hi, silvia,

with 3 kids, I'd take several packs of "wet wipes", cos you'll need them.

apart from that, OPs have got it covered.

have a great trip,

regards, ann

Our favorite spot for a picnic in Paris is in the Latin Quarter (5e).
The Arenes de Lutece is great for spreading out and watching the kids playing soccer, the old men playing boules and the lovers playing....

http://tinyurl.com/2uauld

"..Where have I seen all the images of people on blankets with lovely baskets of food, plastic cutlery and glasses?.."

Why can't this be managed on Champ de Mars? We spread out a tablecloth to lounge on, and have a bottle of wine and unbreakable glasses and snacks...

Also, perhaps one of the "Bois" would have grassy areas that would be fine for such a picnic?

One of my favourite picnic spots in Paris is the parc André Citroen in the 15th arrondissement. Big expanses of grass that you are allowed to sit on, nice (modern) landscaping, fountains (on hot days you'll see kids in swimsuits playing in the water) and a tethered hot air ballon that you can go up in.

People may have gotten the wrong idea about Paris picnics from the Renoir painting "Le déjeuner sur l'herbe". It may be pointed out that women at picnics do not necessarily disrobe, but it would not be frowned upon if they did.

If I disrobed, we'd all lose our appetite.

bkm

From Misdaisy's article

"Follow local custom by waiting to eat (no sidewalk snacking) until you are gracefully situated on the lawn. Do as the Parisians do by taking small bites, chewing slowly, and then furiously making out in the grass"

Ooooooh, I LIKE that last suggestion!

Adding to hanl's reply about the Parc Andre Citroen, the nearby Cave L'Os Moelle restaurant rents bicycles for picnics. I assume they will also pack up a nice one for you.

181 rue de Lourmel
Paris 75015 France
+33 1 4557 2828

Hate to rain on anyone's parade, Hanl and Danna, but I looked up the Parc Andre Citroen, and found a site that rates parks of the world. This park is listed as one of their "Parks of Shame", and says it is little better than the old car factory it replaced.

http://tinyurl.com/ysk7hy

Sorry about that ----

You have to take the kids to the Luxembourg Garden to be kids. Also a great place to feed them a picnic would be under the Eiffel Tower right before you take them up. It has a park atmosphere and everyone else will be doing the same. Also there is a small park on the left bank caddy corner from Notre Dame and a stones throw to Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. Don't forget that crepes are great and usually a whole meal in themselves, but like someone suggested, make sure you have face/hand wipes. I wish I had had some, and I'm a grown woman! Now I wish I had a crepe. I shouldn't have mentioned them! Have a wonderful time.

<<Hate to rain on anyone's parade,>>
I am pleased to say that the sun is still shining

Nukesafe - You obviously did not read far enough in your own reference to discover that all (8) the responders think that this attempted trashing of this modern park is out in "left" field.
Pique- niquing seems to abound, park usage is great and everyone except this organization seems to think that the park is just great.

Danna---We visited Parc Andre Citroen and found it a fascinating counterpoint to the more "formal" Parisian parks. It is definitely worth a stroll-through. Start at the Balard or Javel Metro station and leave from the other one.

Robjame,

Mea Culpa! Sorry I did not read further on that thread. I feel properly chastened. another example of letting out the clutch before engaging the brain.

Now I am going to have to use up some of my precious time in Paris in October to check the park out for myself. I don't think I have ever been in the 15th, so I'll look on it as another adventure.