Essentials for a French Picnic

Picnicking began in France as a simple way to share food outdoors. Here’s a look at its origins, plus tips and essentials for planning a picnic of your own.

Picnicking, as we know it today, has its roots in France, not just in tradition but also in language. The word piquenique (picnic) combines piquer, meaning “to pick at” or “to nibble,” with nique, an old term referring to something of little value. Together, they imply a casual meal where everyone contributes and picks at shared bites.

In France, the modern idea of a picnic began to take shape after the Revolution in 1789, when royal parks and gardens were opened to the public. Before the Revolution, the majority of green spaces were reserved for the aristocracy. Green spaces, such as hunting grounds and pleasure gardens, were often closed off to the general population and maintained as private estates for the elite.

The Revolution dismantled many of these class boundaries. Opening the gates to once-exclusive gardens was a powerful gesture of change. It meant that places once guarded for kings and courtiers now belonged to the people. You could bring a blanket and a bottle of wine, sit under the trees, and enjoy the day without asking permission. It was a quiet kind of freedom. A few decades later, during the redesign of Paris in the 1800s, Napoleon III added wide public parks across the city, giving even more space for this kind of everyday pleasure.

Holyday, by French painter James Tissot, 1876

The beauty of a picnic is that it doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t have to plan a full menu or pack a five-course meal. All it takes is a few good things to eat, something comfortable to sit on, and a reason to linger a little longer outside.

That said, a little thought goes a long way. Choose food that travels well and doesn’t need a lot of fuss. Bring drinks with secure lids and containers that won’t leak. A sturdy blanket matters more than you’d think, and so does a reliable bag. With a few reusable pieces that do their job well, you’ll find yourself picnicking more often because gathering your things and heading out the door becomes so easy, without it turning into a production.

Here are a few of our favorite pieces for bringing the charm and ease of summer picnicking to life:

Picnic Blanket

A good picnic starts with a blanket that’s both comfortable and reliable. The Riviera Picnic Blanket is lightweight, durable, and easy to carry. It is also double-sided. One side features a classic red and white stripe, while the other showcases a pattern inspired by garden harvests, allowing you to choose the look that suits the day.

Woven Market Tote

You'll need something to carry your food to the picnic. While traditional baskets have their charm, the Woven Market Tote is a more practical option. If you have to walk a bit to reach your picnic spot, it’s nice to be able to sling it over your shoulder or wear it like a backpack. It’s roomy enough to hold your food, dishware, and even a book if you’re planning to linger under a shade tree for a little afternoon reading.

Le Parfait Canning Jars

These jars make it easy to store your picnic food. They hold everything from fruit salad to pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs, and they seal tightly so nothing leaks in transit. Once empty, they’re handy for holding leftovers or even flowers picked along the way.

Olive Oil

A picnic with fresh bread or ripe tomatoes deserves good olive oil. A L’Olivier’s infused oils come in sturdy tins that travel well and protect the oil from heat. Each one brings something special to your spread. The oregano oil pairs beautifully with meats or vegetables. The tangerine adds a bright citrus note to anything it touches. And the lavender is surprisingly good with cheese or drizzled over fruit.

Seasoning

A pinch of salt or a sprinkle of herbs can make simple picnic food taste much better. Use the Camargue Fleur de Sel on sliced tomatoes, boiled eggs, or fresh radishes. It might just be salt, but not all salt is created equal. This salt is hand-harvested along the coastal salt marshes in France, and you can taste the difference.

Add Herbes de Provence to cheese or sprinkle it over olives and crackers. These stoneware crocks are easy to pack and help turn basic ingredients into something memorable.

French Café Bottles

All the savory food from your picnic will leave you needing a drink. These French Cafe Bottles feel right at home on a picnic blanket. Fill them with citrus water, fresh-squeezed lemonade, or something sparkling; they pour smoothly and help turn a casual outdoor lunch into something a little more memorable.

Beldi Glasses

For a picnic that’s more than paper cups and plastic lids, Beldi Glasses offer something sturdier and more beautiful, and they stack up neatly when it’s time to head home. They are mouth-blown from recycled glass bottles, so each piece is unique and shows signs of the handmade process.

Sicilian Blood Orange Soda

Sometimes it’s easier to bring a drink that’s individually bottled. The Sicilian Blood Orange Soda is a good option. It tastes like summer. It’s bright and tangy, and a little sweet. It adds a refreshing lift to your meal.

Italian Pastille Candies

Something small and sweet is always welcome after a meal outdoors. Italian Pastille Candies come in a tidy package that tucks easily into a basket and feels like a treat when passed around. Each delicate pastel piece melts on the tongue with vibrant flavors of orange, tangerine, mixed wild berries, or anise.

We hope these ideas inspire you to picnic more often and make it easier and more enjoyable when you do. That said, do not overthink it. Remember the spirit of the word piquenique, a casual meal spent with others. Find a shady spot in some lush grass, lay out a blanket, and enjoy whatever food you have on hand.

You can find all the featured items together in our Summer on the Riviera collection.