When my husband and I were in our twenties, we quit our jobs and moved to Paris together. It was the boldest thing I had ever done (maybe still is) and oh-so worth it. We traveled throughout France, got a Eurail Pass and explored other countries, and took French language and civilization courses at the Sorbonne.
It was that experience that cemented a lifelong love of all-things French in me, from the food to the French Girl style to their gorgeous garden style. Which is why I love these French-inspired outdoor living finds, easy updates to bring a bit of Provence to your patio.
Whether you want to go full-out French or just add a few updates, here are the best finds for adding oh la la to your outdoor lifestyle.
Rugs & Planters
An outdoor rug is an easy way to lay the foundation for your French-chic patio. This black and white checkered rug is a classic French look, or you can opt for a softer, blue stripe rug.
And if there’s one thing the French do beautifully, it’s mixing old-world texture into outdoor spaces. Aged terracotta planters instantly give a patio that established garden feel, even if you planted everything yesterday.
Shop the look:
Aged Terracotta Pot
A little patina, a lot of French style. This perfectly aged terracotta pot will add a touch of Provence to your patio tout de suite.
McGee & Co. Striped Rug
Checkered Rug
McGee & Co. Talbot Planter
Rustic Terracotta Pot
Set of Three Terracotta Pots
McGee & Co. Sacaren Planter
Add Olive Trees and Lavender Everywhere
Nothing says “South of France” quite like olive trees and lavender. Even one olive tree in a weathered planter can completely change the feel of a patio. If you don’t want the upkeep, faux olive trees have gotten surprisingly good lately, especially in covered outdoor spaces. And lavender tucked into pots near seating areas adds that soft French-garden feel instantly. It’s hard to find faux lavender that looks as good as the real thing, so give your green thumb a try and opt for real lavender.
Shop the look:
Real Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Real Lavender Plants
Vintage-Style Watering Can
French Stripes? Always a Good Idea
If there’s one shortcut to making an outdoor space feel French-inspired, it’s stripes. A striped patio umbrella immediately gives “French Riviera café” energy, while striped cushions and bolster pillows make everything feel layered and collected. If you have a set of chairs you already love, just add striped covers and you’re on your way to a French-style setup. I especially love mixing black-and-white stripes with aged terracotta and greenery. It’s a look that works on any patio.
Shop the look:
Striped Umbrella
Scallop-Edge Umbrella
Striped Patio Cushions
McGee & Co. Striped Bolster Pillow
McGee & Co. Poisson Outdoor Pillow
Bring on the Bistro Set
One of my favorite French-inspired patio ideas is a bistro-style seating area, even if it’s just a small corner of a patio or balcony. A bistro table, café chairs, and string lights instantly make a space feel inviting. And the French aren’t fussy about outdoor decor: You’ll more likely see a folding teak chair on their patio than a fancy outdoor setup.
With the right bistro set, you’ll want to step outside for coffee in the morning and a Hugo spritz by evening.
Shop the look:
Classic Bistro Set
Folding Teak Chair Set
Iron Bistro Set
Outdoor String Lights
Layer in Collected, European-Inspired Furniture
Good news: You don’t need matching everything to create a French-inspired patio. The magic is in mixing textures and materials: iron, wicker, teak, stone, soft upholstery.
For a more elevated look, I love the European-inspired outdoor pieces from McGee & Co. right now. Their outdoor collections are classy and quality, and I especially love the curved Pomeroy pieces which have a graceful, resort-in-Provence feel.
For dining outside, bistro chairs are as French as you can get, and paired with a farmhouse table, the look is tres chic.
Shop the look:
McGee & Co. Pomeroy Sofa
McGee & Co. Pomeroy Chaise
McGee & Co. McCarthy Outdoor Dining Table
Farmhouse Dining Table
McGee & Co. Haviland Bar Cart
McGee & Co. Haviland Ottoman
Outdoor Chair Set
Scallop-Edge Umbrella
Don’t Forget the Lighting and Tabletop Details
It’s all about the little details when refining a French patio. Lanterns, portable lamps, and soft lighting completely change the mood.
For your tabletop, try acrylic tumblers that look like vintage glassware and beautiful patterned plates and serving pieces. Add a small outdoor lamp and you may forget you’re at home and not at a pretty Parisian outdoor cafe.
We love the outdoor collections from McGee & Co., featured below. They’re classic, quality, and perfect for your Provence-style patio.
Shop the McGee & Co. Outdoor Accessories:
Blue Acrylic Tumblers
Avondale Melamine Dinnerware
Gilson Lanterns
Poldina Portable Tabletop Lamps
Soren Outdoor Wall Sconce
One of the best things about a French-inspired patio is that it doesn’t require perfection. It’s a place you’ll feel comfortable in, and that’s the most important element of all.
Want to show off your French Girl style while you’re sipping a Hugo Spritz on the patio? Check out our story on French Girl Summer Capsule Wardrobe pieces.
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