Picnic like a Parisian – Master the art of the weekend tradition – the Louvre and rue Saint-Honorè boutiques will still be there in the morning.
When the sun shines and the weather is warm, Parisians adjourn to the city’s grassy parks, as Champ-de-Mars and the paved banks of the Seine, for alfresco eating. Plentiful food shops make provisioning le piquenique fun and easy.
Say Cheese: Marie-Anne Cantin’s elegant boutique stands rind and paste above other fromageries for hard, gooey, and obscure varieties from small French farms.
Your Daily Bread: Who makes the best baguette is an age-old question, but a good place to start is Le Grenier à Pain, awarded top honors in last year’s Best Baguette in Paris competition.
Just Desserts: Sweet tooths rejoice over the daily delivery of cakes and confections from some of Paris’ top chefs at Fou de Pâtisserie, the city’s first pastry concept shop.
Pour It On: Les Caves du Pantheon stocks a wide selection of wines, from inexpensive up-and-comers to fine Bordeaux.
One-Stop-Shop: Le Bon Marché’s Grande Épicerie de Paris is a temple for foie gras, caviar, prepared foods, and many more high-end staples. Carry it all in their cute canvas tote – also a fun souvenir for gatherings at home.
Take It Easy: Travelers short on time can order ahead from the new organic picnic menus prepared by Épicerie Générale that include a mix of salad, fruit, sandwiches, olives, dessert, and even Champagne; the boutique grocer also delivers.
