10 Best Places to Picnic in Paris
As a local in the French capital, picnics are one of my all time favorite things to do: as it’s affordable, beautiful, and lets you immerse yourself into the city – but where are the best places to picnic in Paris?
View of sunset from Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2026
Well, luckily – summer’s not over yet, and even when it does dwindle – you'll still have time to scope out the best places to picnic in Paris until October.
🧺🌸 If You Like... Picnic Here in Paris 🇫🇷
| If You Like... | Picnic Here |
|---|---|
| 🌳 Manicured gardens and plenty of shade | Jardin du Luxembourg |
| 🌄 Hilly views from the top of the city | Square Louise Michel |
| 🌿 Local vibes and a more laid-back atmosphere | Parc des Buttes-Chaumont |
| 🥐 A quick picnic stop in the middle of the city or somewhere to organize a bigger picnic | Jardin des Tuileries |
| 🤫 Secret spots that most tourists won't think to picnic at | Square du Vert-Galant |
| 🗼 Classic Instagram shots of an aesthetic picnic with Eiffel Tower views | Champ de Mars |
| 🍻 Young and lively vibes with easy nearby bar hopping afterwards | Canal Saint-Martin |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly vibes with plenty of other things to do nearby | Parc de la Villette |
| 🌷 Colorful flowers and hardly any tourists in sight | Jardin de Reuilly |
When is the best time of year to picnic in Paris?
You can’t go wrong with a picnic in Paris as long as it isn’t the middle of winter, but personally – my favorite times of the year to picnic in Paris are between early May and mid October. This is when the weather is nicest, the sun is out the longest, and the overall surrounding vibes scream “picnic” the most.
Why can I not sit on the grass in Paris?
In Paris, people are banned from sitting on the grass in parks between the months of October and April to allow the grass to grow to its healthiest and fullest height before the summer season starts.
That’s why in recent years in the winter, when you pass by Champs des Mars to see the Eiffel Tower – they now have tall fences to prevent people from even standing on the grass for photos of the Iron Lady.
I’ll never forget the first time I sat on the grass in Places des Voges, and a police man came up to me speaking in French (that at the time, I could barely understand) trying to get me to get off of the grass.
Don’t make the same mistake I did! The signs to avoid sitting on the grass for your picnic are very small and often completely in French – meaning unless it’s officially “summer” in Paris: it’s best to avoid sitting on the grass altogether.
It’s important to know that even if it’s warm before April, the police will still strictly enforce the no-sitting-on-the-grass rule. Even earlier this year, I was in Places des Voges on a sunny day in March – and the massive crowds of people (including myself) were forced to sit on the rim of the grass and have our feet over the small barrier.
View of a picnic spot near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; July 2026
10 Best Places to Picnic in Paris (According to a Local)
Champ des Mars
📍 Location: 7th arrondissement
🗼 Views: Direct, unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower
🧺 Vibe: Touristy and crowded, but magical when everyone gasps as the Eiffel Tower starts to sparkle
✨ Best For: Sunset picnics and watching the Eiffel Tower's hourly sparkle
As Champs des Mars is literally a three minute walk away from my apartment, I know a thing or two about picnicking here!
View of Champs des Mars in Paris; September 2021
With massive, long lawns with a commanding view of the Eiffel Tower – this is one of the most classic spots to picnic in Paris. I come sit out here every night with a little sweet treat in the summer to unwind after a long day at work, waiting for the classic “sparkle” just like everyone else.
Pro Tip: Remember, sparkle time will vary depending on the time of year – it’s usually not until 11pm in June and July and not until 10pm in August. You can learn more about sparkle times at the Eiffel Tower in my dedicated post about a first trip to Paris!
2. Places des Voges
📍 Location: Le Marais, 4th arrondissement
🏛️ Views: Beautiful old Parisian architecture, red-brick façades, and classic Parisian rooftops
🌿 Vibe: Peaceful, intimate, and a little more exclusive than Paris's bigger picnic parks
🥂 Best For: Intimate picnics with friends, couples, or anyone looking for a quieter picnic in the heart of Paris
This is probably my second favorite all-time place to picnic in Paris.
As one of my favorite parks in the city and steps away from the most amazing vegan bakery – there’s something so peaceful about picnicking in one of the four famous quadrants with the fountains beside you trickling water into tranquility.
People picnicking in Places des Voges in Paris; March 2026
Just know that Places des Voges will be packed by 3 to 5 in the afternoon on a sunny day – meaning if you want the park to yourself for a calmer picnic, I suggest aiming to get there before 2pm.
