When picnics become chic

Five elegant picnic ideas in Lombardy, with delightful scenery and elegant food and wine experiences.

18th June is International Picnic Day: what better opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and into the beauty of nature?

Today, the picnic is no longer just a traditional lunch out in the open air; it can also be a rural chic experience, a ritual about well-being and taste, and a moment for self care, surrounded by the panoramic views and flavours of the area.

Amidst the farmhouses and orchards, immersed in the green of farms and lavender fields, noble gardens and hills overlooking the lakes, here are five ideas that will transform your Lombardy picnic into an elegant, unforgettable experience.

Under the stars among the Cremonese farmhouses (CR)
During the clear summer nights, the farmhouses of Cremona are the perfect location for a picnic under the stars. Your experience begins at sunset, when the sky turns pink and the colours create beautiful effects with light. Among the hay bales, rustic blankets, soft lighting and lamps hung from the trees, waiting for the stars to start twinkling in the sky, you can enjoy the delights of the area: from the cold cuts and fresh cheeses, to the homemade compotes, bread baked in wood ovens and traditional confectionery. To complete this beautiful, dreamy bucolic setting, a lovely glass of wine or a craft beer to immerse themselves in an atmosphere from other times, where time seems to pass by slowly.

The lavender fields of Oltrepò Pavese (PV)
Lavender, summer fragrance and expanses of purple? There is no need to travel to Provence: Lombardy, from the end of May to the first weeks of July, fields of lavender in full bloom colour the hills of Oltrepò Pavese with deep shades of purple and lilac that release their unmistakable heady scent. Here, a picnic becomes an intimate, sensory ritual: strolling among the rows and rows of lavender, where you can pick the perfumed bunches and sit on elegant linen mats before losing yourself in a good book. A corner of heaven. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a day out with friends, with a deep dive into nature and beauty, where you can enjoy the picture postcard scenery and make unforgettable memories.

The hills and vineyards of Lake Garda (BS)
The vineyards on the hills over Lake Garda are a paradise for wine enthusiasts and one of the most fascinating destinations for those dreaming about a picnic with a gourmet flavour. A special mention should go to Valtenesi, an extraordinary area nestled between the moraine hills and the Brescian shores of Lake Garda, where many wineries organise local wine tastings outside, with a selection of finger foods inspired by tradition, such as lake sardines carpione, bread and oil from Garda, and alpine cheeses. As well as the gastronomic experience, the area has numerous panoramic routes, perfect for hikes through natural surroundings, history, and spectacular visits to the lake and the peninsula of Sirmione. An experience that combines the beauty of the landscape, wealth of food and wine, and the timeless charm of the villages around the lake, making a picnic a journey into the tastes and traditions of the area.

In the garden of an historic villa (VA)
If your dream is a picnic that is all about elegance, the gardens of Varese’s historic villas are the ideal choice. These places, often open to the public for events or guided tours, offer fairy tale scenery filled with hedges, statues and fountains. Among the most beautiful historic residences in Varesotto, the Villa della Porta Bozzolo, a monumental building immersed in a centuries-old park that is a perfect combination of art, nature and history. Located in Casalzuigno, this sixteenth-century villa is famous for its renaissance frescos, period furnishings, and large Italian-style gardens that are magnificent for an elegant picnic immersed in history. On special occasions, the Villa hosts events that invite the public to enjoy an immersive experience inside its walls, with guided visits and specially created “Picnic boxes” created to make the most of the traditional tastes and flavours.

Among the farms and orchards outside the metropolis (MI)
Just a few kilometres from Milan there are unexpected places where you can reconnect with nature. Educational farms, shared vegetable gardens, farm tourism, small orchards: oases of peace that offer the possibility to enjoy splendid picnics immersed the green setting, perfect for those who want to get away from the bustle of the city but above all for families with children. In fact there are many activities in place, including for small children, who can have fun at the farm workshops, outdoor play, and meeting the animals, while adults enjoy the sun, read a book or even enjoy a glass of wine. And you can’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a wicker basket full of zero kilometre produce: wholemeal bread, preserves, fresh juice, cold cuts and cheese made there, rustic bakes and artisanal yogurt. An authentic, sustainable way to discover the pleasure of simple things, away from the hustle of Milan.