Wine in Paris Parks
 

Is wine allowed with a picnic lunch in the Paris larks. Here in the U.S. wine is often not allowed in parks or at the beach. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Hi KP,

French wine is required.

Bring a fold up corkscrew.

((I))

Thank you Ira.

Karen

We had a wine break on a bench in Jardin de Luxembourg, glasses, cheese, etc... the police walked by, talking to each other, didn't glance our way at all. It does take a bit of an adjustment.

Technically even the picnics themselves are prohibited; however, enforcement is very light or nonexistent as long as someone isn't causing a disturbance.

I'm sure it's allowed. Even during New Year's Eve people were walking around and drinking champagne on the street.

Anthony, is it posted somewhere that food/drink is not allowed in the park(s)?... Are you referring to a picnic on the grass when signs are posted saying "pelouse interdit"...?

wine is fine, but please don't walk on the grass ;-)

We picknicked on the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower with lots of wine--and on the grass.

Whether you're allowed on the grass depends on the park. If you want to have a full blown picnic (blanket on the grass, more than just a snack, wine, etc.) you can spread out and relax at the Parc Andre-Citroen in the 15th. While you're there, take a ride on the hot air balloon.
I have seen people with picnics on the grass on the esplanade in from of Les Invalides but I wouldn't recommend it. It's a favorite spot for impromptu soccer games and given the area is not that large, you run a risk of a soccer ball plopping onto your lunch.
However, if all you want is to sit on a bench with a sandwich or snack and some wine, almost any park in Paris will oblige.

I was going to say, I've never heard of any law that prohibits picnics in all Parisian parks. A lot of people on here use that term to just mean eating something in a park, though. Even in Luxembourg gardens (which doesn't allow you on the grass), there are some picnic tables around that kiosk that sells drinks, as I recall, that you can use. It isn't as nice under there, though, I'd rather sit on a bench.

You can picnic on the grass in parc Monceau, also, it's a very nice park.

There are places that sell food and drinks in parks, that is certainly allowed.

Well, AnthonyGA sounds so <i>positive</i>, so I'd like for him to be more specific about his statement.

Sorry for being too light-hearted in my response about grass. Some places it is fine like the huge lawn spaces in front of the Eiffle Tower. Some it is not, like in Luxembourg Gardens where there are signs specific to not walking on the grass.

I've just returned from Paris. We ate every night in the park by the Eiffel Tower. The police came by frequently in cars, on roller blades and bikes and on foot. The park was always filled with people eating their picnics complete with wine. My daughter did see a sign somewhere once about no glass containers, but no one questioned us. On Bastille eve and night the park was carpeted with people. We saw one fellow who had over indulged being led away by police. Otherwise the people are just enjoying each other and the great spaces. Their little apartments must get very hot if they don't have air conditioning.
I marveled at how good the food tasted. Each day we shopped for fresh bread, some cheese, fruit, wine and picked up some deli treat like chicken kebobs, or ginger broccoli. I had packed big bandanas which came in handy for napkins. We had our own set of plastic cutlery each (found it at Rick Steves store). And we had pre-moistened handy wraps in foil packets for cleaning greasy fingers after.

The grass tended to feel damp. We took our rain jackets to sit on. If you have a lightweight oil cloth or picnic blanket that is damp resistant, you'll be more comfortable. A light weight back pack, of course, in which to pack your purchases; the plastic bags given out are very flimsy by North American standards.

I know you'll find the people very hospitable and entertaining. Jugglers, dancers, exercisers and very well behaved dogs to watch. And of course, people from babies to lovers of all ages to watch.

Bon Voyage.

In Paris, Article 26 of the general city ordinance on green spaces, parks, and gardens in the city prohibits picnics except in areas specially reserved for picnics (i.e., with picnic tables and the like). Article 11 prohibits the entry and consumption of alcoholic beverages except when purchased from licensed vendors within the regulated areas or within designated picnic areas. These rules apply even to the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

So yes, it's the law. But as I've said, it's not widely enforced.

Some places, just as the Luxembourg Gardens, do not belong to the City of Paris and have different rules.

Having a picnic in the Tuilleries or Luxembourg is a requirement regardless of the time of year or weather...but as suze said, stay off the grass. (&amp; please forgive my spelling)

I'm pretty sure there are more serious problems in the Bois de Boulogne than out of control picnic'ers.

Thank you, Anthony.

anthony - yes good work and shocking that's the law - never seen it enforced and i've been drinking wine in a lot of parks - ubiquitous park site: groups of wine bags drinking cheap wine - i wonder if it's ever been enforced! Same as other laws on alcohol - you have to be 16 legally to buy wine or beer, 18 for hard stuff but my French son was buying booze at the local Carrefour since he was 14 and never was checked.

I've never seen anyone's ID checked when purchasing alcohol in France.