[Luxus Magazine] Open-air escape: when chic terraces and picnics redefine the art of living around Paris

Versailles At a time when Parisians are dreaming of nature without sacrificing elegance, terraces on the outskirts of the capital and new-generation picnics are gaining ground. Far from a simple lunch on the grass, these experiences are becoming lifestyle moments in their own right at hotels just a stone’s throw from Paris. Here are seven exceptional places that combine greenery, fresh air, and fine dining.

 

Urban frenzy and a growing desire to slow down are transforming our relationship with leisure. The terraces located a few kilometers from Paris appeal with their bucolic atmosphere. From the Ile au Parc de Saint Germain to the rustic terrace of the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, these places offer a timeless escape. People come here to have lunch in the open air, sip a drink at the end of the day, or extend the evening under the fairy lights. These spots, combining countryside and elegance, satisfy a desire to disconnect while maintaining a certain level of lifestyle.

 

It is in this context that picnics are experiencing a real renaissance. Say goodbye to crumpled tablecloths and improvised sandwiches: make way for baskets filled by Michelin-starred chefs, designer accessories, and locations chosen for photo ops. Nature is becoming the new chic living room, and every element of the picnic is carefully thought out, from the porcelain tableware to the selection of mature cheeses.

 

Luxus Magazine presents its selection of chic tables with a country feel.

 

The Trianon Palace Picnic – Versailles (20 km from Paris)

© Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace

 

Just a few steps from the Palace, the elegant terrace of the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, orchestrated by chef Frédéric Larquemin, offers a bucolic gastronomic interlude overlooking the royal gardens. A refined setting where you can enjoy exceptional cuisine in a setting steeped in history, between serenity and grandeur.

 

Les Étangs de Corot – Ville-d’Avray (15 km from Paris)

 

© Les Etangs de Corot

 

Just 30 minutes from the capital, Les Étangs de Corot offers a truly bucolic escape. Michelin-starred chef Rémi Chambard serves inventive, locally sourced cuisine that showcases the best of the Île-de-France region in a sustainable and refined manner. Nestled between forest and lakes, this enchanting estate invites you to relax in an atmosphere imbued with impressionist poetry. In addition to gastronomic experiences on the terrace or in the dining room, the Maison offers an elegant picnic to take away, to be enjoyed by the water or in the woods. A rare address, where luxury, nature, and art de vivre come together in perfect harmony.

 

Click here to read the full article on Luxus Magazine

 

Featured photo: © Cyril Mouty/Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace

Picture of Vicky Berger
Vicky Berger
Vicky Berger, freelance journalist, has been working in the world of luxury and lifestyle for almost 30 years. Her career, marked by travel and a wealth of international experience, has led her to explore the fields of beauty, hospitality, gastronomy and decoration. She is passionate about what she does and loves sharing her favorites. Her interests include 1920s and 1930s architecture and design.
luxus magazine printemps 2025

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