Paris is surprisingly one of the best cities for slow travel.
It’s not just because of its rich cultural and artistic scene or how walkable and well-connected the city is, but also because of the many parks scattered throughout the city.
Despite being Europe’s most densely populated city, Paris is also its greenest, thanks to its numerous parks.
Combine these open parks with exquisite French cuisine, and it’s the perfect recipe for a picnic! The French even coined the word ‘pique-nique’ in the 17th century!
Having a Parisian picnic is my favorite thing to do in Paris. I did it almost every day!
In this guide, I’ll share the best parks in Paris to picnic, focusing on the quiet spots, where you truly experience the French love for life.
Best Parks in Paris to Picnic
1. Parc Montsouris
Parc Montsouris is one of the four large public parks created by Emperor Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, the man behind the famous Haussmannian buildings.
This park is undeniably a student favorite in Paris. Tucked just a few meters from Cité Internationale Universitaire, it offers relaxing walks to college students after their classes.
The park’s vast lawns, English-styled garden, and large lake are open to the public for free.
I love how the park is surrounded by grassy areas where you can lie down, read a book, or meditate. It is one of the best parks in Paris to picnic too!
14th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: RER B Line Cité Universitaire station
2. Square du Vert Galant
This ecological green space is on an island in the middle of the Seine River, near Paris’ most famous bridge, Pont Neuf.
‘Vert Galant’ or ‘go-getter’ was a nickname given to King Henry IV. An equestrian statue of him is the landmark of the square.
Open 24/7 for free, the Square du Vert Galant is perfect for riverside picnics and romantic strolls.
Or if you’re feeling adventurous, a boat ride while enjoying the views of the Louvre and other jewels of the Île de la Cité.
1st Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 7 Pont Neuf station
3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Often overlooked by tourists, Parc Buttes Chaumont is loved by locals. The park covers 25 hectares and provides stunning views of Sacré Coeur, Montmartre from its hilly terrain.
Set up your picnic blankets in one of the secluded spots. Savor your food and relax surrounded by caves, exotic plants, birds, and waterfalls — all with a full view of the park’s lake.
It is an ideal location for those looking for a quiet and scenic picnic place in Paris away from the crowds. Access is also free.
19th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 7bis Buttes Chaumont station
4. Champ de Mars
Champ de Mars has a special place in my heart. This was where Mat and I had such a romantic picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower!
Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, Champ de Mars is a vast, historic field used for concerts and exhibitions. Many even say it’s the best park in Paris for picnics!
Here, you can get the closest view of the Eiffel Tower while lying on the green grass or having a cute picnic in Paris.
Although we saw some tourists here, they immediately left after taking photos. Plus, the park is so big that it doesn’t feel crowded.
Rue Cler, Paris’ famous market street, is just 10 minutes away. It’s where we bought our croissants and fruits for the picnic.
7th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 8 Ecole Militaire station
🤩 Planning a picnic in Paris? Here’s a complete guide for a perfect Parisian picnic.
5. Bois de Boulogne
Bois de Boulogne, located in the west of Paris, is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and covers an area of 850 hectares.
This beautiful forest houses Bagatelle Park and Auteuil Gardens. The well-maintained walkways, surrounded by grassy areas, make it a popular spot for families and cyclists who want to enjoy a scenic route.
Other attractions include the Musée en Herbe, picnic areas, a theater, six restaurants, and two artificial lakes where visitors can enjoy boating.
The Lac Inférieur, the largest lake in the Bois, is one of the best picnic spots in Paris. Relax on the grass with a Parisian-style picnic of baguette, croissants, cheese, fruit, and nuts.
Admission is free 24/7.
16th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Porte Maillot
6. Jardin du Palais Royal
Jardin du Palais Royal provides a great break from the bustling 1st arrondissement.
Sculptures and flower groves cover the stretch of land that used to be walked on by royal families who resided in the Palais Royal.
The Jardin du Palais Royal, home to Paris’ oldest restaurant, the Grand Véfour, is bursting with historic charm.
You’ll also find the Bury fountain and Buren columns, iconic photo spots for your trip!
