As spring arrives and the weather grows warmer, many people (including us!) get an overwhelming urge to have a picnic with our friends and family!
If you are itching to spend some time outside, here are 20 of our favorite picnic spots in Paris.
Let’s start by locating them on the map:
André Citroën Parc
👉 A 5-10 minute walk to the heart of the Park from Métro 8 Balard
The Parc André Citroën consists of 14 hectares divided into three sections: the White Garden, the Black Garden, and a large central park.
Enjoy your sandwiches and lemonade in a futuristic setting, then challenge your friends to a game of ping-pong! The park also has public toilets, wifi, and a playground for children.
With three drinking water stations and plenty of shaded areas, it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Pros:
- A splash pad provides hours of fun for children
- Flights in the Generali Balloon of Paris offer a panoramic view of the city
- Ping pong tables provide entertainment for all ages
Cons:
- A lack of maintenance diminishes the park’s appearance
- There is more concrete than at other parks – if you want to enjoy nature, this may not be the park for you
Bercy Parc
👉 Métro 14 Cour Saint-Émilion at the parc’s entrance
With 14 hectares of intricately decorated gardens, the Parc de Bercy welcomes visitors for a picnic on its beautiful lawn.
You can still see evidence of the vineyards and wine receiving yards that once operated on the park grounds, giving this park a unique historical appeal.
There are many playgrounds for young children, a carousel, ping-pong tables, a skate park, a refreshment bar, shaded areas to cool off, and benches to sit on and eat.
The Parc de Bercy is peaceful and cozy, and you can easily spend all day here thanks to the many facilities provided.
Pros:
- Public toilets
- Elevator
- Drinking fountain
- Wi-fi
- Promenades for casual strolling
Parc Floral de Paris
👉 5 minutes from Métro 1 Château de Vincennes
With playgrounds, a water point, picnic areas, and a large lawn, the Parc Floral de Paris is the ideal place to picnic with friends or family.
It is close to the Château de Vincennes and is in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, so you will find plenty of activities to entertain yourself after lunch!
Pros:
- 39 picnic tables
- Ping-pong tables
- Public toilets
Cons:
- Very crowded during weekends when the weather is nice
Le Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
👉 A 10 minute walk from Métro 10 Porte d’Auteuil
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A botanical garden located in the Bois de Boulogne, the large lawn of the Serres d’Auteuil garden is perfect for a short picnic prior to exploring the botanical greenhouses. The trees lining the lawn offer plenty of shade for a relaxing lunch. To make things even better, entrance to the park is free!
Pros:
- Public Bathroom
- Drinking fountain
- Wi-fi
- Very calm and relaxing
Champs de Mars
👉 Métro 8 École Militaire at the Champ de Mars entrance
At the Champs de Mars, you can have a picnic on a long, large lawn at the foot of the Eiffel Tower while enjoying the sun and the quintessential Parisian atmosphere.
Bring a little plaid tablecloth, a lunch basket, a baguette, and some cheese, and you will feel like a true Parisian.
Pros:
- Superb view of the Eiffel Tower
- Carousels
- Pony rides
- Snack and refreshment bars
- Ping-pong tables
- Public toilets
- Wi-fi
- Drinking fountains
- Puppet shows
- Playground
Cons:
- Often crowded
- Little shade to offer relief on hot days
Parc de la Villette
👉Métro 7 Porte de La Villette at the entrance of the park
Feel like having a picnic? The Parc de la Villette’s sprawling lawn on the banks of the Seine welcomes you any time of day and any day of the week.
This park combines nature and architecture with leisure areas and places for exhibitions, shows, and debates.
It is a truly unique location that hosts a wide variety of cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions.
Pros:
- Public toilets
- Restaurants
- Drinking water fountains
- A cinema
Cons:
- Often very crowded
Les Quais de Seine
Between the Musée d’Orsay and Saint Michel and near the quays of the Ile Saint Louis, the quays of the Seine are a great place for picnicking by the Seine. The ducks that roam the riverside walkways and the reflection of the sun on the water are considered to be gifts to Parisians.
The quays of the Seine are also considered “the place to be” by the youth of Paris, and for good reason! This urban spot may not be a traditional picnic destination, but the views and the location can’t be missed.
