Where to find supplies for an evening Paris picnic in the park?
Jul 23rd, 2022, 08:50 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where to find supplies for an evening Paris picnic in the park?
An upcoming trip will have us coming off a big lunch, and looking for something lighter (and earlier!) than the typical Paris restaurant offers in the evening. What could be better than a picnic in the Luxembourg, or Monceau, or wherever. Some drinks, and those delightful sandwiches available mid-day in most any city boulangerie, would be fine - but they seem to disappear by later in the day. If we have to, we'll buy earlier and lug them around for a few hours, but if there is an alternative to getting the pre-wrapped more industrial versions at the local Monoprix or wherever, I would very much like to know. Thanks.
Jul 23rd, 2022, 09:43 AM
#2
Go to Monoprix, Monop, Carrefour Express or whatever and be happy that you are in Paris. The boulangerie sandwiches are stale or gone at the end of the day. And you can also get chilled beverages there at the supermarkets and superettes.
And the best parks for picnics are in outer Paris (Buttes Chaumont, Villette, Montsouris, Bercy, André Citroën) because at least you can spread out on the immense lawns.
And the best parks for picnics are in outer Paris (Buttes Chaumont, Villette, Montsouris, Bercy, André Citroën) because at least you can spread out on the immense lawns.
Last edited by kerouac; Jul 23rd, 2022 at 09:45 AM.
Jul 23rd, 2022, 11:44 AM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would have to get cheese! Maybe a sampling from a fromagerie near your hotel or the park you choose. All I would need is a baguette, some Bordier butter and a hunk of Roquefort…ok and some Champs! Enjoy your picnic!
Jul 23rd, 2022, 01:47 PM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Second to recommend Barefoot Contessa's fave The Grand Epicerie, in the 6th arr. We also love Da Rosa Cantina in the 6th (be sure to grab their sauterne-soaked chocolate covered raisins -- to die for.
Jul 23rd, 2022, 09:13 PM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not that it makes any difference really, but the Grande Epicerie is just barely in the 7th, and it's about a block from the Barefoot Contessa's apartment, which might explain her frequent visits. The Grade Epicerie does deliver.
The Jardin du Luxembourg also has grass space for picnics, and for dogs actually, but these areas are reserved specifically for those activities.
Coming off a big lunch, and eating again a few hours later, even something light, will not likely appeal to everyone, but there are always many options for sandwiches. I might simply find a nearby boulangerie for baguette, I prefer the tradition and find the extra 10 cents in cost to be worth it. Near the Jardin du Luxembourg, there are many fine locations, the closest cheese shop would likely be at the Monoprix next to Armani on rue de Rennes and St Germain. Many people also like the Bread & Roses shop for sandwiches and baked goods on the west side of the garden.
The parks all close at night fall, so you cannot linger. I like picnics in the parks but I have always made it lunch.
The Jardin du Luxembourg also has grass space for picnics, and for dogs actually, but these areas are reserved specifically for those activities.
Coming off a big lunch, and eating again a few hours later, even something light, will not likely appeal to everyone, but there are always many options for sandwiches. I might simply find a nearby boulangerie for baguette, I prefer the tradition and find the extra 10 cents in cost to be worth it. Near the Jardin du Luxembourg, there are many fine locations, the closest cheese shop would likely be at the Monoprix next to Armani on rue de Rennes and St Germain. Many people also like the Bread & Roses shop for sandwiches and baked goods on the west side of the garden.
The parks all close at night fall, so you cannot linger. I like picnics in the parks but I have always made it lunch.
Jul 25th, 2022, 12:41 PM
#15
If only we had some rain! Although Paris does not suffer from drought restrictions due to being on top of a very impressive water table, all of the leaves on the trees are already falling right now because of climate change.
Jul 25th, 2022, 02:18 PM
#17
I am a rookie but yes we bought sandwiches mid-day and ate them on the nearest park bench. Will you be near your hotel? Is there a mini-frig you could store some pate and such? even from the day before. just grab fresh bread. Wine ad fruist are easy.
Jul 26th, 2022, 09:33 AM
#18
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're looking for sandwiches, we have had good ones several times from Paul for picnics. There are locations all over. This one on the rue de Seine in the 6th is open until 8:30 p.m. https://www.paul-bakeries.com/fr/bak...x/view/id/621/
Here's what's on the menu: https://www.paul.fr/default/sandwichs-et-salades
It looks like you can order online "Click and Collect."
Here's what's on the menu: https://www.paul.fr/default/sandwichs-et-salades
It looks like you can order online "Click and Collect."
Jul 29th, 2022, 06:47 AM
#19
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I stand to be corrected by hometown expert Kerouac, but stretches of lawn in central Paris are not automatically welcoming to picnic spreads. Your hotel reception may offer tips as to nearby locations where you can both walk and sit on the grass.
