Anytime someone visits Paris they always ask me, what’s the best thing to do when in Paris? And I honestly have one recommendation, it’s to have a true Parisian picnic. It’s what the locals do, it’s what tourists do, everyone can enjoy a great picnic in Paris.
I’ll never forget one of my visits to Paris. I was visiting with a few friends who had never been before. The weather was incredible too which is always a plus. So one day we ended up going to the park and doing just that, a picnic. We grabbed the essentials and headed down to spread out and chill.
That evening when we were having a picnic, we actually saw a couple get married right there. We were literally 10 feet from them and didn’t even realize it until the violinist started. And then I proceeded to cry my eyes out because it was so freaking romantic and beautiful.
If you’re ever in Paris, I can’t recommend doing a picnic enough. It’s one of the best things to do in Paris, and it’s super affordable. The Eiffel Tower also lights up once the sun sets and then every hour on the hour it sparkles for 10 minutes. It’s simply magical and doesn’t ever get old. Here’s how to have a picnic at the Eiffel Tower.
How To Have A Picnic At The Eiffel Tower
Get Your Picnic Items
For a picnic at the Eiffle Tower, or any park, head to a grocery store like a Franrpix, Monoprix or Carrefour. These are all normal grocery stores in Paris. And you can also check out specialty shops from fromageries to bakeries for a baguette and even the farmer’s market (the Bastille one is great). You can also head to La Grande Epicerie to get everything in one spot.
This is a list of items I like to have for a picnic.
- Cheeses – choose 2-3 different ones to try
- Bread – I suggest one baguette for every 2-3 people
- Meats – a mix of cured meats to try
- Butter – Butter and ham on a baguette is the perfect combo
- Jam – not essential, but nice to havce
- Fruit – strawberries are great for this
- Wine
- Water
Don’t Forget A Wine Key
If you’re heading to the park for your picnic, you’ll want to make sure you have something to open your wine with. Most Airbnbs will have a wine key, or try to get a twist-top bottle of wine to make sure you aren’t stressing about it.
Bring A Blanket
If visiting Paris and you know picnics are something you want to do, bring a thin blanket that you can pack in your bag. If you don’t have the space, not to worry. The grounds in many parks are kept so nicely that you can sit comfortably usually. Or you can find a bench to sit at.
Common Paris Picnic Questions
Anytime I share that I love to have picnics in Paris, they’re truly always my favorite meal of the trip, I get a lot of the same questions. So let’s answer them!
Can you drink alcohol in public in Paris?
Technically, there is no open container law in Paris allowing you to drink alcohol in the parks. However, it’s generally accepted and not a big deal so long as you are behaving yourself. To be safe, avoid getting in trouble by moving your wine to a to-go cup or thermos. Glass is also illegal to have at parks, but again, there are people often selling wine at the Eiffel Tower park. You’ll see everyone at the park drinking wine making this law a little confusing.
Can You Picnic At The Eiffel Tower Park?
Of course! This is a favorite pastime for Parisians and tourists. Just be courteous and clean up after yourself when you’re done.
What Other Parks Can You Picnic At?
There are so many great parks throughout Paris besides the very busy Eiffel Tower park. Try Places Des Vosges in Marais, or Jardin du Luxembourg. You can check out all my favorite parks and more with my guide to Paris.
If you’re visiting Paris, I hope you take the time to enjoy a slow evening or afternoon at a nearby park with a simple and delicious picnic. It’s always one of my favorite meals of my trips to The City of Light.
Don’t forget to read my ultimate Paris travel guide here and the things I always bring home from my travels.
Photos by Katie Donnelly
