French Picnic Essentials: The Ultimate Guide for a Parisian-Style Outing (2024)

Have you ever seen those aesthetic French picnic setups on Instagram that look so perfect, you’d almost be hard-pressed to believe it’s real?

Well, I’m here to tell you that the perfect French picnic does, in fact, exist.

The good news is, anyone can have the perfect Parisian picnic with a few simple essentials. And if you want a list of other French-inspired essentials that will allow you to live a European-aesthetic from anywhere, check out my weekly EuroChic guides.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about having your own French Picnic, including what to bring, what to eat, what to wear, and other things you should know!

So, if having the perfect French Picnic is on your bucket list, keep reading!

The Ultimate Guide + Essentials you Need to Have the Perfect French Picnic

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about having your own French Picnic, including what to bring, what to eat, what to wear, and other things you should know!

But first, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about French picnics.

What is a Traditional Picnic in France?

A traditional picnic in France usually consists of 3 courses— an aperitif, a main course, and a dessert.

The aperitif can be something like crudités with a tapenade dip, or adding some pâté on.a baguette and topping it with pickles.

For the main course, the French LOVE their charcuteries. And a salad on the side would make the perfect addition to the main course.

Finishing off with dessert, typically the French will turn to refreshing fruit like berries, especially on a hot summer day! They will also bring a dessert spread, consisting of a variety of pastries that everyone can choose from.

What does a modern-day French Picnic consist of?

The modern day picnic looks very similar to that of a traditional one, but with a bit of a twist. Typically, it will consist of an array of French cheeses and meats, a good bottle of red, a baguette/croissant, and macaroons or other delicious dessert!

Of course, we can’t forget the aesthetic essentials that seem like an effortless add on to those instagram-inspired-French-style-picnics, but more on that later.

How to Prepare the Perfect French Picnic

Okay, now it’s time to get into the good stuff that I know you’ve been waiting for!

Unlike most things French that are effortless, preparing the perfect French picnic does require a little bit of prep.

From curating a delicious charcuterie board, making sure you pack all of the picnic essentials, curating the perfect outfit to scoping out a scenic location, there’s quite a few things to factor in!

Lucky for you, I’m breaking down exactly what you need to prepare the perfect picnic below.

French Picnic Food

French picnic foods usually consist of savory baguettes & pastries, a salad, French cheeses and meats, a good bottle of red, and a bit of sweetness, which could include fruits or desserts like macaroons or pain au chocolat.

Here are 5 French picnic food options you could include for your next picnic / outing.

1. Baguette: A fresh, crusty bread from your local deli or patisserie is a must.
2. Croissants or pastries: Butter croissants, pain au chocolats, madeleines, éclairs, choux pastries
3. Fresh fruits: Grapes, berries, or sliced apples pair well with cheese
4. Quiche or savory tart: A portable option for a heartier meal
5. Salad: A simple green salad or French potato salad works perfectly

What to Include on a Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is arguably the star of the show at any picnic you host, especially if you’re going for a French/Parisian styled picnic.

Here are 7 must-have items to include on your Charcuterie board:

1. Cheese selection: Include 2-3 varieties of cheese on your board. Brie, Comté, and Camembert are all safe and delicious choices!
2. Cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, turkey breast or chicken for variety in flavors and textures.
3. Pickles & Olives: For acidity and to cleanse the palate between bites.
4. Dried Fruits: Dried (apricots) for sweetness and balance.
5. Nuts: Almonds or walnuts for crunch and healthy fats.
6. Crackers or bread: Various types to complement the meats and cheeses.
7. Spreads: Fig jam or a provençal lavender honey to enhance flavors.

On a side note, I am completely obsessed with the Charcuterie board pictured above! My friend and I did a private wine tasting in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and this was the board they brought out for us to pair with our wines.

I’d highly recommend booking a wine tour if you plan on visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence or the surrounding region!

Parisian-Style Essentials for the Perfect Picnic

Now that you’ve got your picnic food spread covered, it’s time to figure out what essentials to pack to give your picnic that “Parisian-style” flair.

Below are some beautiful French picnic essentials to complete your setup. I’ve also added some location tips to keep in mind when searching for the perfect place to have your picnic!

The Perfect Picnic Ensemble— from Baskets to Blankets

When it comes to setting up a Parisian-style picnic, think blue & navy tones, gingham prints, wicker baskets, and some pretty florals.

One of my favorite things to incorporate in a picnic is a striped blanket and a wicker picnic basket. Of course, there are many more items we can’t forget about, but these two are French picnic staples!

Next, make sure you bring some sort of “portable” charcuterie board. Chances are, you may not want to waste time building your beautiful Charcuterie at the picnic itself.

You can easily prepare a board at home using this portable Charcuterie board, which you can then close up and pack with you!

Here are some essentials that add a French touch to your picnic:

1. Striped picnic blanket or tablecloth in classic French blue and white
2. Wicker picnic basket for an authentic look
3. Disposable plates or cups with French designs
4. Assortment of dried flowers
5. French-style market tote for carrying supplies
6. Vintage-style portable radio for French music
7. Colorful Provençal-print napkins
8. Small chalkboard for writing the menu in French
9. Red and white checkered tea towels
10. Charcuterie board / folding tray stand

Below are my favorite Parisian-style Picks to have the perfect picnic ↓

All About Ambiance— Picnic Location Scouting

The success of your alfresco picnic will almost ALWAYS depend on one important factor: the location.

A perfect location not only provides a beautiful backdrop but also ensures comfort, convenience, and the right ambiance.

When it comes to choosing your picnic location, there are some important factors you should look out for. I’ve compiled a list of essential tips for selecting the ideal picnic spot below ↓

1. Scenery- look for a spot with beautiful views or natural surroundings. The more nature, the better.
2. Shade- This one is so important and overlooked! Be mindful that the sun shifts throughout the day, so you’re better off choosing a spot under a tree to protect from direct sunlight.
3. Comfort- Find a relatively flat area with soft grass or provide comfortable seating
4. Accessibility- Another huge one! You don’t want to be lugging around your whole picnic ensemble. Choose a place that’s easy to reach with your picnic supplies
5. Wind protection- Avoid overly windy areas that might disturb your setup.
6. Sunset views- For evening picnics, find a spot with a good view of the sunset.

French Picnic Outfit Ideas

When it comes to French-inspired picnics, the art of dressing is just as important as the menu. 

Whether you’re picnicking in a local park or the gardens of Versailles, channeling that ‘je ne sais quoi’ of French fashion will set the tone for your perfect alfresco affair. 

How to Dress for a Picnic

From classic stripes to breezy sundresses and light linens, there are so many options you could wear for a Parisian-style picnic!

I’d recommend keeping the shoes simple, as you may need to trek up/down to your location, and if you’re carrying a lot, flats are a smart choice. Pair any of the outfits below with a pair of ballet flats, and you’re good to go!

Here are some outfit ideas for picnics that blend comfort with timeless Parisian elegance! ↓

Outfit #1

You can rest assured that any outfit which includes stripes totally gives off that French vibe! Striped dresses or co-ords make the perfect outfits for a Parisian-style picnic.

Outfit #2

I’m absolutely living for the classic white dress that’s made its debut this summer. From ruffles and ruche to linen pieces, this white dress is super versatile and perfect for many occasions.

It’s a timeless staple that every woman should own at least one of in their closet. It also makes for the perfect picnic dress! A win-win situation.

Outfit #3

Sometimes, as girly as a dress may look and feel, pants are just more practical for a picnic.

For my girls that prefer a more relaxed, manageable look, pants are the perfect option. You could opt for a pair of linen trousers, or flowy pants that provide a bit of stretch and room.

Pair this with a light button-up or tie shirt, and you’ve got yourself the perfect picnic outfit!

Outfit #4

This has to be one of my favorite outfits to wear for a picnic. It is simple, classic, and elegant all in one.

I am living for the white maxi skirts this year, and a great way to pair them is with a bright colored top or accessories. I love the burnt orange tie top in the photo below! It brings out the tones of the nature and scenery, and gives that ‘earthy’ picnic-type feel.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – everything you need for a fantastic French-inspired picnic!

From tasty treats like fresh baguettes and creamy cheeses to cute accessories like striped blankets and wicker baskets, you’re all set to bring a bit of France to your next Parisian-style picnic.

Remember, the French way is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself. Don’t stress about making everything perfect – just focus on having a good time with great food and even better company.

Whether you’re sprawled out on your local lawn or daydreaming in a field of lavender, the most important thing is to kick back and enjoy. So pack up your goodies, throw on a comfortable and chic outfit, and get ready for your perfect French picnic.