Bon appétit! Ten of the most picnic-perfect lunch spots in Paris

Sip wine by the Seine, watch sunbathers at the Tuileries, and munch baguettes beneath the Eiffel Tower—these picnic spots serve Paris on a platter!

Published: June 30, 2025
Picnic basket

Paris is a feast for the senses. So, when the sun comes out, there’s nothing else for it than grabbing your picnic basket and hitting up some of the best lunch views in town. There’s just something so magical about swapping your table for a soft blanket and savoring fine wine and fromage with the city as your backdrop. Whether you crave sprawling lawns, secret gardens, waterside spots or lively parks buzzing with locals, you’ll find your perfect picnic patch here. Let’s wander through the best places in Paris to spread out, snack, and soak up serious city charm—plus a few insider tips for building the ultimate Parisian picnic.

Champ de Mars

Family picnic in Champ de Mars by the Eiffel Tower

You can’t talk about picnics in Paris without mentioning the Champ de Mars. This massive green lawn unfurls at the feet of—you guessed it—the Eiffel Tower, and truly embodies the classic Paris al fresco experience. Picture yourself lounging with friends or family, homemade baguette sandwiches and pastries spread out, sipping sparkling water (or maybe something stronger) while the Iron Lady beams down at you from above. It’s a location where everyone seems to pause for a moment—friends organizing a birthday bash, couples sharing strawberries at sunset, kids in epic game mode.

Mornings are serene here, with joggers making way for croissant-nibbling tourists. As the day goes on, the crowd thickens, giving the place a festive street fair vibe. By evening, a low buzz fills the air as everyone gathers for the tower’s twinkling light show. Yes, it can get busy, but somehow there’s always space for one more blanket. There are bakeries and supermarkets close by, and crepe stands nearby if you prefer hot treats over picnic staples. It’s a spot that offers unbeatable views, fun people-watching and that priceless feeling of being part of the city’s living postcard.

Top tip: pick up cheese at Fromagerie Quatrehomme and pastries at La Parisienne. 

Jardin des Tuileries

 

If you’re after a central location that mixes historic grandeur with Parisian calm, Jardin des Tuileries is your place. Sandwiched between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, these gardens brim with tree-lined pathways, statues, fountains and inviting lawns where locals linger with novels and fresh salads. Bright green chairs let you lounge anywhere you like—ideal if you’d rather perch above the grass with a commanding view of the flower beds.

Bring a picnic for lunch, then let the afternoon sweep you into serene, shady corners. The gardens have a refined air, but never feel stuffy; you’ll spot families catching the breeze near the fountains and artists sketching the statues. Grab macarons from Ladurée nearby, then settle under a tree for a sweet treat and a side of people-watching. The nearby Jeu de Paume and Orangerie museums mean you can combine your arty explorations with a pleasant picnic pause—classic Paris multitasking.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

For those who love diverse landscapes, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement delivers rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and some of the most dramatic city picnic scenes. It’s a local favorite for laid-back gatherings that feel miles away from the city center’s tourist trail. The park’s rugged, romantic vibe—complete with a temple on a cliff and winding pathways—makes you feel like you’ve found your own urban secret garden.

Climb up to the Temple de la Sibylle for panoramic views of Montmartre, then unroll your blanket on the sloping lawns below (a bottle of cider and goat’s cheese tart from a nearby boulangerie won’t go amiss). You’ll find groups of friends enjoying the slopes, families picnicking by the lake and musicians strumming beneath the trees. The nearby Rosa Bonheur bar offers craft beers and spritzes—just the thing if you want to swap your thermos for a cold cocktail. This park feels playful, informal and packed with discoveries at every turn.

Banks of the Seine

Seine picnic

A Paris picnic wouldn’t be complete without rolling out your blanket along the River Seine. The city has transformed a big stretch of its riverside into pedestrian promenades lined with pop-up bars, gardens and floating decks. The views? Always changing: sometimes you’ll gaze up at Notre-Dame, other times you’ll be watching boats drift by beneath the grand Pont Neuf.

Pick up a rotisserie chicken from Boucherie des Gobelins, then find a spot near Square du Vert-Galant, downstream of the Île de la Cité. In the evening, street musicians often turn the riverbanks into an open-air concert. These riverside gatherings can feel festive or intimate, depending on your picnic vibe, but they never fail to deliver photogenic moments at sunset.

Jardin du Luxembourg

 

The Luxembourg Gardens are a Paris classic: romantic, refined and brimming with local life. Parisians come here to feel the pulse of the Left Bank, with grand chestnut trees, flowering borders, and pretty lawns flanking a grand palace and its pond. On weekends, the buzz picks up as chess players gather, children pilot miniature boats and jogging groups thread the pathways.

