Best Picnic Spots In Paris

Yes I was definitely planning on spending some time gathering supplies at rue Cler, even if people have said it's more "touristy." I'll be a tourist!

You can only sit on the grass at certain times? I had heard that sometimes you can't be on the grass, but it's nice to know the specifics. (I've never been, but) it seems like there are "side areas" along the main stretch of grass, are those always open? I'd love to picnic in front of this icon!

edit: by grass, I mean the grass at Champ de Mars

Eiffel Tower!! It's touristy, but it is one of my fondest memories...we went at sunset and had picked up a bottle of wine, baguette and cheese...watching the sunset and the lights come on on the tower is amazing!

Champs du Mar...excellent. Just watch out for the sprinklers. Also behind Notre Dame, there is a nice spot.

I agree with Connie - the park behind Notre Dame is a favorite. Also the Pont des Arts at sunset.

Maybe it's a new rule since '08, but we've always been able to picnic anywhere on the grass of the Champs de Mars in front of the ET any day of the week along with many others. We'll be there in less than 3 wks so I'm curious to know if Steve is right and it's now only allowed on Thursday.

Paris is full of little parks that are great for picnics.

We also love picnics at the Luxembourg Gardens and Place des Vosges.

I am not sure that you can set a blanket on the grass for a picnic but I would check out the west end of Ile de la Cite before making a final decision. I think this the most romantic spot in Paris.

http://www.heybrian.com/lib/images/travels/france/paris_ile_de_la_cite_trees.jpg

Here is another photo that shows the park with people on it. There are benches at that end of Ile de la Cite where you can sit and view the sunset.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/parc%20ile%20de%20la%20cite/michaelaparis/IMG_4266.jpg

Heath, I loved the ham and cheese baguettes you can buy at the patisseries, I don't know if they put a spread on it or it was a soft cheese that they put on it but for one of your picnics, I would recommend getting one of those. They're cheap and I had them twice for lunches when I was there. I'm still dreaming about them! If the people at those shops were friendlier I would have asked what they put in it but both patisseries we went to had the same attitudes. We spoke mangled French as best as we could and didn't even get a smile back! Loved the baguettes though.

Usually ham and cheese baguettes have butter.

Last time we were at the park at the western tip of Ile de la Cite you could sit on the grass.

Susan,

I believe you were having probs w/ your rental apt a few wks ago-----hope that worked out. We leave 5/28 for a week in Normandy and then in Paris 6/6--13. We rented our apr through Vacation in Paris and all has gone just as their website said; keys arrived last Monday. safe travels; hope the volcano cooperates

Hi Cary, Everything seems fine now, thanks for asking... We leave on 6/11, staying a month. I hope all goes well for us and for you! Have a great time!

Our favorite picnic spots are:

• the Rodin Sculpture Garden

• the quai on Ile St. Louis - we had a great picnic on the quai facing the Left Bank, but we have had picnics on the other quais as well. It is so convenient to shop on Ile St. Louis

• the tuileries

A magical place is along the Seine around sunset in
between Petit Pont and Pont de la Tournelle.

There are hundreds of people waiting for the sun to set over Notre Dame. Choose a spot along the wall over looking the river, someone nearby will be playing music. Bring some wine and treats from the local markets. It was our best night in Paris!

Heath - I enjoyed picnicing in the Jardes des Tuileries near the Lourve. After finishing your picnic you can go to the sorbet stand. The lemon sorbet is wonderful.

I love going to the Jardin du Luxembourg on Wednesdays. Most schools in Paris are closed on Wednesday (unless that has changed) and the park is filled with Parisean families, au pairs with children, etc, all out for the day. Great people watching and a fun afternoon.

Thanks everyone, I'm looking forward to checking out a lot of these spots!