Pro Tip: There’s an Amarino gelato place right around the corner, and it’s also only a 10 minute walk from the very famous L’as du Falafel – making this the perfect picnic spot in Paris for both bigger meals and sweet snack breaks.
3. Jardin du Luxembourg
📍 Location: 6th arrondissement
🏛️ Views: Beautiful views of the Panthéon, with the tip of the Eiffel Tower visible from certain parts of the gardens
🌿 Vibe: Peaceful, elegant, and quintessentially Parisian, with manicured gardens and plenty of shady spots
🥂 Best For: Intimate picnics with friends, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful afternoon in one of Paris's prettiest gardens
This is one of my all time favorite places in Paris, with many tourists opting to wander around and explore all of the statues and fun activities in Jardin du Luxembourg – but did you know it’s also a wonderful place to picnic?
View of Luxembourg Palace in Jadrin du Luxebourg in Paris; July 2026
If you walk straight with your back to the infamous palace, you’ll find designated zones for picnics that most tourists are unaware of – but ironically are perfect, as it’s covered with leafy trees providing perfect shade on a sunny day in Paris.
I recently came here to have a picnic and make flower bouquets with friends on one of the hottest days we’ve had this summer, and I will say – sitting in the shade was a nice way to cool down.
Pro Tip: Don’t pay for the overpriced drinks inside the park – there’s a Carrefour express (small grocery store) on Rue de Vaugirard where you can shop for you perfect Paris picnic without breaking the bank.
4. Parc de Buttes Chaumont
📍 Location: 19th arrondissement
⛪ Views: Hilly views across Paris, including beautiful views toward Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
🌿 Vibe: Local, lively, and laid-back, with sprawling lawns and a much more neighborhood feel
🌅 Best For: Sunset picnics and long walks through the park after you finish eating
One of the best local spots in the city, Parc de Buttes Chaumont is the main spot where locals will picnic all summer long.
People chilling in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; August 2025
With a rustic, nature vibe that almost makes you feel like you’ve escaped Paris entirely – locals love to picnic here in Paris as the massive lake, city views, and hilly sunsets provoke a special and intimate feeling with friends over crunchy chips and three euro bottles of wine.
I took my aunt here recently, and we picnicked with homemade vegan tuna melt sandwiches and kettle cooked chips while looking over the less-touristic side of the city. She told me it was definitely a moment to remember.
Pro Tip: Try to be here around sunset, as when it’s the prettiest – but also try to leave before it gets super dark, as the surrounding areas of the park aren’t the most tourist friendly at night.
5. Alongside the Seine (My Secret Spot!)
📍 Location: Seine near Place du Châtelet, 1st arrondissement
🏛️ Views: Views of Place du Châtelet, the surrounding historic architecture, and life along the Seine
🌊 Vibe: Friendly, relaxed, and somehow disconnected from the busy city happening just above you
✍️ Best For: People-watching, journaling, snacking, and simply watching the world go by along the Seine
If you hop on over to the right bank side across from Palais de la Cité and very close to Place du Châtelet, you’ll find nearby a green strip of grass where people often picnic, play cards, and chill with their friends.
View of a strip of grass along the seine in Paris; March 2023
This is my favorite spot to sit and people watch over a solo picnic in Paris, usually with my journal, a burger and fries on the grass, or an ice cream cone before it melts under the summer sun.
Pro Tip: Try to disconnect from your phone when sitting here, as it’s almost like a time warp sometimes – with the old architecture and people around you playing card games.
6. Square du Vert Galant
📍 Location: Île de la Cité, 1st arrondissement
🌊 Views: Beautiful views of the Seine from the very tip of Île de la Cité
🌿 Vibe: Isolated, calm, and tucked away from the busier streets of central Paris
🧺 Best For: People who love picnicking along the Seine but want to spread out and get a little more comfortable on the grass
For at least the first couple of months living in Paris, I was constantly perplexed by how those people got over the that little island in the middle of the seine.
Luckily, all you have to do is walk down the stairs where the statue is on Pont Neuf, and then – you’ll suddenly be in a little calm pocket of picnic heaven in Paris.
View of Square du Vert Galant in Paris; August 2022
In the summer, this place is lined with people dangling their feet over the seine – always making it fun to pass by on a walk, but even more fun for picnics. I have sat here for hours with friends on a Sunday picnicking and chatting away for hours.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use the bathroom before heading down here, as there are no nearby public toilets. The closest one is near La Samaratine – which is the department store at the end of the bridge.
