Best 10 picnic spots in Paris

When the weather turns warm, Parisians picnic in parks, gardens and river-side quays. Stop by one of the open markets in Paris, where you’ll find freshly picked fruit and vegetables, fresh fish from Brittany and Normandy, meat, farmhouses cheeses, breads and much more. Many vendors sell fully prepared dishes, from pate's to roasted chickens.

There are over 70 markets in Paris where Parisians have been coming to buy their food since the 1500's. Find a park bench in one of the multitude of beautiful gardens throughout the city to delight in your feast. Bring a good knife, a cork-screw, and dining implements or purchase some paper and plastic ones.

Best Picnic Spots

1. Champ de Mars - Munching on French cheese and bread while staring up at the Eiffel Tower is the dream of many visitors to Paris. Metro: Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, Ecole Militaire.

2. Pont des Arts, 1ere and 6eme, Metro: Pont Neuf or Louvre-Rivoli. It’s the ultimate Parisian picnic experience where you’ll inevitably be entertained by a guitar or a sax, while enjoying the best views that Paris has on offer. Go at sunset for an especially magical experience. Don’t forget the champagne!

3. On Sundays, Paris’ river quais are closed to traffic and open to strollers, bikers, roller bladders and picnickers. Try the grassy, tree-lined spot on the right bank facing Ile Saint-Louis. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights. The quais on Sunday, 1ere and 4eme.

4. The banks of Ile Saint-Louis rank as one of Paris’ most romantic spots to set up for an evening apéritif. Join locals sipping champagne and watching the Bateaux Mouches pass as the sun sinks behind the Seine. Metro: Hôtel de Ville or Cité.

5. Square Tino Rossi 5eme. Enter from Quai Saint Bernard, just after Pont de Sully and you’ll find one of Paris’ prettiest Seine views, facing Ile Saint-Louis and the back spires of Notre Dame. This park has a lively evening outdoor music and dance scene. Watch a tango lesson, or better yet join in!

6. The garden d’Eole - large lawn and flower-beds, the ideal compromise between modernity and nature, 4 rue d'Aubervilliers - Metro Stalingrad (18th)

7. Parc de Belleville - on the hills of Paris best at sunset for romantics! 43 rue de Crowns - Crowns Metro (20th)

8. The marina and the terraced garden of the Arsenal that follows the water. A perfect place to relax and watch the boats. 11 Boulevard de la Bastille - Metro Bastille (12th)

9. Bercy Park - A large modern park great for families. 128 Quai de Bercy - Metro: Bercy / Cour Saint-Emilion (12th)

10. Lawn de Breteuil - Mini Champs de Mars! A good, quiet alternative to the crowd on the esplanade. 62 Avenue de Breteuil - Metro St. Francis Xavier (7th)