Today, it’s a beloved spot for those seeking a quiet rest from the city’s bustle. It has rows of linden trees and benches perfect for enjoying a peaceful picnic lunch near the Louvre. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Louvre!
It’s open from 8 AM to 10:30 PM daily with free admission.
1st Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 or 7 Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre
7. Jardin Catherine-Labouré
Families adore this thriving garden. The Jardin Catherin Labouré is covered with vines and fruit trees that sway ever-so-gently in the wind. This is the perfect picnic place in Paris with kids!
The garden stretches 7,000 square meters. It was named after a French nun who witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the 19th century. Her remains lie in the nearby Chapel of the Miraculous Medal.
The garden’s name is a fitting tribute to its simplicity, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant green spaces in a more residential part of Paris.
The garden offers free access and is open from 8 AM – 8 PM.
7th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 10 Vaneau station
8. Square René Viviani
Located on the Left Bank, Square René-Viviani offers a quaint peaceful setting with stunning views of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
This park is also home to the oldest tree in Paris, a Robinia (black locust) tree planted in 1601.
The charming flower beds, benches, and shaded areas provide a cozy spot for picnics, away from touristy paths.
The view is further accentuated by a shiny bronze fountain and the 12th-century Church of Saint Julien le Pauvre.
Access is free, and you can spend hours in this picnic place in Paris along the Left Bank of the Seine.
5th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 4 Saint-Michel station
9. Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau inspired six paintings by Claude Monet. If that doesn’t convince you of its beauty, I don’t know what will!
Read next: A Day Trip to Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny
Iron gates welcome you to the old Paris City Hall site. The statues and columns around the park’s ornamental lake will take you back to the Renaissance era.
Also, the park’s circular path with architectural statues creates a unique picnic place in Paris for beauty and stillness.
It’s also near important buildings like the Museum of Asian Arts. Entry is free, and there are snack bars inside.
8th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 2 Monceau station
10. Parc de Bagatelle
The City of Love is made even more romantic with the flowers of love: the roses.
Parc de Bagatelle is famous for its rose gardens filled with up to 1,200 rose species. This park is one of four botanical gardens in the city.
And to make the view even more magical, there’s also a chateau, artificial waterfalls, peacocks, and caves inside. The countryside vibe will make you forget that you’re in Paris.
The park offers free access through the Bois de Boulogne.
16th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Pont de Neuilly station
11. Jardin des Plantes
We found this park by accident on the way to the Grand Mosque of Paris and it was such a pleasant surprise!
The 2.5-hectare Promenade Plantée traces history through its 400-year-old collection of trees, flowerbeds, and statues, all testaments to the biodiversity their research aims to preserve.
The Jardin is the most famous botanical garden in France. It’s also one of the best parks in Paris for a picnic or a quiet stroll.
It also houses the National Museum of Natural History, an interesting detour for nature lovers. The garden offers free access.
5th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 7 Jussieu station
12. Place des Vosges
The arches, red brick paths, and big fountain in Place des Vosges make you feel like you’re in the 17th century. As Paris’ oldest planned square, it’s no surprise many have this on their itinerary.
Fans might also recognize it as where Mindy and Benoît finally share a picnic kiss in Emily in Paris! Yes, Place des Vosges is one of the best picnic spots in Paris!
Place des Vosges is perfectly lined with trees and equestrian statues. We can also recognize Renaissance architecture typical of the Le Marais area, Paris’ most historic neighborhood.
It’s open from 9 AM – 6 PM and admission is free.
4th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Bastille station
13. Parc Rives de Seine
Located just seven kilometers away from both the Left Bank and Right Bank of the Seine River, the Parc Rives de Seine is a car-free zone and one of the best picnic spots in Paris.
The park offers unparalleled views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower from certain points along the river.
The park is easily accessible from various parts of the city and provides ample space for visitors to find a cozy spot without feeling crowded.
After your picnic, the banks of the Seine also offer scenic walks at night. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Pont des Arts, Musée d’Orsay, and even the Eiffel Tower without traffic noise.
6th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Louvre-Rivoli station
14. Parc Georges-Brassens
Parc Georges-Brassens is a hidden gem among the best picnic spots in Paris.
