tour eiffel parc du champ de mars paris

The Champ de Mars in Paris: The Complete Guide

What to See & Do in and Around the Park

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

How to Beat the Crowds

Getting there.

• What to See Nearby

Champ de Mars

One of the grandest green spaces in Paris, the Champ de Mars stretches northwest to southwest from the foot of the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire. A symbol of military prowess and discipline, you can easily imagine soldiers parading down its long, wide "avenues," which are punctuated by an oblong plot of green at the center.

From the top of the French capital's most-famous tower it can be observed in its full grandeur. No wonder it made our list of the most interesting places to visit in the area . Read on for tips on how to enjoy this stately park and its surrounding attractions.

A Bit of History

Appropriately named after the Roman god of war, the Champ de Mars was once an agricultural site: a fact that helps explain why it appears so flat when viewed from panoramic heights. Fittingly, "champ" means "field" in French.

Ordinary Parisian citizens farmed small plots of land in the area, then known as the Grenelle, growing fruit and vegetables and selling them at onsite markets. Vineyards were also planted in the area when Paris was still a winemaking site.

This all changed around 1765, when planning began in the area for a prestigious military academy known as the Ecole Militaire . A new green space, featuring the precise sorts of symmetries popularized in formal French gardens at Versailles , the Tuileries and elsewhere, replaced the farm plots of old.

Several historical events have brought attention and renown to the second most-famous "Champ" of Paris (the first being the wide avenue known as the Champs-Elysées):

• The world's first hot-air balloon was launched from the park in 1783 — an exciting moment in the early history of aviation.
• Following the French Revolution of 1789, both festive and bloody events and took place on the Champ de Mars between 1790 to 1791. The first celebration of the holiday that would eventually be termed "Bastille Day" took place here, a year to the day after the storming of the prison on the Place de la Bastille. In 1791, a brutal massacre was perpetrated at the site.
• A guillotine was set up by the Revolutionary government on the Champ; the first mayor of Paris was executed here in 1793.
• The site also appears in many commemorative illustrations and other memorabilia marking the unveiling of Gustave Eiffel's bold new tower, during the Universal Exposition of 1889.

What to Do at the Park

As one of the most-recognizable sites in the French capital, the park is incredibly popular with tourists. Here's how to best enjoy it, no matter the season.

A stroll down the long, wide green expanse and gardens within can be pleasant year-round, except perhaps when the weather is at its coldest and wettest. Still, rain or shine, many tourists enjoy the excellent views of the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars, and take advantage of the photo opportunities during a walk around the gardens.

In the spring and summer, sprawl out for a picnic on the lush lawns. We recommend that you stock up on typical French picnic goodies such as fresh, crusty baguettes, pastries, fresh fruit and charcuterie (cured meats) on nearby streets such as Rue Cler , famous for its shops and excellent bakeries.

If you're short on time, you can also buy a sandwich, crepe or other Parisian street foods from shops in the area and enjoy a casual outdoor meal on the grass after visiting the Eiffel Tower or the nearby area known as "Trocadero."

As you can imagine, this area can be very crowded due to the large numbers of visitors who flock to see the Eiffel Tower. It may be best to visit in the early mornings and on weekdays to beat the crowds and enjoy the "Champ" in relative peace and quiet.

It's obviously less crowded during the late fall and winter since low season means fewer tourists — but chilly winds and rain can make it less appealing to linger outdoors during these times.

The Champ de Mars is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris , on the left bank of the Seine River. It is easily reached by metro or RER (commuter-line) train. The closest stop is Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER Line C).

If you're taking the metro (most tourists find it more convenient than the RER), the nearest stations are Ecole Militaire (Line 8) or La Motte Picquet-Grenelle (Line 6, 8 and 10). You can also get off at La Tour Maubourg near Les Invalides (line 9) and walk to the park from there.

What to See Around the Champ de Mars?

There's plenty to see and do around the park. Here are just a few sights and attractions we recommend you focus your time on.

Eiffel Tower: This one's an obvious but essential choice. Take the elevators to the uppermost observation decks, and gaze out at the Champ de Mars for some dizzying and grand panoramic views. Photo ops are excellent from up here, of course. You might also want to eat lunch or dinner at one of the tower's restaurants, to enjoy the views for even longer.

Palais de Chaillot and the Trocadero: After visiting the city's most-celebrated tower, head over to the nearby Palais de Chaillot , unveiled for the Universal Exposition of 1937. The sprawling plaza here affords more excellent views of Gustav's beloved tower, and several sites of note occupy the buildings. The Cité de l'Architecture houses an interesting collection devoted to architectural history, while the Musée de l'Homme is dedicated to anthropology. There's also a national theatre where dance performances are regularly held.

