Enjoy summer in Paris: picnic time by The River Seine

How to live a real parisien summer: picnic by the Seine river

19/10/2014

Even though autumn is my favourite season, I cannot stop thinking about Summer time right now, or to be more specific, my parisian Summer. Somehow, I was able to scape from the large amount of tourists that populate the city and it felt as if I was in a different place. Yes, I was a tourist myself, but having the opportunity to mingle with Parisian citizens, really changed the perspective I had about the city. As soon as I stepped in Paris, I found myself enjoying the smooth pace of life.

A warm, sunny Summer day is not meant for staying at home. Summer in Paris is to be lived outdoors and to enjoy all what the city has to offer. That's why once that work is done, parisians like to gather with friends and family at some spot of the city, taking pleasure in the joy of conversation and very likely, the joy of eating.

So what a better closure for a lovely summer day than having a picnic with your friends by the banks of The Seine River? We headed for the Pont Alexandre III, "armed" with a selection of local charcuterie, cheese and of course, wine and baguette. There, we joined many other locals that also came to enjoy the company of good friends and the joy of calmly eating and drinking. French was the sound to be heard there, charming your ears and turning into a softly murmuring soundtrack. Thus, time went by so pleasantly that we didn't realize that twilight had already come, spreading a beautiful sunset and creating a new atmosphere.

Paris. Never such a small word meant so much or was so widely recognized all over the world. There is indeed something vraiment charmant about this city. Could it be that perfect lighting that embraces the city? Or perhaps the lovely joie de vivre that Parisians happily show?

I have to admit that the first time I visited the city I was not impressed at all. But times were different and I was fonder of the amusement park located nearby by than the city itself. Now, some years afterwards, I found myself infatuated by "The City of Lights".

Oh, Paris!

Pont Alexandre III: Within a small walkable distance from the Eiffel Tower, this impressive bridge connects the 7th and 8th arrondissement: Les Invalides and the Grand Palais. It is also a good place to enjoy a picnic among parisians.

Looking for some other places to enjoy a vrai parisian picnic? Check these suggestions by the Mairie de Paris. If you have never thought about doing a picnic in Paris, I highly encourage you to do so. It really gives you those "Parisian life" vibes. It is also a good way to calm down after a stressed day doing tourism around the city and getting to experience the joie de vivre. On top of that, it is also budget friendly as you don't need to pay for an expensive meal at the restaurant, you only need to visit the closest supermarket and grab whatever you fancy.

the Glutenacious Experience

(My gluten-free experience) As regular bread (baguette) was involved in the picnic menu and I was the only coeliac in the group, I opted for having my own meal. This way I wouldn't have to stress over cross contamination and could enjoy the picnic itself.

You should take into account that unfortunately, France is not very coeliac friendly. As I knew that it is hard to find gluten free products in the supermarkets, I brought couple things with me in the luggage (what I call my "Gluten Free Survival Kit") like gluten free bread. I choose some gluten free charcuterie from the supermarket and grabbed couple types of cheese et voilà, a quick made gluten free picnic!

Have you discovered any other spots that you really love for indulging on a Parisian picnic? Feel free to share on the comments below; the more pieces of advise the better :)

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