For the perfect picnic, you need: a blanket, homemade sandwiches, some fresh fruit, a deck of Uno cards and above all a great spot! No worries, we've listed the places to spend an afternoon.
The most famous
Champ-de-Mars (7th)
Breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, huge open lawns… At the Champ-de-Mars, picnics take on a picturesque air, with a cosmopolitan and cheerful atmosphere. Don't be surprised if a musician or two comes along to play guitar, right next to you!
Accès : Cours-la-Reine, avenue Franklin-D.-Roosevelt, avenue Matignon, avenue Gabriel.
Le jardin de la Nouvelle France est inaccessible le temps des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques.
Parc Montsouris
The Parc Montsouris is a favorite spot for students from the nearby Cité Universitaire, who enjoy the immense lawns as soon as the sun comes out. Did you know that of the 1,400 trees, many of them over a hundred years old ? The Ginkgo Biloba is the largest tree on the lakeshore.
Boulevard Jourdan, avenue Reille, rue Gazan, rue de la Cité-Universitaire, rue Nansouty, rue Émile-Deutsch-de-la-Meurthe
Parc des rives de Seine (7th left bank, 4th right bank)
Here, you can stroll along the quays, close to the water, to find your own private spot. From Pont Neuf to Pont Marie, there's no shortage of spots!
Modern spots
Parc de Bercy (12th district)
A charming green space opposite the Cinémathèque Française, accessible by crossing the Simone de Beauvoir bridge from the expansive François Mitterrand library. Here, you'll discover a wide open area with various natural settings, including a Japanese-style duck pond.
Accès secondaires : rue de Bercy, rue Paul Belmondo et Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir
Le Parc André Citroën (15e)
In a futuristic setting, the park invites picnickers to relax on the lawns, often seeking refuge behind the tall grass. For entertainment, you can watch sports enthusiasts practicing capoeira or Qi Gong!
Autres entrées : quai André-Citroën, rue Leblanc, rue Saint-Charles, rue de la Montagne-de-la-Fage.
Le Jardin de Reuilly (12th)
While strolling along the Coulée Verte, we suggest taking the footbridge over the Jardin de Reuilly. You'll find yourself in a vast, meticulously maintained green space. If the heat becomes overwhelming, you can cool off with a swim at the Jean-Boiteux (formerly Reuilly) swimming pool, just a short walk away.
Autres accès par l'avenue Daumesnil et par la rue Jacques-Hillairet
Parc de la Villette (19th district)
There's space for (almost) everyone at La Villette! It's easy to find a patch of greenery to spread out your tablecloth. For maximum sun, the large area in front of the Géode is perfect. If you prefer a picnic in the shade or by the water, there are plenty of cozy spots for a siesta. Ideal for large groups.
The classics
Square Louis XIII (8th)
This is Square Louis XIII, commonly known in Paris as "Place des Vosges." The red brick arches contrast beautifully with the grey pointed roofs. When the benches are full, you can retreat to the lawn surrounded by chestnut trees.
Parc Monceau (8th)
Once owned by the Duc de Chartres, the park is graced with statues by renowned artists and secluded by private mansions. It embodies true Parisian chic in its purest form.
Accès : boulevard de Courcelles, avenue Vélasquez, avenue Van Dyck, avenue Ruysdael
The adorable
Buttes Chaumont Park
In Paris, everyone adores the Buttes-Chaumont, the city's steepest park. It features lovely sloping lawns, cozy spots under the trees, and a magnificent waterfall that reaches 32 meters. Plus, it stays open late (until 10 p.m.).
Autres entrées :
1-7, rue Botzaris (Métro Botzaris)
2-6b, rue Manin
55, rue de Crimée
42, avenue Simon-Bolivar. (Bus 26, 71)
- Accès fermé et interdit à l'Ile et au Temple de la Sybille, à la petite et la grande cascades en raison de l'instabilité des sols et risques d'éboulement
- Une partie du chemin circulaire autour du lac est fermée.
Le Jardin Villemin (10e)
With your feet by the water and a deck of cards on your lap, that's how you'll spend your afternoon at Jardin Villemin. Time moves slowly here, and between sunbeams, you can make new friends.
Hidden gems
Le Jardin Atlantique (15th)
A bit hidden, this charming spot overlooking the Montparnasse train station is definitely worth a visit. With pine trees, peaceful corners, a central fountain, and ping-pong tables, it's perfect for a sunny lunch break.
Jardin Catherine Labouré (7e)
Welcome to this former kitchen garden, now accessible to everyone but still hidden from view. You can relax under the vine-covered pergola, lounge on the lawns, or take a leisurely walk along the tree-lined path beside the garden.
Le Jardin des Rosiers (4th)
This charming pocket garden is nestled in the heart of the Marais, surrounded by beautiful 17th-century historic hotels. It's adorably small and offers an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
The savages
Le Jardin naturel (20th)
This unique Parisian garden features native plants that once flourished and are now cared for using organic gardening techniques. The rounded lawn complements the curves of the Père-Lachaise hill, just beyond the separating wall. A staircase with widely spaced steps leads to an upper promenade, a sunlit terrace with panoramic views of the garden. One path descends to a deep, sunny pond.
120 rue de la Réunion - 12 ter rue de Lesseps
The City of Paris has installed large containers in parks and gardens especially for picnickers. There's no excuse for leaving garbage on the ground.
And don't forget: alcohol consumption is prohibited, as are fires and barbecues.
