Flip-Flop France: Things to Do: Picnic in the Park

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Things to Do: Picnic in the Park

As promised from my 'bread' post I want to share the secrets to a perfect picnic in Lyon. Nothing is as uncomplicated but yet so enjoyable as a fabulous picnic between friends. Here's what you'll need:

Friends: You can picnic alone, of course, but a group of 3+ tends to be more convivial
Food: Ah, here's where the joy comes in.. either go for fancy be creating some dishes such as:

Quiche
Taboulé Salad
Tomato/Basil/Red Onion Salad
BLT (Bacon Lettuce Tomato) Sandwiches
Fruit salad
Baguette

OR simplify:

Cherry Tomatoes
Packs of Salami/saucisson
Chips
Brie/gooey fromage
Baguette

OR spend some cash:

Go to Brind'Soupe on 70 rue masséna
For 9 bucks get entrée/plat/dessert packed up and ready to go
OR go to Pizza Hut on Rue Massena and get their 5 buck pizza deal

Booze: Not obligatory, but tends to be much more fun and interesting with a chilled bottle of rosé wine in tow.
Necessaries:

Bottled water
Napkins
Trash bag
Forks
One knife
Bottle opener

Now the spot. There are three spots I like to visit in rotating occasions:

1/ The Parc de la Tête d'Or: Everyone knows this place and it's usually a great place with a group of people. As a warning, avoid large crowded areas in the park or you could get hit in the head with a soccer ball. We usually cycle up to the main entrance, take a right into the large park and find an area with a tree nearby.

2/ Place Antonin Poncet: Suprisingly unknown to many, the little area that has a below level parking garage, located to la Rue des Marronniers, also has a fairly clean grassy area with a lovely fountain next door. Need an address? Just head for le Sud and then picnic in the grass.

3/ Sur le Quai: Of course, typical evening spot on the waterfront.. side of the Rhone. Fabulous area, and can always wander to a boat bar after for a digestive.

Here's some of my favorite picnics: