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Picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris

Looking for some calm in the city…

Picnics outside of Paris, in the Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne for example, can often be a real expedition if you don’t have a car. However, there is a solution; Paris is full of surprises, and there’s a garden in the city where you’ll be able to fin a little corner of paradise…
But no-one can have a picnic without food! So let’s start on the rue du Faubourg Saint Denis, on the bit between the boulevard Magenta and the Boulevard Poissonière. In this colourful, cosmopolitan area where many different kinds of people seem to get along, you’ll probably bump into some authentic old-Parisian types. The streets has kept some of its past splendour and mixed in with the Turkish shops, kebab sellers and Indian restaurants you’ll find some mouth-watering shops! For a tasty picnic, there’s everything you could ask for!
– an Italian deli
– a bakery / cake shop / delicatessen
– a butcher’s with a warm welcome (“Au Bon Porc” – the good pig!)
– a fish shop
– a cheese shop
– fresh fruit shops
– Indian shops selling succulent mangoes
– the Passage Brady and its indian restaurants, where you can order to take away
– a “bazaar” where you can buy a tablecloth and all the other stuff you’ll need

The quality and freshness of the products in these shops will make sure your picnic is as tasty as possible! And the shopkeepers are friendly and welcoming!
Here are a few photos to give you an idea…

Once you have finished food shopping, why not go to Chez Jeanette, where you’ll probably meet the burly owner (who warms to you once you get to know him!). You can imagine the bygone splendour of this amazing place!

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You’re probably hungry after all that, so without further ado let’s get to our picnic spot. We advise going towards the Faubourg Saint Martin and taking the 38 bus southbound, direction Porte Orléans. Get off at the stop called “Auguste Comte”, take the street of the same name and you’ll find the entrance to our picnic spot:

The Jardin du Luxembourg

This garden is a breath of fresh air in the centre of Paris, and has numerous hidden spots to be discovered..

Of course you can always stay with the crowds on the spacious lawns near the entrance toward the avenue de l’Observatoire, but we suggest taking the time to fin your own little secluded spot. )

Once you have entered the park, take a left towards the orchards, passing the statue of Charles de Baudelaire..

This is the area with the quietest spots..

If you fancy getting a tan, there are chairs and loungers for you to get just the rights shade of brown..

Avoid the lawn next to the beehives, as the bees are quite greedy…

Carry on this way, and you will be near the tennis courts and “boules” area.

Not far away, you see a little replica Statue of Liberty, and next to it the tree planted in memory of the victims of the 11th September attacks. .

There are quite a few shady spots where you can settle down for your feast. There’s also the rose garden to be found just beyond the statue of Verlaine and the incredible “Triomphe de Silene” statue.”.

This is where you’ll surely find a good spot..

If you want to get a maximum amount of sun, why not sit near the Orangerie behind the palm trees, or on the esplanade or near the central pond?.

After admiring the extremely beautiful sculpture, homage to Delecroix, you could go toward the Medicis fountain, a great place for daydreaming (if it’s not too packed with other dreamers).,

If you continue toward the exit on rue Vaugirard, near the statue of the writer Henri Murger, you could take a little rest in the small alcove there and secretly eat a little more…(?)

And if you stay in the area of Saint Germain and are still hungry, why not finish off with the expensive luxury chez Mulot, an incredible patisserie and delicatessen on the rue de Seine (their macaroons are to die for!).!)

Bon appétit !