7. Jardin des Tuileries
📍 Location: 1st arrondissement
🗼 Views: Eiffel Tower or Louvre views depending on which direction you're facing
🌿 Vibe: Chaotic in some areas, but much quieter if you move toward the side corners instead of staying in the middle
🧺 Best For: Convenience, a central meet-up point for friends coming from different parts of Paris, or an easy picnic stop in the middle of a full sightseeing day
A perfect spot for a picnic in the middle of a long sight seeing day, Jardin des Tuiliereis is another popular picnic spot in Paris for both locals and tourists alike.
View of picnic area in Jardin des Tuileries in Paris; July 2021
I’ve been to my fair share of la rentrée events (basically, “back to school” season in France – signifying the time of year everyone comes back from their summer holidays and heads back to work).
What’s great about planning a picnic near the Louvre at Jardin des Tuileries is that its central location makes it easy for people from all over Paris to join you – making it particularly great for larger events.
Pro Tip: Since there aren’t many nearby supermarkets, I recommend bringing your picnic goodies in a portable cooler or insulated bag!
8. Canal St. Martin
📍 Location: 10th arrondissement
🌊 Views: Canal views lined with leafy trees, little bridges, classic Parisian buildings, and boats passing through the locks
🍻 Vibe: Hipster, youthful, social, and lively, with groups of friends hanging out along the water and plenty of bars nearby
🎉 Best For: Large friend groups who are the life of the party and want to start with a picnic before hitting the town later that night
As one of the lesser-known places in Paris, especially for young locals – Canal St. Martin is one of the most popping places for a picnic with your friends, as you can easily bar hop in the same vicinity for hours on end.
View of popular picnic spot in Paris, Canal St. Martin; November 2025
Although this isn’t personally one of my favorite areas to picnic in Paris, I can see the appeal – as its tree-lined waterway, nearby produce stands, and lively surrounding bar culture easily sets the scene for a memorable moment.
In fact, Canal St. Martin has even been shown in a picnic-esque setting in some popular T.V. shows – like The Summer I Turned Pretty and in Emily in Paris.
Pro Tip: There’s a really cute produce stand a mere five minute walk away on Rue de Lancry, making it the perfect place to pick up fresh fruit and veggies for your picnic!
9. Square Louis Michel
📍 Location: Montmartre, 18th arrondissement
🌇 Views: Massive panoramic views across Paris from below Sacré-Cœur, with the entire city stretching out in front of you
🌿 Vibe: Busy and lively, but worth it for one of the most gorgeous landscape views of Paris
🥐 Best For: Friend picnics, munching on snacks, and hanging out with massive city views in the background
With one of the best views in Paris, Square Louis Michel is one of the most scenic places to picnic in the entire city – especially as you veer towards sunset.
View of Paris from Square Louis Michel in Paris; November 2025
However, I will say – this is a picnic spot in Paris that is generally much nicer in the summer. Just beware, it gets jam packed on the weekends – so plan to start your picnic earlier in the day if you don’t want strangers listening in on your gossip sessions over baguette, cheese, and crudité.
Pro Tip: There’s a really affordable, fun Asian grocery store nearby called, “Chen Market” on Rue de Steinkerque. I recommend popping over here for fun things like fresh Bubble Tea or mochi ice cream before plopping down for your picnic.
10. Jardin des Reuilly
📍 Location: 12th arrondissement
🌳 Views: Green lawns, colorful flowerbeds, leafy trees, and the surrounding Coulée Verte
🌷 Vibe: Calm, serene, and local, with plenty of space to relax away from the tourist crowds
📖 Best For: Little birthday parties, writing in your journal while eating, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic surrounded by greenery
One of the quieter and private places to picnic in Paris is Jardin des Reuilly – which rests at the end of the amazing “Paris highline”, better known as Coulée Verte.
View of green walkway in Paris; May 2025
What I love about this picnic spot in Paris is how calm it is. Oftentimes, when I pass by here and sit for my own little picnic with my journal – I see families having birthday parties or kids running around.
Plus, there are beautiful and colorful flowers off to the side of the main picnic field – making it a great place for both a moment to yourself and quality time with friends and family snacking under the sun.
Pro Tip: I really recommend starting at the entrance of the “Paris high line” near Ledru-Rollin metro station and walking all the way to the end – where there’s a big field of grass perfect for picnicking.
Want to see these parks in action?
Check out my vlog below of me picnicking in Paris!
🧺🇫🇷 Picnicking in Paris FAQs 🇫🇷🧺
Looking for more information and Paris and France as you plan your trip?
Click here to discover more, as I have several articles like this to help you plan the perfect trip to Paris and the rest of France.
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Last updated: August 15, 2026