B/f and I will be in spending 7 weeks in Europe March-May 2011. We'll be doing a lot of picnicking to save money but a lingering question has been bothering me for the last few weeks. Do Europeans picnic during that time? It will be cold so I don't want to end up being the lone Americans eating picnics in the blistering weather. Just out of curiousity.

"<i>It will be cold so I don't want to end up being the lone Americans eating picnics in the blistering weather.</i>"

OK - I'll ask -- why do you care? If it isn't raining sideways and you are dressed warm enough, picnic if you want.

ditto to Janis - you will also not be the only people picnicking - my French in-laws picnic everywhere anytime of year.

I am a huge picniker - have been for decades - not only do i like going to the ever-present supermarkets to pick out take-out foods (most now have delis for really nice take-out picnic fare - buy some fresh-baked bread and head for the nearest bench!)

and the bench is often the key - a bench with a view of the town - like the Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking Florence or from the steps of the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower, etc - to me is as interesting as dining in the finest gourmet restaurant - and at a fraction of the cost.

And as still very few places in Europe ban the swilling of wine, beer or booze anywhere in towns, you can pick up some vin de pays to make a nice relaxing picnic - even in March thru May - i just recently 'picnicked' in Paris in early January - the temps are rarely under 40 and could be much higher.

so i echo Janis - why care what anyone thinks - and IME they will not think twice of it.

You can definitely do it. Last March my son and I set up a picnic in the closed (as in covered chairs, no tables) courtyard of our hotel. The young man who worked in the small hotel brought us a table, wine bucket with ice, glasses for the items we had purchased in the supermarket.
We had a good time. Towards the end of our meal the young man brought his own lunch out, and the next day there were a few others.
You could pack a wine opener if you like. We also take a few plastic serated knives for cutting cheeses, etc.

haha i guess i still have nightmares from being the odd kid out at the playground. i'm still trying to get over the kids pointing and staring. lol! but you're all right!! who cares!!

so now my question is....what's your best picnicking spot? i know you have one!

PalenQ:: you're locations are duly noted as we'll be in both city sometime during our trip.

On a bench in Fiesole, overlooking Florence.

In Parco Borghese in Rome.
(As a note, I've never seen anyone ticketed or arrested, but it's illegal to picnic ON the Spanish Steps, and the Romans consider it pretty rude to picnic on them.)

BC

I have often enjoyed shopping at the local village market on market day for my picnic goodies in a number of countries.

After 'borrowing' a large bath towel from my hotel, I've spent leisurely lunchs along the Loire in France, under an olive tree in Spain, etc.

Thanks for the suggestions! I did not know that about the Spanish steps as it seems in every picture people are eating on it. Won't be making that mistake.