© Philip Andrukhovich
A basket, a blanket, an indulgent spread of cheeses and charcuterie — these are the basic ingredients for a simple, splendid ritual beloved by French and foreigners alike.
In our July/August magazine, we traced the history of the pique-nique from its rebellious French origins to its polished modern form, briefly introducing a smattering of professional picnic providers across Paris and the south of France who craft luxury outdoor dining experiences.
Read the full article in the July/August 26 issue
To test the concept, we spent an afternoon with Elena, the talented host behind the picnic company Moments in Nice on the French Riviera.
Here’s a taste of what the experience looks like from the inside: the vintage car, the stunning destination, the private tour, and the picnic feast.
© Philip Andrukhovich
Arriving in Style
Elena picks us up in her vintage Citroën 2CV, top down, wicker picnic basket in tow. There’s no itinerary handed over, no menu to preview beforehand, just a drive north out of Nice, past the perfume fields and into the hills, until the vineyards of Château Crémat come into view.
© Philip Andrukhovich
The antique car — which Elena lovingly refers to as an old lady named Grace (after Princess Grace Kelly) — doesn’t move very fast, but that’s part of the charm, and drivers on the road are patient and gracious toward the old dame.
Private Picnic Destination
At the château, we’re met not by a crowd of tourists but by a private guide who walks us through the cellars and the fascinating history behind one of the oldest estates in the region. Filled with modern art alongside original furniture from Coco Chanel’s suite at The Ritz in Paris, the tour was incredibly unique and intimate. It’s a version of the property most visitors never see: no ticket line, no day-trip buses, just the cool quiet of the cellar rooms and an unhurried visit.
© Olivia Hoffman
Once the tour finishes, we walk outside to a beautifully laid table beneath crimson umbrellas on the château patio, with an indulgent spread built from the region — local cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and chilled wine from the estate itself. Wicker baskets filled with fresh flowers frame the spread with a view overlooking the château and the rolling hills beyond.
Philip, the same photographer behind these images and the feature photo in the magazine, is on hand throughout, moving around the table to catch the details without making the meal feel staged. Between courses, we pause for a short photo session to capture the magic of the moment.
© Philip Andrukhovich
Stunning Picnic Locations Around Nice
Château Crémat is just one stop on Elena’s map. On Mont Boron, she sets up beside the old Fort du Mont-Alban, with views that stretch to Villefranche-sur-mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Along the Grande Corniche, her Eden Garden picnic uses one of the most scenic drives in the region as a backdrop. Come spring, there’s a picnic beneath the orange trees at a private citrus garden.
© Philip Andrukhovich
Packages scale from a classic spread for two, or a fuller production with live music and custom decor for a celebration. Couples planning a proposal can book a dedicated “Marry Me” picnic, while larger groups have the option of a Provençal villa setup that holds up to fifty guests. Her list also includes a private pool, a rocky swimming cove near Port Lympia, and the shoreline of Lake Saint-Cassien inland.
© Philip Andrukhovich
Luxury in Simplicity
While Elena’s operation is far from uncomplicated, the concept is radically simple. Moments in Nice proves that a beautiful setting, a delicious spread of local food, and good company is all you need for an unforgettable experience.
Moments in Nice books private picnics at destinations across the Côte d’Azur, including vineyard estates, hilltop forts, private pools, and villa grounds. The classic package includes food, drinks, decor, and use of the vintage Citroën; photography and live music can be added on. Explore the different offers here.
Written by Olivia Hoffman
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Wander Through Our Stories
Wander Through Our Stories
Photo by Stephan Julliard
The French secret to cooking, dining, and hosting, is rooted in simplicity.
Reliability is favored before flash and glamour in the kitchen, but simple aesthetic flair pops in at every corner. In that vein, the French ensure each item is chosen and appreciated for the duration of its abilities.
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Akin to a wardrobe, the French kitchen is constructed over time. Vintage cake stands, silver, and china won at auction or spotted at a brocante in Paris, make the delicate array of objects which color the French countertops and tables.
Upon entering, guests will notice drawers laden with well-loved objects. Knives fitted with aged and wooden handles, and homestyle cutlery with iconic acetate finishing are stored throughout. Salad bowls and a patchwork collection from Le Creuset double as serving dishes.
