Versailles At a time when Parisians are dreaming of nature without sacrificing elegance, terraces on the outskirts of the capital and new-generation picnics are gaining ground. Far from a simple lunch on the grass, these experiences are becoming lifestyle moments in their own right at hotels just a stone’s throw from Paris. Here are seven exceptional places that combine greenery, fresh air, and fine dining.
Urban frenzy and a growing desire to slow down are transforming our relationship with leisure. The terraces located a few kilometers from Paris appeal with their bucolic atmosphere. From the Ile au Parc de Saint Germain to the rustic terrace of the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, these places offer a timeless escape. People come here to have lunch in the open air, sip a drink at the end of the day, or extend the evening under the fairy lights. These spots, combining countryside and elegance, satisfy a desire to disconnect while maintaining a certain level of lifestyle.
It is in this context that picnics are experiencing a real renaissance. Say goodbye to crumpled tablecloths and improvised sandwiches: make way for baskets filled by Michelin-starred chefs, designer accessories, and locations chosen for photo ops. Nature is becoming the new chic living room, and every element of the picnic is carefully thought out, from the porcelain tableware to the selection of mature cheeses.
Luxus Magazine presents its selection of chic tables with a country feel.
The Trianon Palace Picnic – Versailles (20 km from Paris)
Just a few steps from the Palace, the elegant terrace of the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, orchestrated by chef Frédéric Larquemin, offers a bucolic gastronomic interlude overlooking the royal gardens. A refined setting where you can enjoy exceptional cuisine in a setting steeped in history, between serenity and grandeur.
Les Étangs de Corot – Ville-d’Avray (15 km from Paris)
Just 30 minutes from the capital, Les Étangs de Corot offers a truly bucolic escape. Michelin-starred chef Rémi Chambard serves inventive, locally sourced cuisine that showcases the best of the Île-de-France region in a sustainable and refined manner. Nestled between forest and lakes, this enchanting estate invites you to relax in an atmosphere imbued with impressionist poetry. In addition to gastronomic experiences on the terrace or in the dining room, the Maison offers an elegant picnic to take away, to be enjoyed by the water or in the woods. A rare address, where luxury, nature, and art de vivre come together in perfect harmony.
L’Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay – Cernay-la-Ville (45 km from Paris)
This former Cistercian abbey nestled in the Chevreuse Valley offers a magnificent setting. The inn and its gardens are ideal for picnics on the grass in a serene medieval setting. Chef Stéphane Debré cooks with fine ingredients, in a refined, local style. The gardens are perfect for picnics on the grass, like a medieval getaway.
Auberge du Bonheur – Bois de Boulogne (6 km from Paris)
Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the Auberge du Bonheur lives up to its name. In this green haven, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, chef Éric Lassauce celebrates generous and authentic French cuisine inspired by the seasons and the terroir. Its sun-drenched terrace, lined with tall century-old trees, invites you to take a bucolic and convivial break. The place is ideal for a family lunch, a romantic dinner, or a long, relaxing drink. Between soothing nature and French art de vivre, it’s a charming gourmet getaway just a few minutes from the center of Paris.
The picnic basket at La Grande Cascade – Bois de Boulogne (6 km from Paris)
Nestled in the majestic setting of the Bois de Boulogne, La Grande Cascade, an iconic address in Parisian gastronomy, offers a unique culinary escape under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Robert. He reinvents the art of the picnic by combining refinement and simplicity: a gourmet basket filled with exceptional dishes to enjoy on the grass or on the terrace, as you wish. Homemade foie gras, finely prepared cold cuts, and delicate pastries. A moment suspended in time, where haute cuisine meets nature, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
L’Île – Île Saint-Germain, Issy-les-Moulineaux (7 km from Paris)
Chef Jean-Christophe Niel revisits classic dishes in a chic guinguette atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery and bordered by the Seine, its large shaded terrace is ideal for a peaceful lunch, as if time has stood still, on the outskirts of the capital.
Bonus – The Picnic by Veuve Clicquot at Printemps Haussmann (Paris 9ᵉ)
Set up on the rooftop of Printemps, this high-end picnic orchestrated by executive chef Clément Blondeau offers a bucolic immersion in the heart of the city. A chic basket, gourmet bites, a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a plant-filled setting combine to create a refined and fleeting experience, with a spectacular view of the Paris skyline as a backdrop.
Read also > The little story of…Picnics
Featured photo: © Cyril Mouty/Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
