Photo by Maksim Goncharenok
As the days grow longer and nature awakens in a flourish of blossom and birdsong, there’s no better way to savor spring’s arrival than with a leisurely picnic à la française. Whether in a sun-dappled park, a lush vineyard, or your own backyard, a spring picnic done right can turn a simple lunch into a shabby chic celebration.
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Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a perfect spring picnic — with French flair.
What to Bring: Essentials with Elegance
A true French-style picnic is about slowing down and indulging in life’s simple pleasures with thoughtfulness and beauty. Start with these essentials:
A Quality Blanket or Throw: A soft cotton or linen throw in muted pastels or stripes is a charming nod to Provence while a plaid checker blanket recalls the cozy bistros of Paris. Choose one with a waterproof underside if you’re on slightly damp grass.
A Wicker Basket or Canvas Tote: There’s nothing more iconic than wicker at a picnic. Fill it with your food, flatware, and extras, all neatly wrapped in cloth napkins for added charm. A big canvas tote bag can carry whatever else doesn’t fit.
Tableware That Travels Well: Leave plastic behind. Use bamboo, enamel, or stainless-steel utensils and reusable plastic wine glasses. A small wooden cutting board doubles as a serving platter. High-quality disposable napkins offer the final elegant touch.
Insulated Bottle or Carafe: To keep your rosé chilled all-picnic long. Bonus points for a carafe with sprigs of mint floating inside.
Extras: A wide-brimmed sun hat, fresh flowers in a jar, and a portable speaker to fill the air with a soft Édith Piaf playlist.
What to Make: Simple, Seasonal, and Shareable
French picnics are never fussy, but they are always delicious. Think of foods that taste best at room temperature, are easy to share, and seasonal.
Savory Delights
Mini Tartines: Baguette slices with radish butter, herbed goat cheese, or tapenade make for simple and classy apéritif bites.
Savory Dips: Hummus, yogurt-based dips, and rillettes are easily shareable and perfect to munch on with veggies, chips, and breadsticks.
Quiche Lorraine or Quiche aux Légumes: Served cold or warm, this classic French dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Spring Salad Jars: Layer arugula, shaved asparagus, peas, chèvre, and olive oil lemon vinaigrette to create a perfect side dish.
Charcuterie & Fromage: A selection of cured meats, Brie or Comté, cornichons, and fig jam make for a perfect cheese board. Don’t forget the crusty bread!
Sweet Treats
Madeleines or Financiers: Light and lovely, these small cakes pair perfectly with a thermos of Earl Grey tea or iced café au lait.
Strawberry Tart: Celebrate peak berry season with a tasty tart from the local bakery!
Fruit Salad or Skewers: Chunks of pear, grapes, and melon lightly brushed with honey are a fresh and healthy option.
Drinks
Chilled Rosé: Nothing says summer like a chilled glass of rosé from Provence.
Cucumber-Mint Lemonade: Add a little flair to a classic warm-weather drink with sprigs of mint and slices of cucumber.
A bottle of sparkling wine or sparkling water for a toast: Because life should be celebrated!
In the May/June 2025 issue, we feature a full collection of apéritif bites, just in time for picnic season!
What to Wear: Effortless and Elegant
French spring picnic style is natural, comfortable, and subtly romantic. Choose breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and chambray to stay cool and comfortable as you lounge in the sun.
For Women: Flowy midi dresses in florals or soft neutrals, straw hats, espadrilles or ballet flats. Linen pants allow for a little more flexibility, paired with a crisp white shirt or lightweight cardigan for when the breeze picks up.
For Men: Linen shirts, tailored shorts or chinos, and leather sandals or canvas sneakers make a simple and classy summer picnic outfit. A Panama hat adds a chic touch!
Final Touch: The French Attitude
Above all, remember that a French-style picnic is about joy, indulgence, and connection. Put away your phone, savor each bite, sip slowly, and laugh often. Don’t rush!