From lush gardens to riverbank hideaways with Eiffel Tower views, these romantic picnic spots in Paris will enchant couples seeking idyllic moments. Find out where and when to go for unforgettable memories.
It started with a baguette and two wine glasses clinking softly under a pink sky. I was sitting cross-legged on a wool blanket in the middle of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, watching golden light sift through the trees. My partner laughed as an accordionist wandered through the park, squeaking out a perfect melody. Paris has a magic for lovers—it wraps every stolen kiss in charm and each picnic in postcard beauty.
If you're planning a romantic picnic in Paris, you're not just spreading a blanket—you're setting a scene. These curated spots are more than scenic—they’re memory makers. Whether you're toasting champagne at sunrise or nibbling cheese under the stars, I've found the most breathtaking and intimate places for a tête-à-tête picnic in the City of Light.
There’s something undeniably cinematic about a picnic at Champ de Mars, especially as the golden hour kisses the Iron Lady. I remember arriving just after 5 PM in early fall, a bottle of Sancerre in my tote, the sky melting into pastel shades above. The Eiffel Tower loomed with quiet confidence, stealing every breath. Picnicking here feels bold and public—a declaration of love beneath one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Arriving is easy: just hop off Metro Line 6 at Bir-Hakeim or RER C at Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel. If you're aiming for less crowd and more intimacy, I recommend arriving around 7 AM for sunrise, when the lawns are dew-kissed and the city is just waking up. Lay down your blanket closest to the tower’s southern base and you’ll get those iconic upward-angle shots. A 50mm lens captures the intimacy, while a wide-angle frames you and the Tower in perfectly romantic harmony.
One of Paris’s lesser-known gems, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont feels like a private escape nestled in the northeast of the city. When I first found it, I was struck by how hilly and theatrical the landscape was—gentle slopes blended into rocky cliffs, a temple perched atop, and waterfalls whispered from somewhere beyond the trees. It felt wild, poetic... sacred. Holding hands as we climbed to Temple de la Sibylle, we had a commanding view of the rooftops below.
You can reach Buttes-Chaumont via Metro Line 7bis (Botzaris station). I recommend getting there by 4:30 PM in summer, right before the golden hour dozens the park’s textures in soft amber. Unlike the flatter parks of the Left Bank, this one slopes, making your picnic feel secret—even if a family is ten feet away. Pack light—climbing is part of the charm—and if you’re into photography, shooting from underneath trees toward the temple lends a layered, magical look. A telephoto lens does wonders here.
Picture this: you're surrounded by water on both sides, willow branches swaying above as riverboats drift by slowly. That’s the charm of Square du Vert-Galant, a garden tucked at the western tip of Île de la Cité. It’s compact, often overlooked, and impossibly romantic. I stumbled upon it one summer evening, drawn by the laughter of a couple sharing strawberries from a paper bag. With Seine views on all sides, the entire space felt like a floating garden for two.
To get there, take Metro Line 4 to Cité, then walk toward Pont Neuf and descend the narrow stairs leading to the tip of the island. Sunset is everything here—get there by 8 PM in June or July, and the setting sun reflects off the water, painting faces in golden blush. Bring a Polaroid or snap from eye level to capture silhouettes against the rippling Seine. Long exposure here gives evening photos a dreamy, timeless quality—but nothing beats the soft laughter over clinking glasses in real time.
If passion had a scent, it might live in the humid air of the greenhouses in Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil. Tucked in the western edge of Bois de Boulogne, this garden complex is a lush wonderland of winding paths, exotic plants, and quiet charm. The surrounding park offers generous grassy patches perfect for a private picnic, but the real secret lies inside the Art Nouveau greenhouses—walls of glass, curling ferns, and tropical vibes where time seems to pause.
I suggest arriving by Metro Line 10 to Porte d'Auteuil, then walking ten minutes through wide, residential streets. It’s best visited on weekday late mornings—around 10:30 AM to beat any crowds and secure your shady patch. Pack lighter foods that match the setting: fruit salad, delicate pastries, something floral. You’ll want to drone shoot from overhead if you can (safely and legally), but classic DSLR shots under greenhouse arches offer the kind of old-world romance you’d expect in a French love poem.
On warm evenings, the banks of Canal Saint-Martin hum with the soft sounds of French troubadours and laughter echoing through narrow bridges. There’s a grittier, artistic energy here—a modern-day Montmartre stretched long alongside the water. I remember balancing a bottle of chilled rosé on my backpack while weaving through clusters of young couples on the Quai de Jemmapes. Then we found a quiet grassy stretch under iron trees and settled in. Boats passed slowly, creating ripples that danced with the twilight light.
Arrive via Metro Line 5 to Jacques Bonsergent or Line 11 to Goncourt. The best time to claim your picnic space is around 6:30 PM in spring or early summer. The golden hour here is long and painterly, perfect for moody lifestyle shots—film lovers, bring a 35mm. Lean into the boho energy: bring a cheese board, mismatched cutlery, vintage wine glasses. Locals will nod in approval as you blend right in with the romance of it all.
Pack a soft blanket, your favorite wine or sparkling drink (Prosecco is perfect), a compact charcuterie board, reusable cutlery, a corkscrew, and simple extras like macarons or dark chocolate. Don’t forget napkins, a small trash bag, and a portable speaker for a soft playlist—but keep the volume low.
Yes, picnics are generally allowed in public parks across Paris as long as you're respectful, clean up afterwards, and avoid alcohol in certain restricted areas. Always check for signage at entrances, and avoid open flames or barbecues.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are ideal. Temperatures are mild, the tourist crowds are manageable, and golden hours are especially vibrant. Summer works too, though it can get crowded and hot by midday.
There’s something transformative about a picnic in Paris—it elevates the simple act of sharing a meal into a moment you’ll never forget. As you sit across from someone you adore, a wedge of brie between you and twilight slipping across the skyline, you become part of the city's living poetry. Each corner hides a memory yet to be made, a kiss waiting beneath ivy leaves.
So grab a basket, find your favorite spot, and let romance unfold. The City of Light isn't just for seeing—it's for savoring.
