Picnics in Paris
June 18, 2011 6:29 AM Subscribe
I've been in Paris for about a month at this point, and my girlfriend is coming to visit in a few days. Since we're both poor-ish graduate students (I'm here for a conference) we plan on having lots of picnics to avoid eating at cafes. I've already found a lot of places I enjoy (Ile Saint Louis, Place des Vosges, Jardin de Luxembourg, Canal Saint Martin), but wanted to ask other Mefites what their favorite places for picnics in Paris are.
I'd appreciate any recommendations you can give!
but if it rains...
There is a very funny restaurant under La Madeleine church wehre you can have a meal for around ten euros
also try the hundreds of chinese restaurant porte de choisy or metro Belleville
many indian restaurant rue Mail near Stalingrad station ( south india food)
posted by luis huiton at 6:51 AM on June 18, 2011
There is a very funny restaurant under La Madeleine church wehre you can have a meal for around ten euros
also try the hundreds of chinese restaurant porte de choisy or metro Belleville
many indian restaurant rue Mail near Stalingrad station ( south india food)
posted by luis huiton at 6:51 AM on June 18, 2011
Seconding Buttes Chaumont, quite possibly my favorite place in Paris, absolutely worth a visit!
posted by masters2010 at 6:58 AM on June 18, 2011
posted by masters2010 at 6:58 AM on June 18, 2011
What about the lawn/steps/garden in front of the Sacre Coeur? You can eat looking back out over the city, walk around in Montmartre after your picnic, and (for dessert) maybe spring 2-3 euros for a warm crepe at one of those creperies near the bottom of the plaza. If you're into a more urban/modern art-type atmosphere, you could also try the Place Igor Stravinsky (next to the Pompidou center). You might also check out some of the park areas near the Hotel des Invalides.
posted by amy lecteur at 7:05 AM on June 18, 2011
posted by amy lecteur at 7:05 AM on June 18, 2011
Another vote for Buttes Chaumont.
If it is not too far out of your way, the Parc Floral at Bois de Vincennes (southeast, end of line 1) is beautiful. A friend I took there a few weeks ago described it as "fairy tale" and the area is big enough to turn it into a full day event if you want (+ castle, Buddhist temple with occasional festivals, lake, town, and carnival).
posted by whatzit at 7:15 AM on June 18, 2011
If it is not too far out of your way, the Parc Floral at Bois de Vincennes (southeast, end of line 1) is beautiful. A friend I took there a few weeks ago described it as "fairy tale" and the area is big enough to turn it into a full day event if you want (+ castle, Buddhist temple with occasional festivals, lake, town, and carnival).
posted by whatzit at 7:15 AM on June 18, 2011
Jardin des Plantes. Cool little zoo there as well...
posted by Cocodrillo at 8:06 AM on June 18, 2011
posted by Cocodrillo at 8:06 AM on June 18, 2011
One of our favorite places was the Tuileries Gardens near the Louvre. It's pretty crowded during the day, but later in the evening it was really nice to walk around the fountains and sit with friends.
posted by garnetgirl at 9:06 AM on June 18, 2011
posted by garnetgirl at 9:06 AM on June 18, 2011
Nthing Buttes Chaumont; it really is gorgeous, and there's even a waterfall.
Also, Parc Montsouris is quite nice, as is the area behind the Maison International at the Cité U (plus you can access the facilities at the Maison International, including a café and bathrooms).
posted by Dr. Eigenvariable at 10:40 AM on June 18, 2011
Also, Parc Montsouris is quite nice, as is the area behind the Maison International at the Cité U (plus you can access the facilities at the Maison International, including a café and bathrooms).
posted by Dr. Eigenvariable at 10:40 AM on June 18, 2011
I used to have lunch on the Pont des Arts when I studied abroad there. Nice view, interesting stuff going on (they were making a film the last time I was there). Also randomly ran into someone I went to college with when I was there last, so I think it must be good luck as well.
posted by Rinoia at 12:20 PM on June 18, 2011
posted by Rinoia at 12:20 PM on June 18, 2011
Some fairly obvious suggestions:
The Bois de Vincennes (moreso)/Bois de Boulogne (if you happen to be in that part of town).
The riverside promenade with the statue of Lafayette near the Pont Alexandre III.
The banks of the Seine, especially at the points of some of the islands where there's a more extensive paved area.
And, if you're sick of picnics, there's always the kebab, which--if you've never had one before--is as amazing and cheap as guilty-pleasure food gets.
posted by nasreddin at 2:28 PM on June 18, 2011
The Bois de Vincennes (moreso)/Bois de Boulogne (if you happen to be in that part of town).
The riverside promenade with the statue of Lafayette near the Pont Alexandre III.
The banks of the Seine, especially at the points of some of the islands where there's a more extensive paved area.
And, if you're sick of picnics, there's always the kebab, which--if you've never had one before--is as amazing and cheap as guilty-pleasure food gets.
posted by nasreddin at 2:28 PM on June 18, 2011
Jardin Parc de Boulogne-Edmond-de-Rothschild is my perfect picnic spot when in Paris. It is not too busy since it is out-of-the way. I once saw a family of beavers there, that were adorable.
posted by 2ghouls at 12:53 PM on June 19, 2011
posted by 2ghouls at 12:53 PM on June 19, 2011
This list was just sent through another forum I am on. I hadn't heard of , well, any of them, I don't think: http://www.mylittleparis.com/cartes/pique-nique.html
posted by whatzit at 11:09 AM on July 6, 2011
posted by whatzit at 11:09 AM on July 6, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Palais Royal
Square Jean XXIII (behind Notre Dame)
Parc de la Turlure
Pere Lachaise
posted by fire&wings at 6:41 AM on June 18, 2011