to picnic in Paris, the Seine River can offer you with multiple picnic spots.
One of the most romantic spots for an evening picnic along the Seine is the Quai des Tounelles. From this spot, you get a breathtaking view of the rich and historical Notre Dame cathedral.
As evening arrives, you can lie down along the banks of the river and notice the boats as they come and go along the river. The banks of the Seine River are a beautiful place to be in the evening as the sun sets.
You can buy a baguette and some cheese, set a picnic, and enjoy the sunset. After all, Paris isnβt called the city of love for nothing!
9. Parc Des Buttes Chaumont
If you are looking to picnic in Paris, the Parc des Buttes Chaumont is an ideal spot. It might not be the most romantic spot, but it is certainly a pleasant place to be.
Situated in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, this is a large park and offers a lot of natural beauty, including, a waterfall inside a cave, a lake at the edge of a cliff, and a beautiful temple on top of the cliff.
Moreover, there is a little cafΓ© at the end of the cliff in case you get hungry. Although this park is located at a distance from the more popular tourist attractions, is loved by locals because of its beauty and the tranquility it offers.
If you ever want to take a nap on a lazy summer afternoon in Paris, you know where to go!
10. Bois De Vincennes and Bois De Boulogne
The Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are the two largest parks in Paris, located at only a small distance from the city.
The best thing about these parks is that they are away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. So if you want to get the real picnic experience, surrounded only by the tranquility of nature, these two parks are your best bet.
These parks also have a lot to offer in terms of entertainment. If you are searching for a romantic spot for a picnic in Paris, you can row a boat in the center of the beautiful lake. Imagine being away from everyone, just you two, in the middle of nowhere. It doesnβt get more romantic than that!
The parks are also a good place to spend a weekend away with friends or family. You can lay down a picnic sheet and have a nice lunch, ride bikes, or even jog across the park. Talk about a perfect weekend!
11. Le Jardin Des Plantes
At the left bank of the 5e arrondissement of Paris is a beautiful spot if you are looking to picnic in Paris. Although not as popular as the other parks, there is something special about this particular park. The unique plant structure of this park makes it stand out above the others.
There is a tunnel in this park that runs at the bottom of the main path and comes up inside a valley. This valley is home to over 2000 separate plant species. The trees that bloom in the Jardin de Plantes during springtime are also a sight to behold.
This park is the perfect picnic spot for you because of the natural history museum and zoo located right by it where you can go to after your delicious meal π
12. Parc Montsouris
Parc Montsouris is yet another park that is not too popular amongst tourists. It is located a little further from the 14e arrondissement of Paris.
The park houses a beautiful man-made lake, a number of species of birds, trees, and statues. If you want to relax by yourself or with someone you love, this park should be your number one choice!
13. Parc De Bercy
Parc de Bercy is situated in the 13e arrondissement of Paris, on the banks of the River Seine.
This park is large and is built where there was once a wine depot. If you are looking for a spot to picnic in Paris, you should definitely consider going here.
This park is like nothing you will see at any other park in Paris. At some places in the park, you can catch a glimpse of the ancient railroad tracks and at other parts, you will find grapevines.
It is the perfect place to unwind with friends or family after a long, tiring work week. If you have children, this park is the perfect place for them to run freely.
This park is significantly different from a conventional park in Paris. In fact, there is so much to see here that half the time, you wonβt believe your eyes!
Also, there’s a big UGC Cinema nearby where you can go watch movies if it starts raining π
14. Parc AndrΓ©-CitroΓ«n
This park is designed to be futuristic and isnβt like traditional Parisian parks. Located in the 15e arrondissement of Paris, it is an architectural wonder to look at.
The park is a perfect place to picnic in Paris because of the enchanting view of the River Seine it provides. Other than le Vert-Galant, it is perhaps the only park in Paris that connects directly to the Seine river.
The park is an ideal place to go to have a picnic with friends or family. If you have teenage children, they can benefit from the ball-based sports and the ping-pong facilities.
If you are with a spouse, you can pack a lunch for the two of you and enjoy a romantic picnic in the park, with a beautiful view of the Seine River in the background.
Wrapping Up
If you are visiting Paris as a tourist, or even if you are a local and have never fully gotten a chance to explore your own city, and are looking for the perfect place to picnic in Paris with your loved ones, the parks mentioned above are ideal destinations, certainly worthy of at least checking out once.
Each of these parks offers you natural beauty, serenity, and entertainment, everything you could ever want from a picnic. Most importantly, these green spaces symbolize all that Paris has to offer.