For many expatriates, Paris is both inspiring and intimidating. It is easy to admire the beauty of the city, but harder to build real connections with locals. Daily routines may include work or administrative appointments, but genuine friendships take longer to grow. The challenge is often knowing where and how to start. Integration is not just about learning French, it is about creating bonds. And sometimes, all it takes is a blanket, a few bites to share, and an open smile to begin. If you are looking for more inspiration on how to make those first steps easier, read our article on 5 Ways to Accelerate Your Integration.
Why Picnics Are Perfect for Integration in Paris
1. An Accessible and Relaxed Setting
Picnics are one of the simplest and most welcoming activities you can imagine. They take place in the open air, in parks that truly belong to everyone, regardless of background or social status. There is no dress code to worry about, no ticket to purchase, and no rigid programme to follow. You only need a blanket, some food, and a willingness to share. This simplicity makes picnics powerful tools for integration because they strip away the formalities that often hold people back. Sitting on the grass, side by side, encourages open conversation in a way that an indoor gathering rarely can. Laughter flows more easily, introductions feel less forced, and everyone feels free to relax and be themselves. The setting alone creates an atmosphere where integration can unfold naturally, slowly replacing hesitation with openness.
2. Food as a Universal Language
Food is one of the strongest bridges between cultures. At a picnic, every dish tells a story. A slice of quiche, a homemade salad, or even a simple baguette becomes more than nourishment — it becomes a starting point for conversation. In France, where food is central to identity and tradition, sharing a meal outdoors carries special meaning. Passing bread, pouring drinks, or exchanging recipes sparks curiosity and connection. For expatriates, it is also a gentle way to practise French in context, by learning names of ingredients, asking about preparation methods, or explaining a dish from their own country. If you want to feel even more confident when using French in everyday situations this summer, read this article on why August in Paris is the perfect time to dare speaking French. Each shared bite fosters integration because it combines language, culture, and human warmth in a single moment. Over time, these repeated gestures of sharing turn into habits of trust and familiarity that build the foundations of long-lasting integration.
3. Parks as Neutral Ground
Paris is filled with green spaces that invite people to gather and connect. The Jardin du Luxembourg with its shady trees and lively fountains, Parc Monceau with its elegant charm, and Parc de la Villette with its modern energy all offer perfect settings for integration picnics. Meeting outdoors in such spaces creates an immediate sense of equality. There is no host or guest, no closed door to walk through, only a shared space open to all. This neutrality helps integration flourish, as people feel at ease to join, leave, or interact at their own rhythm. A picnic in a park makes it clear that everyone is welcome, making it one of the most natural ways to bring together locals and newcomers. Being surrounded by nature also reduces stress and helps conversations flow more easily, further supporting the goal of integration.
From Picnic to Friendship
Something magical happens at these gatherings. A dish from another country sparks curiosity. A simple game brings laughter. A few sentences in French are met with encouragement rather than correction. Slowly, strangers begin to feel like friends. What seems like a light afternoon in the park often leads to invitations to cafés, cultural outings, or even family dinners. Each new contact opens the door to deeper integration. These friendships, built in informal and welcoming settings, often become the anchor that helps expatriates feel at home in Paris. Research by the OECD confirms that participation in community life is one of the strongest drivers of successful integration, proving that even the simplest social activities can make a lasting difference.
Simple Steps to Get Started
If you are in Paris this summer, consider joining or hosting an integration picnic. Choose a lively park where people feel comfortable staying for hours, such as Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Parc André Citroën, or the Jardin du Luxembourg. Bring a mix of food: French staples like cheese, pastries, or fresh fruit, alongside something special from your own country. This small gesture creates a cultural exchange that deepens integration. Encourage fun by adding a ball, a pétanque set, or music, which make it easier for people to relax and connect. Keep the mood inclusive by allowing a mix of French and English, but gently encourage French practice to build confidence. Most importantly, do not let it be a one-time event. Returning to the same park, inviting new people, and sharing more afternoons together transforms a picnic into a tradition that strengthens integration week by week.
Paris in summer is the perfect backdrop for integration. The parks are full of life, the weather draws people outside, and locals are more open to relaxed encounters. What begins as a simple picnic can become a doorway to friendship, cultural discovery, and genuine belonging. Integration does not require perfection in language, it requires presence, openness, and a willingness to share. At Absolutely French, we encourage every expatriate to try this simple yet powerful activity. This summer, let a picnic be more than a meal. Let it be the beginning of your integration journey in Paris.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris