With the third lockdown now behind us and sunny weather in full swing, Parisians are getting creative with finding ways to see their friends. While thankfully the days of people watching from a café terrace have just returned, here are some other ways locals have been staying social — safely.
Picnics with Games
Picnics have always been the quintessential Parisian pastime, but now seeing small groups of friends gathered around board games or sets of cards has become as common as fresh baguettes. Share the hand sanitizer before explaining the rules, and don’t forget your reusable cups! No more shared wine bottles.
Right: rue de Pyrenees, pixiprol
Biking Through the Bois
Did you know that Vélib, Paris’ bike share, has stations throughout the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes? You and a friend can each hop on one and go for a calm ride through the forest, taking in the greenery that you might be missing after a year of staying indoors. Get some takeout from your favorite restaurant and set up beside one of the lakes, and you’re set for a perfect afternoon.
Right: Jardin de Luxembourg, avecmar
Activities Along Canal de l’Ourcq
Not just a lovely spot for a stroll, the activity areas that line the Canal de l’Ourcq are in hotter demand than ever before. Ping-pong and chess tables are the new hangout spots for the young and the old, as long as you bring your own equipment. Both sides of the water have always been pétanque hotspots but finding available space has become the new challenge as more people search for socially distant activities outdoors.
Right: Macarons and Literature, alifirova
Takeaway Beers
If you can’t bring people to the bar, bring the bar to the people! Any square meter of extra space outside of a bar has become a terrasse, but for those holding out for a full reopening, we have beers to-go, which is the new Covid-safer version of happy hour. Young people linger around squares and wide sidewalks in pairs or small groups, each group spaced out from other parties trying to soak up the pre-9pm sun before curfew hits and everyone scurries home.
Right: Champs de Mars Picnic, sissi.saray
Park-Friendly Sports
I’m calling it now: 2021 is the year of badminton. Friends playing badminton has become an increasingly common sight, both in parks and on pedestrian-friendly streets. You can put up a makeshift net, or just whack around a birdie to your liking. If you are not racket sport inclined, frisbees, hula hoops, or slacklines are some other popular options.
Right: Tarte aux Framboises, sorayazrl
Related Links
- New to biking in Paris? Read some tips for seeing Paris by bike.
- Apéro season is back, so distance yourself safely at Paris’ widest terraces!
- Want to picnic in style? Check out the best restaurant take-aways in Paris!
Written by Hannah Polinski for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person (when possible)? Check out new marketplace shop and experiences.