Pros:
- A beautiful waterside setting
- A few benches are available
Cons:
- Crowded
- Very little grass and no picnic tables
- Not necessarily clean
Canal Saint-Martin
Romantic and reminiscent of life in the country, the Canal Saint-Martin is a hidden gem in the heart of Paris.
The atmosphere is unique and magical regardless of the time of day.
Visitors can enjoy a picnic along the banks of the canal and stroll under the trees, sheltered from the sun.
Pros:
- Very calm
- Soothing atmosphere
- Plenty of shade
Cons:
- No picnic facilities
- Crowded at certain times
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
👉 Métro 7B Buttes-Chaumont at the entrance of the Park
The Buttes-Chaumont park is one of the largest green spaces in Paris.
Visitors can picnic near the water with the ducks and swans or on one of the many lawns that are largely shaded. The park’s size allows for a quiet meal with plenty of space between you and other visitors.
The park is large enough to accommodate all kinds of activities, and you can even bring your dog along!
Pros:
- Idyllic setting
- Very soothing atmosphere
- Carousels
- Pony rides
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Public toilets
- Drinking water fountains
- Puppet shows
- Playground
- Sandboxes
- Changing tables
- Wi-fi
Cons:
- There are often many children present
- There are many hills, so access is limited for people with reduced mobility
Jardin des Tuileries
👉Métro 1, 8 et 12 Concorde at the garden entrance
The Tuileries Garden is a representation of Paris at its best.
With its vegetation, wide-open spaces, fountains, sculptures, and lawns, what could be better than a picnic in this haven of peace in the heart of Paris?
The Tuileries Garden is an iconic and historic place to relax and enjoy time with loved ones.
Pros:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Funfair
- Public toilets
Cons:
- Crowded
- Very little shade
Jardin Atlantique
👉 5 minute walk from métro Gare Montparnasse
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The Jardin Atlantique is a little corner of paradise.
Cut off from the hustle and bustle of the Gare Montparnasse and inspired by both French gardens and English vegetation, it is the ideal place to enjoy a sandwich.
Pros:
- Weight lifting area
- Tennis courts
- Ping-pong tables
- Guided tours
Cons:
- More urbanised than other parks
Le Chalet des Îles
👉 17 minute walk from RER C Avenue Henri Martin
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The setting of the Chalet des Îles can only be described as idyllic.
Whether in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, on the islands of Bercy or Reuilly surrounded by Lake Daumesnil, or near the Romantic Temple, every part of this park is ideal for sharing a romantic and relaxing meal.
You can even share a sandwich while drifting on a rented boat!
Pros:
- 38 picnic tables
- Sports and cultural activities
- Zoo
- Sculptures and monuments to admire
- Public toilets
- Restaurant
- Ice cream parlour
Cons:
- The nearest RER station is a 17 minute walk away
Square Louis XIII
👉 6 minute walk from Métro 6 Bréguet – Sabin
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In the centre of the Place des Vosges, the Square Louis XIII is a small plot of greenery isolated from the city by rows of trees. It’s main attraction is a pavilion steeped in history.
With four fountains and lawns, it is a refreshing and pleasant place to picnic.
Pros:
- Peaceful
- Beautiful setting
Cons:
- Dogs are not allowed
- Small
- Not much shade
Square Saint-Lambert
👉 4 minute walk from Métro 8 Félix Faure
The large lawns of the Square Saint-Lambert, which follow the shape of the large fountain in its center, welcome many picnickers.
Though now listed as a historical monument, it was born in a neighbourhood of cheap buildings typical of the Art Deco era of the 1930s.
Its view of the Eiffel Tower and the Art Deco details enhance the square.
Pros:
- Carousels
- Ping-pong tables
- Public toilets
- Wi-fi
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
Cons:
- Rather small
- No shade on the lawn
Parc George Brassens
👉 11 minute walk from Métro 12 Porte de Versailles
With large lawns, wooded areas, gentle slopes, sculptures, ponds, vines, a stream, a waterfall, a climbing wall, rocks, and play areas for children, the George Brassens Park has something to please everyone.
Enjoy a picnic with friends or family on a bench, at a table, or on the lawn!
