Having A Picnic In Paris In Fall
How To Have A Picnic In Paris
Having a picnic in Paris is one of my favorite things to do in the city when the weather is at its peak during Spring, Summer, and even Fall.
Fall and autumn are wonderful times to picnic in Paris. Can you even think of anything more charming and magical than a picnic in fall when the leaves are their most beautiful shades and the air is crisp and golden?
A picnic in Paris doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t need to be overly thought-out. It’s as simple as buying a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine.
The hardest part might be deciding where to have your picnic when there are so many amazing picture-perfect spots.
I have a few favorite picnic spots to share with you but you also need to know what essentials you need and where you can buy picnic items in Paris.
What Picnic Essentials Do You Need
- Baguette or Baguette Sandwiches
- Cheese
- Fruit
- Wine
- Bottle Opener
- Chocolate or Other Sweets
- Blanket
- Cutlery and Cups
- Drinks For Kids If Needed
- Water
- Canvas Tote To Carry Supplies and Trash
Where To Buy Picnic Essentials
You can buy picnic essentials for a Parisian picnic at almost any grocery store but here are a few specific places I like to get my picnic essentials.
Cheese
For cheese, I love to go to Barthélémy, one of Ina’s favorite places in Paris. My first experience at Barthélémy was absolutely wonderful and the staff was incredible. Going into a fromagerie is a whole experience and one I suggest you do if you get the chance.
We went in and told them we wanted to do a picnic and asked what cheese they recommended for a picnic. The cheesemonger (one who specializes in cheese) then picked out 3 different options for us. It was so much fun going through the different cheeses and getting an explanation about each of them.
I always like to buy fresh jams and crackers as well from Barthélémy for the picnic. Again, this is something they are more than happy to recommend for you.
It’s always nice to have someone pick out the cheeses for you but if you aren’t able to do this, then a soft brie is always a great idea as well as a harder cheese like a Comté.
Fruit
Of course, no picnic in paris is complete without some sort of fruit option. Depending on the season and the month, you’ll have different types of delicious fruits to choose from.
You want to buy your fruit at one of the farmer’s markets in the city which take place every day, depending on which arrondissement you are in.
Try and get your fresh fruit from the market but if not a grocery store will also do.
Cutlery and Blankets
For basic picnic items like a blanket, cutlery, etc. you can go to Monoprix for all this. Monoprix to me is like the American equivalent of Wal-Mart. You can also buy food and drinks or wine here if needed. Just google where one is because they are all over Paris.
Wine or Champagne
You will see vin (wine) shops all over Paris but for one with a large selection, you can always go to Nicolas, which is all over the city.
Usually, champagne is my choice for a Parisian picnic, although in the fall a great and beautiful red will be just as nice. You don’t have to buy a full bottle either, you can buy half bottles of wine as well.
Don’t forget you will need a bottle opener for your wine. Also, you don’t need fancy wine or champagne glasses. Just buy some plastic ones, which are obviously easier to pack as well.
Baguettes
Any local boulangerie will have a baguette although you’ll probably want to pick up a few. If you have kids maybe baguette sandwiches will be great options to take to your picnic. There are also tarts or quiches you could pick up as well in the boulangerie for your picnic.
Sweets
What better way to top off your Parisian picnic than with some sweets of course? You could buy macaroons from Ladurée or Pierre Herme. Or, pick up some delicious pastries from a patisserie or boulangerie or even little chocolates from a chocolate shop.
Favorite Spots To Have A Picnic In Paris
Honestly, there’s no bad place to picnic in Paris. When the weather is nice outside, you will see people having picnics all over the place. My favorite is just seeing all these people scattered on the lawn of the Louvre having a picnic. I mean, only in Paris are people camped out on the lawn of the Louvre.
With that being said, there are a few places I always love to have a picnic in Paris and these places are always appropriate for adults or kids.
Eiffel Tower Picnic
Who doesn’t want to have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, especially at dusk before the lights start to twinkle?
The park at the Eiffel Tower is called the Champ de Mars, and although it’s very touristy it’s still a great place for a picnic. What’s more iconic than a picnic at the Eiffel Tower?
Just a fair warning, since this is more of a touristy spot, there are lots of vendors around this area selling random things like glow-in-the-dark Eiffel Towers. Just be prepared for that.
Seine Picnic
What more picturesque place to picnic in Paris than along the Seine? You can find so many quaint places along the Seine to stop for your picnic depending on what you want to see. You will find people all along the river, especially on beautiful days.
I would recommend if you are having a picnic along the Seine and you are the type of person who tends to get cold easily, bring a blanket or jacket to wrap up in. Being by the river can be a little chilly at times.
Place Des Voges Picnic
One of my favorite parks and a great place to picnic in Paris is Place des Vosges. Right in the heart of the Marais district of Paris, this is truly a gorgeous park set up like a square. Lots of grass, cozy, and picture-perfect. This is one of my favorite places to be during the warm months with a bag full of cherries.
Hopefully, this has helped to inspire your own picnic in Paris, now you know what picnic essentials to pack and where to have your picnic in Paris. Voilà!