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]
Reuilly Garden transforms into a sakura paradise: cherry and apple trees in full bloom, free to enjoy in Paris
The Reuilly-Paul-Pernin Garden in the 12th arrondissement of Paris is blossoming in shades of pink as spring 2026 kicks off. Its ornamental apple trees are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to enjoy this Parisian hanami and soak in the vibrant, rosy hues of the season. [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.
Val de Seine leisure island: swimming is open daily in Yvelines
The Val de Seine leisure island reopens its supervised lake in Verneuil-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines. Swimming is now allowed daily until August 30, 2026, alongside the beach, pedal boats, mini-golf, and the nautical center. [Read more]
Hollande Ponds: the free riverside guinguette beach with no swimming in Yvelines has reopened.
The Étangs de Hollande beach reopens this Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Yvelines (78), after several days of closure caused by storms. We set out to explore the site, from hot sand to deck chairs, inflatable castles, a guinguette, and a free sunset concert that await you through August 30, 2026. [Read more]
Hérouval Park: a nature-filled, family-friendly day out near Paris
Located in Gisors, less than an hour from Paris, Hérouval Park offers a day of outdoor leisure with games, a beach, a mini-farm, a miniature train, family-friendly attractions and picnic areas. [Read more]
Picnic and a classical music concert in the garden of this château in the Yvelines.
Breteuil Castle will host a giant sunset picnic. For an al fresco dinner, enjoy magical strolls and a classical concert during a pastoral interlude in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley on July 10. [Read more]
A picnic to the sounds of New Orleans jazz at the Clairefontaine Chapel
To kick off the summer season, enjoy a lively, friendly celebration at Chapelle de Clairefontaine. A picnic and a free concert—here’s what awaits you on Friday, June 19, 2026. [Read more]
Buthiers, the leisure island with swimming and sporting activities in the Fontainebleau Forest
A tree-top adventure course, a swimming complex, a multi-sport space, a mountain-bike trail... The Buthiers leisure base stands as one of the region’s most complete facilities in Seine-et-Marne: perfect for a family outing or a get-together with friends on sunny days. [Read more]
The Boucles de Seine leisure island (78): swimming, beach, treetop adventures, and water sports
Near Moisson, in the Yvelines department, the leisure island offers a beautiful beach where you can swim all summer long. There, you’ll also find a wide range of sports and nautical activities, plus a treetop adventure course to discover. [Read more]
Baignade, plage, sports nautiques et accrobranche à l'île de loisirs Jablines-Annet (77)
Swimming, beach, water sports and treetop adventure at Jablines-Annet recreation island (77)
Unmissable in the Île-de-France region, the leisure islands are the go-to choice for enjoying the warmer days. Blending a beach, a swimming area and a large nautical center, the Jablines-Annet leisure island is not to be missed in Seine-et-Marne! [Read more]
National Agriculture Days 2026: A picnic and vineyard visit in Seine-et-Marne
For National Agriculture Days, many producers will open their doors to you, including Domaine Delorozoy, a peaceful vineyard in Seine-et-Marne. It’s a chance to learn more about wine through free activities! [Read more]
Bois-le-Roi leisure center (77): free swimming and year-round sports activities.
Just a stone’s throw from the Fontainebleau forest, the Bois-le-Roi leisure complex is best known for its free swimming spot. Throughout the year, it’s also the go-to place to practice a wide range of outdoor sports. [Read more]
The Grand Walk: a hike along the Marne’s banks and dinner in the park of a château
We head out to discover the banks of the Marne, all the way to Champs-sur-Marne, for a large, cultural and family-friendly 10-kilometre hike on May 30, 2026, ending with a dinner in the beautiful park of the château! [Read more]
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 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]
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]
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