Originally the site of a horse slaughterhouse and market, the park has been transformed into a beautiful green space while preserving elements of its past.
One of the highlights is the old horse market’s bell tower, which adds a touch of historical intrigue to your picnic backdrop.
The park offers plenty of quiet, shaded spots, perfect for laying down a picnic blanket.
You’ll also find a large pond, a vineyard, and themed gardens, such as the scented garden designed for the visually impaired.
Best part? The park is surrounded by charming cafes and boulangeries where you can easily pick up fresh, local produce and treats to enjoy in the park.
15th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 13 Porte de Vanves
15. Jardin Anne-Frank
This garden is a quiet space dedicated to Anne Frank, a young Jewish child who was a victim of World War II.
There’s even a chestnut tree inside that was well-loved by Anne, grafted from Amsterdam.
Spanning 2,200 square meters, Jardin Anne-Frank is one of the best parks in Paris to picnic. Don’t worry if you’re doing it impromptu. You can buy your picnic food at Le Cul de Cochon.
Numerous museums like Musée de la Poupée and Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme are nearby. You can visit them before or after your picnic.
3rd Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 11 Rambuteau station
16. Parc de Belleville
Parc de Belleville is Paris’ highest park. It’s also one of the best parks in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower from a distance.
This free-access park on Belleville Hill spans 45,000 square meters and is the best picnic spot in Paris with a panoramic view of the city.
The park used to be a vineyard for wineries. Nowadays, it still produces up to 3 kg of grapes per tree from its 140 vines!
20th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 2 Couronnes station
17. Jardin Atlantique
Another innovative architectural monument in Paris is the Jardin Atlantique.
Built over the train station of Gare Montparnasse, this modern park remains relatively hidden and thus quieter than many other green spaces in Paris.
Jardin Atlantique is designed to mimic an ocean liner, reflecting the station’s role as a gateway to the Atlantic.
The park has themed areas like a sun deck, a playground, sports courts, and gardens that look like seaside and tropical places.
You can even view Paris’ tallest building, Tour Montparnasse while having a picnic on this rooftop garden.
15th arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 13 Gaité station
18. Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Paris has four major botanical gardens and the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is one of them.
The garden is home to a collection of greenhouses dating back to the late 19th century. These greenhouses house a variety of rare and exotic plants.
The sight is one of a kind, especially in spring when they all blossom vibrantly.
Match this with birds chirping away from their aviary and you have one of the best picnic spots in Paris!
Admission is free. If you’re lucky, you might catch the annual classical music festival here!
16th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 10 Porte d’Auteuil station
19. Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Garden was established in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici, inspired by a garden in Florence, Italy.
This 25-hectare greenspace is a hub of culture, with over 100 statues, orchards, an apiary, and greenhouses filled with beautiful orchids and roses.
The gardens are divided into two: the French and English gardens. All gardens are free to access (opening hours depend on the season).
You can also enjoy concerts, puppet theaters, tennis, and rides inside the premises. For a picnic, check which grassy areas are allowed for sitting.
You are allowed to eat on any bench, however, sitting on the grass is only allowed in the south area of the garden.
6th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 4 Saint-Sulpice station
20. Parc Saint-Cloud
Parc de Saint-Cloud occupies more than 460 hectares of land and offers a stunning view of the Seine River and the city of Paris. Tall trees and waterfalls will surround you as you view Paris from above.
The park has a history museum with fancy balconies and vines on its walls. But the main sights are the fountains and canals.
You’ll also find nine water levels and staircases that are adorned with sculptures of sea creatures and characters from mythology.
One of the gardens here was even designed by André La Nôtre, the famous designer of the Versailles and Trianon Gardens. Admissions are free.
16th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 9 Boulogne Porte de Saint-Cloud station
21. Parc Floral de Paris
Another one of Paris’ four botanical parks, the Parc Floral de Paris has been well-loved by children, families, and nature lovers since the 70s.
This botanical park is located inside the Bois de Vincennes. It covers 28 hectares of green fields, a Japanese bonsai pavilion, an azalea garden, and several ponds that resemble a painting.
