What better way to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day than with a romantic picnic in Paris! The chilly February weather may have you questioning this idea but don’t let this deter you. With a little extra planning, it can be incredibly magical. Think snuggling up over hot chocolates, taking in some of Paris’ best views with hardly a person in sight, and indulging in seasonal treats. That’s exactly what my husband, Julien, and I did early Saturday morning and let me tell you, it was lovely.
Unlike during spring and summer, where you can generally throw a picnic together spur of the moment, a little planning is required for a winter picnic to be successful. After all, you don’t want a cold bottom and to find yourself shivering the night away. For this reason, I’ve put together a mini-guide here on just how to plan a romantic winter picnic in Paris.
Be prepared for the cold.
Firstly, if this is a surprise picnic for your loved one, give them the heads up to dress warm. The more layers the better! It’s also essential to bring as many warm blankets as you can carry, and if you have room, a couple of cushions to sit on. Having a waterproof picnic blanket is also a must.
Warm up you belly
Is there anything better than a hot chocolate on a cold day?! Even simply watching the steam hover over your mug is enough to have you feeling toasty. It’s definitely a winter picnic essential. If you don’t have a thermos, there are plenty of places around Paris where you can pick a couple of take-away ones up along your way. As for food, I recommend stopping by some by some patisseries and trying their latest creations. During February, many patisseries release special Valentine’s Day desserts. For our picnic, Julien and I tried the “Coeur Framboise” from Dalloyau, which was simply divine.
Presentation matters
Taking the time to style your picnic and lay it out beautifully will definitely help to make it a memorable one. I personally like to add flowers, like the stunning bouquet from Boule de Neige Florist featured in my photos, and I also like to bring some patterned or colourful fabric to place under the plates or in my picnic basket. Paying attention to little details like this will take your winter picnic to the next level!
Have a plan B
Weather in Paris can be described as unpredictable at best, so having a plan B is crucial. I recommend picnicking near a sheltered area (such as a bridge, if you’re next to the seine), that way you can quickly take cover if any unforeseen rain heads your way.
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