Paris Picnic Etiquette: the Do’s and Don’ts of Dining Al Fresco

August 5, 2011  by Victoria Wall

Parc des Buttes Chaumont (Celine NYC)

If you’re in Paris in summer, you’ll pretty quickly realize that as soon as the sun starts to glimmer, Parisians grind into picnic gear. However, despite informal appearances, there is a complex and unspoken code of conduct to be adhered to in order to avoid unforgivable picnic faux pas.

Do dress appropriately.

It is important to give the air of not trying very hard. For girls: a categorical ‘no’ to heels and look-at-me makeup.  For guys: forget smart suits or bling sportswear, it’s all about skinny jeans and scarves. Subtle colour and pattern coordination are à la mode. Hats highly recommended.

Gail Tang

Do arrive late.

It is useless to turn up anywhere near the appointed picnic hour. It is best to saunter up several hours in, give a slightly (don’t overdo it) apologetic smile, whilst simultaneously giving the impression that your diary is over-spilling with très fun engagements and that the organiser should therefore be delighted that you’ve managed to squeeze them in.

Karigee

Do invite lots of friends.

The concept of ‘the more the merrier’ is de rigueur. Whereas the biting winter winds keep Parisians at home or drives them (penguin-style) into crowded, sweaty bars, the warm summer weather democratizes social gatherings, which are known to take on gigantesque proportions!

Do not buy ready-made sandwiches.

It is unacceptable to pop to the supermarket and pick up a long-life cellophane-encased creation that deigns to call itself a ‘sandwich’. A fresh baguette, some cheese and charcuterie are the bare minimum. Continue Reading »

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Wine Harvest in Paris – Montmartre’s Fête des Vendanges

October 9, 2009  by Tory Hoen

Photo: Painting in Paris

We all know that France produces its fair share of wine, but did you know that Montmartre has its own wine-producing tradition? In addition to being the home of Paris’ only functioning vineyard, it is also home to the Fête des Vendanges, an annual wine festival that celebrates local products and culture. This year’s festival kicked off on Wednesday and runs through Sunday the 11th, featuring musical and theatrical performances,  fireworks, and plenty of wines and foods from France and neighboring countries. Continue Reading »

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Adventures in Wine with Ô Chateau

July 3, 2009  by Tory Hoen

All photos courtesy of O-chateau.com

It’s no secret that wine is a fundamental part of life in France, and it’s no wonder that wine lovers throughout the world hold French wine in particularly high esteem. From production to consumption, the rituals and processes associated with French wine reflect the essence of what life in this country is all about: quality, tradition, and of course, joie de vivre.

But for many visitors to France—wine novices and aficionados alike—the world of French wine can be as intimidating as it is enticing. The seemingly simple act of navigating a wine list is, in fact, anything but simple when you consider the many factors involved—region, grape variety, vintage, and the ever-elusive concept of terroir. Luckily, sommelier Olivier Magny and his dynamic team at Ô Chateau have set out to demystify the world of French wine and to remind us why we love it: it’s fun. 

Continue Reading »

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