" If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." 
                                                                                               Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast







Indeed, once you discover even your dream of the City of Light, it stays with you...
Who hasn't dreamed of tasting this irresistible city, of getting lost in its charming streets and architecture, of trying un café au lait and a croissant at a sidewalk cafe enjoying the never-ending parade of characters, of exploring its farmer and flea markets, of writing down thoughts surrounded by all the books of Shakespeare and Company bookstore, of walking or biking along the Seine...
of having a picnic in Paris ...




If you happen to be in Paris and it happens to be a gorgeous sunny day, and you are seeking a break from your museum- gallery itinerary, and you ask a Parisian what would you do on a day like this...What do you think the answered would be :
'' Oui, Pique-nique!"
 But if you are not in Paris and want to be in Paris in a gorgeous sunny day, what can you do to satisfy such desire that comes quite frequently accompanied with a tiny, shy thought of " I want to move to Paris"...?!   
Pack your french picnic basket and throw a picnic,
Parisian style. 
Don't forget your chic sunglasses and hat; they will help you to get into that Parisian mood! For guys is all about scarves :)





For the French, food with good- quality ingredients is essential, "art de vivre", and pleasure is a necessity in life.  I believe, every neighborhood in Paris has its own farmers market, a bakery, a cheese shop, a wine shop, a butcher, and, of course, a pastry shop, which is more like a jewelry store.
 You can't eat well if you haven't shopped well, right!  If you go to the Boulevard Raspair Street Market, a gourmand's dream, this is the place to find every single provision for a picnic, plus an armload of peonies, plus you have a chance to bump into Barefoot Contessa.
So, for the pique-nique, the first essential element is the baguette. A baguette is a completely Parisian creation and lasts a matter of time; that is why the French patiently line outside their boulangerie to buy fresh bread ( several times a day). I adore its caramel-colored crust spread with butter and cheese. You can't be in Paris and not go to Poilane even though the shop doesn't have baguettes. 
 





 The next stop will be la fromagerie. Buying cheese is always a joy, especially in Paris despite the "sophisticated" roll off the tongue while pronouncing the name of the cheese. As everybody says, there are as many French cheeses as there are days in the year, so I leave it up to your personal preferences. And to do it as a French: in case you choose a salty blue fromage ( Roquefort), spread your baguette with butter before topping it with cheese. You will create a  less salty and softer taste in your mouth.  







You can also pay a visit to la charcuterie for some cured meat ( saucisson sec) and pates.
"Salade verte" or olives would be a great addition to the picnic menu and can be prepared at home: a plain green salad with grilled apricots and walnuts.
What would a Paris picnic be without a fine bottle of wine or french lemonade? I am under an impression that Parisians can drink wine from early morning to late night; correct me if I am wrong.
And don't forget to indulge in something sweet. Sorry, but no one leaves Paris without trying Pierre Hermé or Ladurée  macaroons; you save yourself from the awful moment when you come home and tell about the time of your life in irresistible Paris only to have someone say " I can't believe you were in Paris and you didn't have  a macaroon ???!" 
Anyway,  If you plan your picnic ahead  of time, I suggest putting a little effort in baking those rich petit Madeleines  that Marcel Proust described "dipping them into his tea as a child." Gosh, they taste heavenly in a coffee ...





Paris has one of the most spectacular parks and gardens where tourists and Parisians picnic, Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc des Butter Chaumon, Place des Voger to name a few well known. But as boring as it may sound when I visit Paris next time I will definitely set a simple picnic at Champ de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. 
I have been practicing for that, haven't I ?!



See Nichole Robertson's captivating photography of Paris in her bok  Paris in Color
 

While I was reading my book and our son welcomed the sun over his face thinking he might be a Francophile, my husband was checking the next flight to Paris ...

I am kidding!

We simply had a fabulous time and a fabulous picnic! 
( as we also wanted to mark my nephew's first birthday)

Are you wondering what might be a perfect end to a day like this  ??-
of course, 


 taking delight in Woody Allen's enchanting Midnight in Paris.
 
It is all about slowing down and enjoying your life more, savoring the moment or perhaps, creating the moment and make the pleasure a necessity.
 Don't forget 
" We will always have Paris, simply irresistible !"




A million thanks to the amazing Anita
for inviting me to her party!




Oh, how she loves Paris! Please visit  Castle Crowns and Cottages
You will find kindred spirits and more of the City of Light!
Have fun! 


Merci Beaucoup, mes amies !