The park offers lovely walking trails, spacious picnic areas, and Paris’ largest play area with slides and jungle gyms for young kids and teenagers.
You can also explore other sights within the park, including the Chateau Vincennes, a mini-golf course modeled after 18 Parisian monuments, and free jazz festivals in the summer.
City-guided tours of the park are available for free, and the park opens every day at 9:30 AM. Free entry is available from 1 October to 30 March, while on other days, visitors are charged €2.50 for entry.
12th arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Chateau-de-Vincennes station
22. Tino Rossi Garden
We stumbled upon the Tino Rossi Garden during our self-guided tour of Paris.
After visiting Rue Cremieux, the Bastille Monument, and the Pantheon, we needed a break from all the sightseeing.
The garden provided the perfect spot to unwind, lie down, and enjoy our sandwiches and fruits in silence.
I was impressed by the garden’s ambiance – it was calm, yet lively, truly capturing the essence of Parisian life.
The garden is quite spacious and we noticed that it was mostly visited by locals who were having their lunch, and there were no tourists around!
This riverside garden is open for free 24/7 and is also home to an open-air sculpture museum.
5th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 5 Gare d’Auterlitz station
23. Jardin des Grands Explorateurs
The Jardin des Grand Explorateurs is a beautiful garden in Paris that pays tribute to two of the world’s greatest explorers, Marco Polo and Cavelier de la Salle.
The garden is divided into two sections, each dedicated to one of these explorers.
This garden is also a botanical garden with a unique collection of exotic plants, flowerbeds, and statues. One of the highlights of the garden is the Carpeaux fountain.
The Jardin des Grand Explorateurs is a popular spot for picnics among locals in Paris, and there is a water point available for filling up your water bottles.
This garden is also located within walking distance from other popular attractions like the Luxembourg Gardens and Paris Observatory.
6th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 4 or 6 Raspail station
24. Bois de Vincennes
Bois de Vincennes is an expansive cultural site in Paris, often described as one of the green lungs of the city. It is so vast that it could accommodate six arrondissements!
In the past, this bois, along with its neighbor Bois de Boulogne, was used as a hunting ground by royalty.
Today, it offers several attractions, including medieval structures such as the Chateau de Vincennes, four lakes, and a mini-golf course.
This park is one of the best picnic spots in Paris, and it’s perfect for birdwatching in a peaceful environment.
The Bois de Vincennes is a popular destination for summer events and is especially loved by cyclists, equestrians, and boat riders. Best of all, it is free to visit and open 24/7.
12th Arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 1 Chateau de Vincennes station
25. Promenade Plantée
The Promenade Plantée (La Coulée Verte) is one of the newest gardens to visit in Paris.
It is an elevated walkway that reaches up to 10 meters above street level and follows the route of an old railway line.
There is a pretty picnic spot over an arched bridge, which I highly recommend for relaxation away from the crowds!
The whole promenade can be walked in 41 minutes with no shortage of art to see.
For a quick detour, Rue Cremieux, Paris’ unique colorful street, is only a stone’s throw away!
12th arrondissement
Closest Metro: Line 8 Bastille station
FAQs: Best Picnic Spots in Paris
How do I plan a picnic in Paris?
To plan a perfect picnic in Paris, choose a spot like the Champ de Mars or a quieter location such as Parc Montsouris.
Next, visit a local market like Rue Cler or a boulangerie to purchase fresh baguettes, cheese, and pastries. Don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket and a bottle of French wine to complete your Parisian experience!
What do you eat at a picnic in Paris?
A Parisian picnic usually includes a freshly baked baguette or croissant, a selection of French cheeses like Brie or Camembert, some charcuterie, fruits, and a bottle of local wine. But feel free to bring your favorite foods!
Are parks in Paris free?
Almost all parks in Paris are free, except for a few like Albert-Kahn and Parc Floral de Paris in summer.
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Wrap Up: Best Picnic Spots in Paris
There you have it, the quiet picnic spots in Paris away from the crowds. Hidden throughout the city, these parks are perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon with some cheese, a baguette, and wine.
So, whenever you feel like you need a break from your itinerary, find a nearby park and enjoy a moment of rest and calm.
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