Pros:
- Pastoral setting
- Poetic
- Picnic tables
- Public toilets
- Ping-pong tables
- Carousel
- Pony rides
- Wi-fi
- Drinking water fountains
- Puppet shows
- Playground
- Sandboxes
Cons:
- Dogs are not allowed
- Many children are typically present
Parc Montsouris
👉 RER B Cité Universitaire at the entrance of the parc
Next door to the Cité Universitaire, this haven of peace amidst the Parisian hustle and bustle is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
It is a very family-friendly park where children can play freely on the lawn.
Chairs and benches are set up around its pond for admiring the water while having a snack. Just be careful not to feed the ducks!
Pros :
- Carousel
- Pony rides
- Restaurant
- Table tennis
- Public toilets
- Wi-fi
- Dogs are allowed on a leash in the alleys
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
Parc Kellermann
👉 8 minutes walk from Métro 7 Porte d’Italie
This park delights its youngest visitors with activities and farm animals while captivating older visitors with its calmness and serenity.
The French garden and pond, complete with aquatic plants and fish, were built for the 1937 World’s Fair and are very peaceful and pleasant to picnic in and near.
Pros:
- Ping-pong tables
- Public toilets
- Wi-fi
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
- Farm
Cons:
- Noisy due to its proximity to the road
Square Louise Michel
👉 3 minute walk from Métro 2 Anvers
This square gives visitors an unparalleled view of the Sacré Coeur.
It is an idyll in the 18th arrondissement of Paris for both children and adults.
There is enough space for children to run and play, but also a large lawn where Parisians can relax and picnic while admiring the iconic Basilica.
Pros:
- Carousel
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
Cons :
- No public toilets
- No dogs are allowed
- Difficult to park near
Jardin Villemin
👉 5 minute walk from station Gare de l’Est, Métro 4, 5, 7
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Facing the Canal Saint-Martin and away from the jungle of Parisian traffic, the Jardin Villemin is a good place to walk and picnic.
The numerous shade trees allow you to avoid getting a sunburn while eating and keep you cool as you stroll.
After a meal, the calm garden is perfect for reading a book or just enjoying the greenery.
Pros:
- Public toilets
- Wi-fi
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
Cons:
- No dogs are allowed
Esplanade des Invalides
👉 RER C, Métro 8 et 13 Invalides at the Esplanade entrance
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Overlooking the magnificent Hôtel des Invalides, the esplanade leading to the Alexandre III bridge is a small green area in the center of the 7th district of Paris.
The lawn is very large and welcomes Parisians looking for a place to relax.
Many visitors picnic there while enjoying the view of the famous Hôtel des Invalides.
Pros:
- Beautiful setting
Cons:
- Noisy and smelly due to nearby roads
Cité Universitaire
👉RER B Cité Universitaire facing the entrance
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The large lawn behind the International House is the perfect place for a picnic.
Large, trimmed bushes provide shade, but for those who can handle a little sun, it is also a great place to have fun with friends and explore the rest of the Cité Universitaire park.
Pros:
- Young and dynamic
- Dogs are allowed
- Toilets are available in the International House
Cons:
- Little shade
Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge
👉 2 minute walk from the station Pré-Saint-Gervais, Métro 7B
Popular with joggers because of its challenging slopes, the Butte du Chapeau Rouge Park is also the ideal park for a picnic with a view one would only expect to find on a Parisian rooftop.
Its large lawns allow you to not be too close to other visitors, and the whole park is a quiet and airy little corner of paradise.
Pros:
- Ping-pong tables
- Public toilets
- Drinking water fountains
- Playground
- Sandboxes
- Wi-fi
Cons:
- Near the busy ring road
Jardin du Port de l’Arsenal
👉 5 minute walk from the station Quai de La Rapée, Métro 5
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The Jardin du Port de l’Arsenal is perfect for taking a breath of fresh air and a bite of sandwich on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin.
Visitors can admire the clear water and sometimes even small fish while feeling like they are on the French coast. If you need a break from the business of the city, this park is a great change of scenery.
Pros:
- Food service
- Public toilets
- Drinking water fountains
- Playgrounds
Cons:
- Dogs are not allowed
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
