Beyond the Baguette: Mastering the Art of the French Picnic (and How to Recreate It)

Living in France, I’ve discovered there are many things the French do well: wine, bread, pastries, cheese, and picnics. In the summer, the French picnic comes into its own. All over France, families get together at the weekend to enjoy each other’s company, along with great food and wine, enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.

When I say picnic, I’m not talking plastic plates, packet sandwiches, and a bottle of beer. Oh no, a French picnic is more like a banquet, complete with the best china, beautiful glassware, and tablecloths. Sometimes, there is even a candelabra centerpiece—it’s quite a sight.

But above all that, it’s so lovely to see families spending time together outside in the sun, enjoying each other’s company and just being. It’s like stepping back in time to when I was a kid. A time when mobile phones didn’t exist, social media didn’t exist, and kids actually played outside and weren’t stuck in front of the TV.

But what goes into a traditional French picnic, and what do you need to recreate it for yourself?

The Art of the French Style Picnic

One of the wonderful things about living in the Charente is the abundance of places to have a traditional French picnic. Unlike when I lived in the UK, these places aren’t rammed with people, littered with rubbish, or spoilt in any way.

In fact, in France, picnicking areas are really well set up, with benches provided and bins for getting rid of rubbish, all in an idyllic setting. And the best bit is the wonderful countryside around you and the peace and quiet that comes with it.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen families enjoying picnics in our local area on a Sunday. It’s such a lovely sight. They come with mountains of food, great wine, plates, glasses, rugs, tablecloths, and everything you could think of to ensure a great picnic.

The Origins of a French Picnic

The origins of picnics in France can be traced back to the 17th century. The French aristocracy often held outdoor feasts called “fêtes champêtres” (countryside parties), which involved elaborate meals served on tables in gardens or parks.

These events were typically reserved for the wealthy and were formal affairs.

However, the concept of a more casual, informal outdoor meal became popular in France in the 19th century. This was partly due to the growth of public parks and gardens, which provided new spaces for people to socialize and relax.

In the late 19th century, impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir often depicted outdoor scenes of leisure activities, including a French picnic drawing.

One of the most famous depictions of a picnic in French art is “Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (Luncheon on the Grass) by Édouard Manet.

The painting caused controversy when it was first exhibited in 1863 because it depicted a nude woman among clothed men in a public park setting.

How scandalous!

The Longest Picnic in France

To celebrate Bastille Day in 2000, France created the world’s longest picnic, which stretched for 1000 km from Dunkirk in Normandy to the Catalan village of Prats-de-Mollo.

The organizers gave each village a length of the traditional red and white checkered tablecloth to spread over their tables. Everyone was encouraged to bring food and wine to share, and it was an event to remember.

Unfortunately, the weather didn’t play ball in all areas, but it didn’t stop thousands of people from turning out to enjoy the event. It took the French picnic set up to a whole other level.

Such a great way to promote the sense of community that is so quintessentially French, especially in the more rural areas of France.

I wish I’d been living in France then so I could have joined in the merriment. It reminds me of our street party for the Queen’s silver jubilee.

I was about seven years old and will never forget the sight of all those rows and rows of tables lining our street. Plus, I had a purple silver jubilee dress I loved, especially for the occasion.

What is a French Picnic Called?

The word picnic comes from the French word “Pique-nique”, which apparently dates back to the 13th century.

However, at this time, more food was taken out when the nobles went hunting rather than how we think of it today.

The Best French Picnic Food

As with everything the French do when it comes to food, it is not something done casually. And there are a few things you need to prepare for a traditional French picnic spread.

Your basic supplies should include a tablecloth, blanket, picnic basket, and something nice to serve your food and drink.

In France, it’s never just a case of shoving a few things in a bag.

The French Picnic Tablecloth

Whilst it doesn’t need to be red and white checked, although that is traditional, all French picnics need a tablecloth to spread out the feast of food and drink to be enjoyed.

Even if you’re bringing a blanket, the tablecloth sits on top of it. If you’re sitting on a wooden picnic bench, the tablecloth covers the tabletop.

Either way, it’s an important part of the whole thing.

The Best Picnic Blankets

Whenever I go on a picnic in the French countryside, I always have a blanket with me. Remember, not every place you want to stop in will have picnic benches available.

And no French picnic is complete without something comfortable to sit on.

The best picnic blankets usually have a waterproof bottom, so you’re protected if the grass is wet.

My blanket came as part of my picnic basket, another decadence of the French picnic.

Choosing a French Picnic Basket

For me, it’s a wicker basket all the way. Although, there are some great picnic backpacks if you’re cycling through the French countryside.

I have both, and it depends on how I travel and which one I choose.

The important thing for me is that it contains everything I need to enjoy the food and drink I’ve brought with me.

I’m not a lover of plastic glasses or cutlery, so my backpack and basket needed to have proper glassware, cutlery, and crockery.

Typical French Picnic Food

Now, this is where things become fun. Really, anything goes when it comes to a French picnic. I’ve seen them range from a simple affair with cheese, pâté, and baguettes to several courses and a full-on French feast.

However, a traditional French picnic usually includes a variety of foods, such as baguettes, cheese, charcuterie (cured meats), pâté, fruits, and salads.

Here are some ideas for a typical French picnic.

Baguette: A freshly baked baguette is essential to a French picnic. You can get it from your local boulangerie.

Cheese: A good variety of cheeses, such as brie, camembert, goat cheese, and Roquefort, should be included.

Charcuterie: Cured meats such as saucisson (a type of French dry-cured sausage), ham, and pâté are commonly served.

Salads: French potato salad, or “salade niçoise” (a salad made with tuna, olives, and anchovies), or “salade de tomates” (a tomato salad with onions and basil) are popular options.

Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, and peaches. Where we are, it will often be a Charentais melon.

Dessert: A selection of Éclairs, Macarons, and Madeleines from your local patisserie, which aren’t too messy and are easy to eat.

What to Drink on a French Picnic

No French picnic is complete without champagne or a bottle of wine. But remember to bring plenty of water to keep hydrated and soft drinks for the kids and designated driver.

Taking your dog on a French Picnic

Dogs aren’t allowed off the lead in public parks in France. However, when we take Lottie, our border collie, on a picnic with us, we always choose a little picnic area off the beaten track.

Many French families bring their dogs with them, and it’s important to ensure that your dog isn’t a nuisance to others.

We always keep Lottie on the lead until we know who is there and if they’re eating. Usually, all she wants to do is jump in the river and swim, but she does have an annoying habit of finding someone who isn’t a dog lover and shaking herself close to them.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should always clean up after your dog and use the bins provided.

Conclusion: How to have the perfect French picnic

The main thing to remember when it comes to picnics in France is to treat them as if they were a normal meal. The French never do anything by halves regarding food, and the French picnic is no exception.

There are plenty of perfect spots to lay down your picnic blanket and enjoy the experience.

Other French culture articles you may find interesting:

• Ordering Coffee in a French Cafe
• Tipping in France
• Why Bonjour is so Important in France
• Why France Loves Chocolate