With the arrival of beautiful weather, picnicking quickly becomes one of the simplest and most delightful outdoor activities to enjoy with friends. Whether in a park, by the water’s edge, in the woods, or even in a garden, this classic social ritual offers the perfect chance to soak up the sunshine while sharing a meal outside of the usual setting.
What a delight for Parisians and Île-de-France residents to step outside with some sausage, a fresh baguette, red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and refreshing drinks, settling comfortably on the lawns of the capital and its surrounding areas at the first signs of sunshine.
But first, you need to find that perfect spot, an ideal place to gather with loved ones that isn’t overly crowded. Explore the parks, gardens, recreational grounds, and other charming locations where you can enjoy a good picnic throughout the spring and summer season.
The Domaine de Saint Cloud, a huge park with many fountains near Paris
The Domaine de Saint-Cloud is the magnificent park of the now-defunct Château de Saint-Cloud. Even today, this magical place remains synonymous with festivities in the daily lives of local residents and Paris lovers alike. This historic 460-hectare park, classified as a Remarkable Garden, offers a variety of events throughout the year. [Read more]
L'Île aux Cygnes: a pretty, tree-lined, bucolic stroll along the Seine with a view of the Eiffel Tower
A little-known island between the 15th and 16th arrondissements, the Île aux Cygnes offers a haven of calm and greenery right in the heart of Paris. With its shady alleyway, view of the Seine and replica of the Statue of Liberty, this stroll will appeal to walkers and the curious in search of tranquillity. [Read more]
The Parc du Domaine de Sceaux and its Château: history and programming
In the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, the Parc du Domaine de Sceaux is a must-see. This gigantic green setting, dominated by its château, attracts nature lovers and history buffs alike. [Read more]
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is a popular park with Parisians, who call it "le luco", and tourists alike. A bucolic and lively garden, it's a delight for those who choose to stroll here, especially with the arrival of fine weather! [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris
Paris's Jardin des Plantes is home to a number of historical and unusual sights that are well worth a visit. We reveal 8 treasures to discover in this 24-hectare haven of peace, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. [Read more]
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris's largest charming mountain park
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in Paris. For a jog, a picnic or a walk in the countryside, this large green setting is a must. [Read more]
The Parc André Citroën, a refreshing break in the heart of Paris
Parc André-Citroën is located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. This garden offers visitors a verdant stroll through a variety of landscapes. We tell you all about it. [Read more]
Georges Brassens Park, a bubble of countryside in the 15th arrondissement
It's not - by far - the best-known of our major Parisian parks, not very popular compared to giants like Parc de la Villette or Parc des Buttes Chaumont. And yet, the Parc Georges Brassens is particularly exotic, bucolic and poetic, and is always worth a visit. [Read more]
Paris's Bois de Vincennes, a green haven of peace to the east of the capital
The Bois de Vincennes in Paris is the perfect place to go green! Accessible by metro, this verdant haven of peace is the perfect place to stroll, picnic, do sport and enjoy nature at the same time. [Read more]
The Parc Floral de Paris Vincennes, its sublime gardens and events
The Parc Floral is the largest park in Paris, located in the Bois de Vincennes, a stone's throw from the Château. In addition to its superb vegetation, it's a giant park with outdoor games for children, mini-golf, Rosalie rides, exhibitions and sales, shows, a butterfly hothouse and many other treasures. [Read more]
Parc Montsouris, Paris's green bubble in the 14th arrondissement
In the south of Paris, the 14th arrondissement boasts several parks, including Montsouris, a great place for a stroll, a jog or to discover the many remarkable (and century-old) trees that grow there! [Read more]
Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge: a little-known green spot in the 19th arrondissement
Looking for an undiscovered spot to relax on the grass? Not far from the famous Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a verdant garden awaits you in the 19th arrondissement. Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge. [Read more]
Paris's Bois de Boulogne: one of the capital's green lungs
Along with the Bois de Vincennes, the Bois de Boulogne is one of the two largest green spaces accessible by metro. Situated to the west of the capital, it's a sublime place to live, offering sublime green landscapes and a beautiful botanical heritage. [Read more]
Jardin d'Acclimatation, the amusement park in the heart of Paris
Once again, the Jardin d'Acclimatation welcomes us for some fun and relaxation. This amusement park for small children offers 40 attractions for children from 1 year of age, an educational farm and restaurants on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne at the gateway to Paris. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [Read more]
