Bastille Day (Le 14 Juillet) is France’s national holiday — a day of celebration, liberty and, of course, amazing food. If you’re in the UK and looking to honour the occasion in style, a French picnic is the perfect way to bring family or friends together under the summer sun.
Whether you’re spreading out in a park, garden or even your own living room, Mon Panier Latin has everything you need to create a beautifully French moment, filled with authentic flavours and timeless charm.
What makes a picnic “French”?
A French picnic is more than just sandwiches — it’s a balanced, elegant spread of fresh breads, cheeses, charcuterie, and light sweets, all meant to be shared and enjoyed slowly.
🧺 French Picnic Essentials – All Available at Mon Panier Latin
🥖 1. Baguettes, Brioches & Breadsticks
• Pasquier Mini Brioche Rolls – sweet, fluffy, and ideal with cheese
• French Baguette – slice it or tear it the rustic way
• Ficelle or cheese-filled breadsticks – great for nibbling
🧀 2. Cheeses That Travel Well
• Petit Camembert – soft and creamy
• Comté – nutty and firm, ideal for slicing
• Goat cheese logs – light and tangy
Tip: Pre-cut and pack in wax paper for easy serving.
🥩 3. Charcuterie
• Saucisson sec – peppered or plain
• Rillettes de canard – spread on toast
• Jambon sec – thinly sliced, layered between brioche or fruit
🫒 4. Spreads & Pickled Add-ons
• Cornichons (mini gherkins) – tangy, crunchy and refreshing
• Tapenade – olive paste to serve with bread or crackers
• French Dijon Mustard – for layering in sandwiches or wraps
🍎 5. Compotes & Fruit Snacks
• Fruit purées in pouches (Apple & Strawberry, Apple & Banana) – perfect for kids and adults
• Dried fruit or fresh slices of melon, grapes or strawberries
🍪 6. Something Sweet
• Petit Beurre biscuits – classic French butter cookies
• Madeleines – shell-shaped sponge cakes
• Mini chocolate croissants or Napolitains
🥤 7. To Drink
• Oasis fruit drinks – refreshing and nostalgic
• Sparkling water with a lemon wedge
• (Optional) A glass of chilled rosé or cider for the adults
🎨 Bonus: Styling Tips for Your French Picnic
• Use a woven basket or tote bag and a light cotton blanket
• Wrap cutlery in cloth napkins with twine
• Pack each item in reusable jars, tins or beeswax paper
• Bring a small French flag or tricolour napkin for a festive touch
📄 Download: Free Printable French Picnic Checklist (optional)
Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? We’ve created a free printable checklist you can download from this blog — great for families and first-time hosts alike.
🎯 Final Tip
Bastille Day is all about freedom and joy — so keep it simple, delicious and relaxed. Whether you’re French, francophile, or simply curious, let Mon Panier Latin bring the flavours of home straight to your blanket.