Pick up sandwiches from nearby Mulot bakery (ham, Emmental and cornichon is a solid bet), then find your perfect rest spot. Pair your meal with a café crème, or pick up an apricot tart for dessert. Whether you settle by the central fountain or in a shaded corner, these gardens offer endless inspiration. With loads of statues, art galleries, and some remarkable people-watching, it’s a destination that feels as lively as it is peaceful.

Parc Monceau

 

Located in the upscale 8th arrondissement, Parc Monceau charms with its English-style landscaping, follies, flowerbeds and winding pathways. It’s a popular place for morning joggers and young families, but you’ll also find plenty of quiet corners for a lazy afternoon picnic.

Parc Monceau feels a little more off-the-beaten-track than the city’s larger parks, making it ideal when you want peace with your pastries. You’ll spot statues dotted around, lily ponds, and a striking Renaissance arch set within lush landscaping. For your picnic basket, grab a caramel éclair (or two) from Maison Pradier and something fizzy from the local market. It’s an elegant, unexpected slice of Parisian greenery that invites you to relax and enjoy the rhythm of the city at your own pace.

Bois de Boulogne

Boats in Bois du Boulogne

When you’re ready for a picnic that feels far from city life—without leaving the Metro network—the Bois de Boulogne is your answer. This sprawling woodland to the west of Paris covers twice the area of Central Park. Imagine gently shaded groves, hidden lakes, waterfalls and wide meadows where the city soundtrack is replaced by birdsong.

It’s a popular choice for weekend outings and lazy afternoons, but don’t let its size intimidate you. There are cozy lawns for couples, kid-friendly playgrounds, and even boat rentals if you fancy drifting out on the lake with your snacks. If you want to add something extra, stop at Le Chalet des Îles, a rustic restaurant on an island in the middle of Lac Inférieur. Try their signature duck confit and house-made raspberry tart; the lakeside views are pure tranquility.

Jardin des Plantes

 

Plant lovers and families will instantly fall for Jardin des Plantes, the city’s grand botanical garden south of the river. This scientific garden combines flowerbeds (always blooming), an Alpine garden, a small hedge maze and leafy lawns where university students and local families gather for lunch. It offers that rare feeling of being both central and removed—a garden where peace comes easy.

The small zoo in the corner adds a playful touch, while curious kids rush between flower beds and art fans sketch the rose garden. Pack cold salads, strawberries and a treat from nearby Maison Gaumer for your picnic. After lunch, the greenhouses invite you inside for a plant-filled escape. It’s the kind of place to lose yourself for hours, wandering from one sun-drenched patch to the next.

Parc de la Villette

 

If you like your picnic with a side of culture, Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement is your dream come true. This innovative park is as modern as Paris gets; think bright red architectural follies, futuristic gardens and an array of open spaces that host everything from jazz concerts to outdoor film screenings.

Parc de la Villette is roomy and relaxed, inviting both locals and visitors to try more than just lunch on the lawn. Pick up Middle Eastern pastries from local favorite La Boulangerie des Frères, or swing by the food trucks for pizza and Vietnamese rice rolls. There are themed gardens to wander through and playgrounds for young visitors, with the Cité des Sciences and Philharmonie de Paris nearby for a post-picnic cultural fix. The park’s unique vibe is creative, energetic and ideal if you want a slice of local life that mixes green space with city cool.

Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges

At the heart of the Marais district, Place des Vosges feels like a perfectly preserved piece of Parisian history. This elegant, symmetrical square is famous for its red brick arcades and plush green lawns, and is one of the oldest and most beautiful public spaces in the city. Locals and visitors alike gather here for lunch-hour picnics, shaded by chestnut trees and surrounded by centuries-old mansions.

What makes picnicking here so magical? For starters, the vibe is both peaceful and buzzing: you’ll spot students chatting, families enjoying ice creams, and musicians tuning up. The lawns are picture-perfect for sunbathing or stretching out with a book, and there are plenty of benches under the arcades if you prefer a bit of shade. Just steps away, the bakery Mamiche is known for its crusty baguettes and inventive sandwiches (don’t miss the rosemary focaccia or classic jambon-beurre). The surrounding Marais cafés are great for coffee to go, and the square’s scenery guarantees top-tier people-watching at any time of day.

Looking for more things to do in Paris? Check out our favorite free things to do around the Eiffel Tower, and discover the secrets of the Charonne neighborhood.

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Monet's water lilies
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Musee d'Orsay vs Musee Marmottan Monet

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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