Paris has no shortage of lush green spaces or postcard-perfect views, but finding a truly memorable and unique picnic spot in Paris can quickly become a headache: crowded lawns, vague rules, and the desire for a touch of luxury… This selection features five spots that reinvent the gourmet break, from historic gardens to chic picnics, culminating in an unusual and relaxing idea: lunch on the water, far from the crowds.
5 Spots for a Unique Picnic in Paris (and the Best One Is on the Water)
Reading time: ~8 min
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- Tuileries Garden: A Picture-Perfect Picnic
- The Banks of the Seine: That Ultra-Parisian Vibe
- Bois de Boulogne: A Chic Picnic in Nature
- Floating Picnic on the Ourcq Canal with AKWA
- Compare the options: a traditional park or a floating picnic?
- Practical Tips for a Truly Unique Picnic in Paris
- The Verdict: Why Floating Picnics Are a Must
1. Place des Vosges: An Intimate Royal Picnic
Why It's Unique
Louis XIII Square, surrounded by elegant arcades and red-brick mansions, offers a theatrical and historic setting. Having lunch here means enjoying one of the oldest squares in Paris in a chic and peaceful atmosphere.
Practical Tip
Stop by a nearby bakery or gourmet shop to put together a gourmet basket: specialty breads, artisanal cheeses, pastries, and artisanal lemonade.
For whom
Couples, small groups of friends, and families with well-behaved children who enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
2. Tuileries Garden: A Picture-Perfect Picnic
Why It's Unique
Between the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance, you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by Paris’s iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic or sightseeing lunch with a spectacular view.
"Chic but simple" idea
Stop by an artisan bakery for high-quality sandwiches or quiches, or a large grocery store for salmon, fine deli meats, and gourmet salads.
For whom
Tourists, couples, and groups of friends looking to combine a museum visit with a culinary experience.
3. The Banks of the Seine: That Classic Parisian Atmosphere
Why It's Unique
The pedestrian-only riverbanks feature lounge chairs, art installations, and views of the bridges and Haussmann-style facades: the perfect setting for summer evenings and “Instagrammable” photos.
All-Inclusive Picnic
Service providers like CityPicNic set up tablecloths, cushions, tableware, and gourmet baskets for 2 to 6 people. Book online; everything will be ready when you arrive.
For whom
Couples, groups of friends, and companies looking for a fun get-together after a seminar.
4. Bois de Boulogne: A Chic Picnic in Nature
Why It's Unique
Here, you go from the pavement to the forest: tall trees, bodies of water, and expansive lawns. It’s easy to combine a walk, a bike ride, playtime for the kids, and a leisurely lunch.
Idea for Groups
Perfect for extended families or team-building events: plenty of space and the option to order cheese and charcuterie platters, salads, and desserts to share.
For whom
Families, groups of friends, companies, and tourists looking for a breath of fresh air.
5. Floating picnic on the Ourcq Canal with AKWA
A picnic on the water, far from the crowds
Hop aboard an electric boat that doesn’t require a license, settle in around the central table, and watch Paris unfold before your eyes: bridges, street art, green embankments, and houseboats in the19th arrondissement.
Boat rentals without a license—simple and for everyone
After a quick briefing, you’ll get behind the wheel of a quiet electric boat. Choose how long you want to go, board with a small, comfortable group, and cruise through calm waters, far from the big tourist boats.
A versatile picnic: appetizers, a full meal, or a barbecue
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- A moment with friends at the end of the day, like a laid-back after-work get-together.
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- A family outing with the kids and grandparents.
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- A romantic getaway as an alternative to a traditional dinner out.
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- Team building or corporate seminar facilitation.
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- A laid-back day for residents ofthe 19th arrondissement or curious tourists.
Compare the options: a traditional park or a floating picnic?
| Option | Atmosphere | Potential crowd | View | Meals | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place des Vosges | Historic, intimate | Average | Classical Architecture | Homemade Basket | Couples, small groups |
| Tuileries Garden | Postcard, landmarks | Raised in season | Louvre, Eiffel Tower | Gourmet Gift Baskets | Tourists, families, couples |
| Banks of the Seine | Very Parisian, lively | High | The Seine, bridges | Turnkey service available | Friends, Couples, Photos |
| Bois de Boulogne | Nature, wide-open spaces | Variable | Lake, forest | Shopping Cart or Service Providers | Groups, families |
| Ourcq Canal + AKWA | Unique, laid-back, eco-friendly | Low (on the water) | Canal, street art | Picnic or Plancha | Groups, works councils, couples, tourists |
Practical Tips for a Truly Unique Picnic in Paris
Choosing the Right Type of Picnic
First visit? Head to the Tuileries or the banks of the Seine with a gourmet basket. For a romantic date, choose the Place des Vosges or a floating picnic at sunset. Birthday with friends? The riverbanks with all-inclusive service or a boat with a plancha grill on the canal are sure to be a hit. For corporate events, renting several boats on the Ourcq Canal guarantees a fun and eco-friendly team-building experience.
Regulations and Environmental Impact
Check the parks’ hours of operation, access to the lawns, and alcohol regulations. On the water, follow the rental company’s instructions (restricted areas, speed limits, safety). Use reusable tableware, sort your trash, and, if possible, choose AKWA’s electric boats to reduce emissions.
FAQ
Where can you have a unique picnic in Paris?
You can organize a unique picnic in Paris at Place des Vosges for a historic atmosphere, at the Tuileries Garden for a postcard-perfect setting, along the banks of the Seine for a quintessentially Parisian atmosphere, in the Bois de Boulogne for a natural setting, or on the Ourcq Canal with a floating picnic for a truly unusual or romantic experience.
What's it like to go on a floating picnic on the Ourcq Canal with AKWA?
You board an electric boat that doesn’t require a license, receive a quick briefing, and then take the helm yourself in a quiet area, far from the large tourist boats. You gather around the central table to enjoy an aperitif, a full meal, or a barbecue while taking in the canal, the street art, and the green waterfront.
What kind of picnic should you choose depending on the occasion?
For your first visit to Paris, head to the Tuileries or the banks of the Seine with a gourmet picnic basket. For a romantic date, the Place des Vosges or a floating picnic at sunset are particularly well-suited. For a birthday celebration with friends or a team-building event, the riverbanks—with all-inclusive service—or renting several boats on the Ourcq Canal are great ways to organize a fun and unique gathering.
What are the rules for a unique picnic in Paris?
Find out about the parks’ hours of operation, access to the lawns, and alcohol policies. On the water, follow the rental company’s instructions regarding the navigation area, speed, and safety. In all cases, opt for reusable tableware, sort your trash, and, if possible, choose electric boats to minimize your environmental impact.
The verdict: Go for a floating picnic for an unforgettable experience
Parisian classics—Place des Vosges, the Tuileries, the banks of the Seine, and the Bois de Boulogne—remain safe bets, especially with a gourmet basket or a turnkey service. However, for a truly unique, peaceful, and fun experience, a floating picnic on the Ourcq Canal with AKWA is a must. Whether with family, a romantic partner, friends, or coworkers, turn your lunch break into a real adventure on the water.