Also worth exploring: the marina and Jardin de l'Arsenal nestled between Quai de la Rapée and Place de la Bastille, the gardens of the Niki de Saint-Phalle Seine River Archipelago situated between the Invalides Bridge and the Alma Bridge, as well as the Champ de Mars Park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Queen’s Ball and summer picnic at Fontainebleau Castle
The Château de Fontainebleau invites visitors to a Marie-Antoinette-themed ball on July 4, 2026. A festive event that promises to be as enchanting as it is unforgettable. [Read more]
Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande, the beach and free swimming in Yvelines
Discover the wonders of the Base de Loisirs des Étangs de Hollande in Les Bréviaires, in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Fancy a beach and a swim in the green? Head for the Yvelines to sunbathe and relax in the heart of nature, in a completely renovated and redesigned base. Free swimming and an inflatable aquatic course now await you. [Read more]
Base de loisirs de Bois-le-Roi (77): free swimming and unlimited sports activities
The Base de Loisirs de Bois-le-Roi, in the Seine-et-Marne département, awaits you for a full range of outdoor activities, including free swimming in summer, golf and tennis. Located on the banks of the Seine, with direct access to the Fontainebleau forest, this 73-hectare leisure park is the ideal spot for relaxation, sport and family fun. [Read more]
Base et Île de loisirs des Boucles de Seine: beach, swimming and tree climbing in Yvelines (78)
Located in Moisson (78), the Boucles de Seine leisure park offers a myriad of summer activities from the beginning of April: beach, supervised swimming, accrobranche and much more. [Read more]
Base de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise: Water Sports and Barbecue, beach opening
The Ile de loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise awaits you once again to fill up on sunshine and activities. Located 30 km from Paris, in the heart of the Cergy-Pontoise conurbation, the Cergy-Pontoise leisure park is a veritable jewel of greenery, open all year round. The beach opens on June 7, 2025: get ready for a swim! [Read more]
Varennes-sur-Seine leisure park, for a day of thrills and spills in Seine-et-Marne
The Varennes-sur-Seine leisure park, also known as the "Poséidon", is located in the Seine-et-Marne département: what's on the agenda? Thrills and spills for all the family and friends! Reopening at the end of April, after winter closure. [Read more]
The Jablines-Annet leisure park (77), a must-see leisure destination in Seine-et-Marne
Fancy getting out and enjoying the fine weather with your feet in the water? Then head for the Jablines-Annet leisure park, where you can enjoy a range of activities including rafting, water-skiing and swimming... it's the ideal place for the whole family to relax and unwind! [Read more]
The Buthiers leisure park, a base for sporting activities in the Fontainebleau forest (77)
Notice to families! The Base de loisirs de l'ile de Buthiers is open all year round, and even more so in fine weather and during the summer season. To enjoy outdoor activities, from mini-golf to the swimming pool, not forgetting the accrobranches course, head for the leisure island! [Read more]
Base de loisirs de Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, activities including water sports, games and barbecues
The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines leisure park in Trappes is a place of discovery and escape, offering a multitude of fun, sporting and educational activities. Water sports, accrobranche, water games and mini-golf await you. [Read more]
The Corniche des Forts leisure park (93), the leisure island to discover in Seine-Saint-Denis
The Corniche des Forts leisure park in Seine-Saint-Denis offers a wide range of activities all year round. A beautiful 30-hectare green space to relax and take a breath of fresh air, for a successful day out with family or friends. [Read more]
Base de loisirs du Val de Seine, for swimming and fun at Verneuil-sur-Seine (78)
The Val de Seine leisure park in the Yvelines region offers a wide range of activities, including a beach and swimming area open from the start of the summer season. It's the perfect opportunity to get out and about with family and friends. [Read more]
Hérouval Park, the leisure park with beach and water games
Parc Hérouval is a natural amusement park par excellence. Just an hour from Paris, in a magnificent natural setting, Parc Hérouval welcomes you to over 20 hectares of greenery. On the program: beach and water games, miniature train, mini-farm, slides, bumper boats, ponies, barbecues... It's the ideal place for families to relax and enjoy themselves. [Read more]
Click on the map at the bottom of the article to see the exact locations of all these addresses
Where to enjoy a barbecue in Paris and Île-de-France? Our top picks
Looking to host a barbecue with family or friends? Explore outdoor spots and recreational areas around Paris and Île-de-France where you can grill sausages and enjoy a laid-back day outdoors. [Read more]
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Where to enjoy a barbecue in Paris and Île-de-France? Our top picks
