Enjoy the French springtime custom of le pique-nique. Your picnic basket will overflow with lessons in history, art, language, and food from France. This cultural celebration is perfect for the last day of school, Bastille Day, or any day that's sunny and warm.
History of the Picnic
Pique-nique . . . the French invented the word. The very first picnics were actually held indoors during the 17th century. Guests were all expected to "pick" a dish to share, hence the term "pique". ("Nique" is most likely just a fun rhyming accompaniment.) Before long, the "picnic" term and concept travelled to England. By the 19th century, the term referred to an outdoor society event in which each guest contributed food or entertainment.
Picnics in Art
Get a glimpse of French picnics from over 100 years ago by studying impressionist art. In 1863, Edouard Manet created a stir with Déjeuner sur l'herbe (Lunch on the Grass). This painting inspired similar works by Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. Though the nude in Manet's artwork may not be appropriate for all age levels, choose one of these works of art to introduce the pique-nique theme. Students can create their own picnic artwork.
Useful French Picnic Phrases
Encourage the exclusive use of the French language to make a pique-nique truly authentic.
- Piqueniquer - to picnic
- Faire un pique-nique - to have a picnic
- En plein air - in the open air
- Sur l'herbe - on the grass
- La pelouse -- lawn
- Le déjeuner -- lunch
- J'ai faim - I'm hungry
- J'ai soif - I'm thirsty
- Un panier - a basket
- Une nappe - tablecloth
- Une assiette - plate
- Une fourchette - fork
- Une cuillère - spoon
- Un couteau -- knife
- Un verre - glass
- Une tasse - cup
- Passez-moi - Pass me
- S'il vous plaît - Please
- Merci - Thank you
- De Rien/Pas de quoi - You're welcome
- Bon appétit - Enjoy your meal
Menu
The highlight of any picnic is the food. Gather some simple French specialties for a delicious, thematic feast. Before picnicking, teach the food vocabulary using visuals, realia, and fun games.
- La baguette - French bread
- Le fromage - cheese
- Les fruits - fruits
- Les raisins - grapes
- La pomme - apple
- La quiche - quiche
- Le sandwich - sandwich
- Le jambon - ham
- Le gâteau - cake
- La tarte - pie
- Le chocolat -- chocolate
- Le vin - wine (sparkling juice for the kids)
- L'eau minérale - mineral water
- L'Orangina - an orange soda
Activities and Entertainment
After lunch, it's time for fun in the fresh air. Kids are sure to enjoy active outdoor language games. Try the "Waiter Race". Fill a picnic basket with play food and divide the kids into teams. Waiters take orders from their teammates in French, attempting to deliver more food than the other team.
The French bowling game of pétanque is a popular picnic activity, and so is soccer. Play games, or just relax with a good book or interesting conversation.
Celebrate French language and culture with a picnic. Bon appétit!
Resource: All About History web site
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