Paris is packed with restaurants, cafés, and bars — but if you really want to soak up the authentic Parisian lifestyle, a picnic is non-negotiable. I lived in Paris for six months, and as students, my friends and I quickly learned we weren’t going to be meeting up in a restaurant or bar every single time. If your budget is tight, or you’re just a picnic person at heart, here are my favorite parks in the city where you’re guaranteed a beautifully aesthetic picnic with friends.
1. Parc Monceau
A tough call, but this is genuinely my personal favorite. Walking into the park feels like stepping into a painting, with a monument sitting right at its center. It’s meticulously manicured, full of palm trees and flowers — and it’s almost a hidden gem, since even my French roommate had never heard of it.
2. Place des Vosges
This spot is rich in history — Victor Hugo’s former home sits right in one corner of the square. It’s also a great pick for picnics logistically, since the surrounding streets are packed with bakeries where you can grab fresh supplies right before you sit down.
3. Jardin du Luxembourg
A bit more popular than the previous two, but the fountain at the center, the palm trees, and the sheer number of people picnicking around you give this place its own special atmosphere. This was our regular spot with the girls — it’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re staying.
4. Bois de Boulogne
This park sits on the western edge of Paris — if you’re already near the Eiffel Tower, it’s not far at all. Not many tourists make it out here since it’s a bit removed from the city center, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Ducks and ducklings wander around constantly, and yes, they’re just as cute as you’d expect.
5. Champ de Mars
Without much shade, this one lands last on my list — but skipping a picnic with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop would honestly be a crime. This is where you get those iconic postcard shots. One thing to check before you settle in: parts of the lawn get fenced off from time to time for maintenance, so make sure your spot is actually open before you set up.
💡 Since the grass here isn’t always in the best shape, a proper picnic blanket earns its keep more here than anywhere else on this list.
+1 Versailles
I know it’s technically outside Paris, but honestly, this would be my #1 picnic spot overall. It’s about half an hour by train from Paris, and you’ll need an entry ticket — but it’s worth every cent. Thanks to how massive the gardens are, the crowds completely disperse, so don’t let that put you off.
What to Pack for the Perfect Picnic
- A picnic blanket — the single most important item on this list. Skip it and you’ll be picking grass stains out of your clothes for the rest of the trip.
- Food that’s easy to pick at: baguette, croissants, fruit (grapes are ideal), cherry tomatoes, macarons, camembert.
- A Polaroid-style instant camera to actually capture the moment instead of just scrolling past 50 phone photos later.
- Sunscreen, if you’ll be picnicking somewhere sunny like Champ de Mars.
- A book stand/holder, so you can read without getting food smudges all over the pages.
- A small canvas and paint set, if you’re feeling creative — paint the view, or better yet, paint each other.
💡 Also worth throwing in: a compact insulated cooler tote to keep the cheese and fruit from wilting on a hot day, and a small portable bluetooth speaker if you want a little music without disturbing everyone around you.
I hope this list gives you a solid starting point — happy picnicking!
