HOW TO: PICNIC LIKE A PARISIAN

When the sun shines and the weather is warm, Parisians adjourn to the city’s grassy parks, such as Champ-de-Mars and the paved banks of the Seine, for alfresco eating. Plentiful food shops make provisioning le pique-nique fun and easy.

SAY CHEESE: Marie-Anne Cantin’s (12 rue du Champ-de-Mars) elegant boutique stands rind and paste above other fromageries for hard, gooey, and obscure varieties from small French farms.

YOUR DAILY BREAD: Who makes the best baguette is an age-old question, but a good place to start is Le Grenier à Pain (38 rue des Abbesses), awarded top honors in last year’s Best Baguette in Paris competition.

JUST DESSERTS: Sweet tooths rejoice over the daily delivery of cakes and confections from some of Paris’ top chefs at Fou de Pâtisserie (45 rue Montorgueil), the city’s first pastry concept shop.

POUR IT ON: Les Caves du Panthéon (174 rue Saint-Jacques) stocks a wide selection of wines, from inexpensive up-and-comers to ne Bordeaux.

ONE-STOP-SHOP: Le Bon Marché’s Grande Épicerie de Paris (38 rue de Sèvres) is a temple for foie gras, caviar, prepared foods, and many more high-end staples. Carry it all in their cute canvas tote – also a fun souvenir for gatherings at home.

TAKE IT EASY: Travelers short on time can order ahead from the new organic picnic menus prepared by Épicerie Générale (43 rue de Verneuil and 1 rue Moncey) that include a mix of salad, fruit, sandwiches, olives, dessert, and even Champagne; the boutique grocer
also delivers.