When curating la cuisine (the kitchen), the French are guided by the following sensibilities:
Is the Item Made in France? — French Glassware
When an item carries a Made in France label, whether etched at the bottom of a glass or along the blade of a knife, it brings a sense of pride to the buyer. The nation’s culinary manufactures have been lauded for their gastronomic tools and expertise for generations, as they lean into quality and the tradition of savoir-faire.
Since many French regions specialize in certain areas of production, cooks of all backgrounds and expertise have a soft spot for supporting small local industries. The French opt for knives mades in Thiers, Duralex bistro glasses from Lorient, and china dishes crafted in Limoges.
In many French homes, especially in urban apartments, space is coveted and optimized for ease. Kitchenware is designed with this in mind.
The southeast borders the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the body of water framed by the southern coast of Europe and the northern coast of Africa. Often characterized by its crystal-clear, aquamarine waters, the sea is typically calmer and more temperate — especially in the summer, making it a prime destination for boating.
By contrast, the southwest sits along the vast North Atlantic coastline, which runs down the western coast of Spain, Portugal, and west Africa. The ocean welcomes impressive wildlife like dolphins and whales, while the intense waves rolling into the Bay of Biscay tempt surfers from around the world. Facing west, the sun sets directly over the water, painting mesmerizing skies along the horizon each night.
Does it Serve a Dual Purpose? — Smart Storage
In many French homes, especially in urban apartments, space is coveted and optimized for ease. Kitchenware is designed with this in mind.
Pots and pans are reimagined with removable handles, knives may be stored on strong wall magnets rather than in drawers or counters, and saladiers (salad bowls) may double as serving dishes for guests.
Will it Endure Wear & Tear? — Classic Dutch Ovens
Cooking or baking demands trial and error, and recipes may go wrong before they can be fully appreciated. A pan will burn and scratches materialize, but these imperfections are signs of life which add color to the memories made in the kitchen.
While French home cooks oscillate between delicate kitchenware and more reliable pieces, a cuisine armed with qualitative materials gives permission to make mistakes – which is vital when building a repertoire of French recipes.
The French reach for Le Creuset time and time again. The enameled iron pots bring a soft elegance to the atmosphere which can be passed through the hands of many generations.
Can it be Recycled? — Elegant Jam Jars
The French aren’t afraid to reuse jars or keep plastic storage.
Bonne Maman in particular, is a popular choice for storing an assortment of items. With a pretty vichy patterned twist top and removable labels, these jars are quickly repurposed to mix the salad dressing or store the rests (left overs).
Countertop Essentials — Quality Copper & Ceramics
Since storage is often limited, counter tops cover the essentials. It’s not uncommon for collection of wooden spoons, spatulas, and array of copper utensils to be easily arranged and accessible in ceramic vase.
Any vase will do, but the French enjoy objects with a story. Those made by hand in the studio or gifted by a friend bring a special touch to the French kitchen.
Everyday French Cooking — Pots & Pans
The French gravitate to several types of cookware. If one has a limited storage, some opt for pots and pans with one detachable handle.
De Buyer cookware is, otherwise, an indisputable favorite among home cooks. The iron pans are heavy and perfect for fool-proof cooking. At the same time, the pots feel luxurious and industrial, tapping into the medium of beauty and utility.
Quality Couteaux- Keeping Kitchen Knives
Rather than purchasing a set of knives, the French outfit their kitchens with a plethora of styles. Among the kitchen staples are objects with sentimental value.
An iron couteau (knife) which is purchased on holiday in Japan or at a market in the South of France, is as equally cherished by home cooks as classic Laguiole and Opinel cutlery. With an array of styles, knives are often stored side by side on wall magnets or in drawers.
Setting the Table – Flatware & Dinner China
As an extension of the kitchen, the dining table frames the efforts made in a kitchen. A French kitchen table is set for each type of occasion. When a home meal served with family and close friends, place settings are lined with forks and knives, well loved china, and cloth napkins.
French kitchens are rich with reminders of travels, tradition, and confidence in utility. The French return to their favorite tools and methods repeatedly. This gives makes them confident in the space and willing to perfect their home recipes and flavors.
The goal is never really perfection, but an air of ease followed by a sense of simple beauty.
Written by Jessy Brewer
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