Palais de Tokyo and the Modern Art Museum of Paris: Modern art fans should spend some time perusing the innovative exhibits at the nearby Palais de Tokyo and Modern Art Museum of the City of Paris. These are two of the most important contemporary art museums in the French capital, and are well worth a look.

Galliera Fashion Museum: For something a bit off the beaten path, why not stop over at the nearby Palais Galliera ? The fascinating museum of fashion here puts on exhibits dedicated to style icons and designers that regularly sell out. On a sunny day, the garden out front, decorated with lush flower beds and elegant sculptures, is a lovely place to take a rest after a day of exploring the area.

Please note: This museum is currently closed for renovations and is expected to re-open in 2020.

Invalides and the Musée de l'Armée: Head over to the sprawling military complex known as Les Invalides to witness the tomb of Emperor Napoleon I, and see the collections of the adjoining Army Museum (Musée de l'Armée). From medieval armor and impressive swords to more modern artillery, including the Emperor's personal firearms, there's a wealth of objects to admire at this underrated museum.

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Parc du Champ de Mars

Running southeast from the Eiffel Tower, the grassy Champ de Mars – an ideal summer picnic spot – was originally used as a parade ground for the cadets of the 18th-century École Militaire , the vast French-classical building at the southeastern end of the park, which counts Napoléon Bonaparte among its graduates. The steel-and-etched-glass Wall for Peace Memorial , erected in 2000, is by Clara Halter.

From 2021 to 2024 the park will host a temporary Grand Palais while the original undergoes Olympic renovations.

Check for scheduled children's puppet shows .

Champ de Mars, 7e

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How to Visit the Champ de Mars

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 3rd March 2023

Categories Paris

Last Updated on 3rd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Lying in the shadow of the illustrious Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is a vast green space that is popular for picnics in the summer months and is often used for events and pop-ups the rest of the year.

It’s even been used as the backdrop for many a filming location over the years. In French, the park is known as the Parc du Champ-de-Mars . Here’s how to visit Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement and things to know before you go!

A history of the Champ de Mars

Go up the eiffel tower, enjoy a picnic, see magnolias and cherry blossoms, snap photos of fall foliage.

The history of the Parisian park dates all the way back to 1870. In a tribute to the Roman God of War, Mars, the green space is named ‘Mars Field’ after a field in Rome.

This is also because the Champ de Mars’ strategic position close to the Military School meant that the area was once used as drilling and marching grounds.

Prior to the construction of the Eiffel Tower, the area where the public park now is was used as allotments. Private citizens could rent and own small plots to grow vegetables and flowers to sell at local markets.

Today, the park stretches from the Eiffel Tower in the North West to École Militaire in the South East and is one of the best places to see near the Eiffel Tower .

Things to do at the Champ de Mars

One of the most obvious things to do near the Champ de Mars is of course going up the Eiffel Tower, which was once the tallest structure in the world and since its creation in the latter half of the 1800s has since become an emblem of Paris.

Those wishing to go up the Eiffel Tower should note that it’s one of the busiest attractions in France, and as such, has queues to match. The best time to visit is early morning and mid-week if possible. Save time and purchase your direct-access Eiffel Tower tickets here in advance.

Of course, what better view to enjoy the Eiffel Tower sparkling than directly in front of it? If you wish to take part in a picnic, then note that you should bring a blanket or picnic blanket with you.

The grass is not of the best quality and can be bare in some patches. After all, this is one of the only parks in Paris where visitors are actually allowed to walk on the grass! Otherwise, be sure to come prepared with everything you need in the way of drinks and snacks.

The Champ de Mars is in a pretty sparse area and there is not much way of speciality supermarkets and shops around. Basic picnic supplies that you’ll want to bring with you include a baguette , local cheese, some fruit, and other snack items.

If you buy wine, be sure to also bring a bottle opener along as many French wines are corked as opposed to having screw tops. For more tips and tricks, be sure to check out our guide to creating the ultimate Parisian picnic.

Depending on the time of the year that you visit will depend on what kind of flowers that you’re able to see on the Champ de Mars. Though Paris is always worth a visit, my personal favourite time of the year is during the spring when all of the beautiful blooms are out and Paris is quieter than during the summer.

One of the first spring flowers to bloom in Paris is the magnolia, which typically flowers in February or March, depending on how harsh the winter has been.

There are a number of magnolia blossom trees in the Champ de Mars, though visitors should note that new security fences around the Eiffel Tower make them harder to photograph than in previous years.

The other spring flower that is easily found in the Champ-de-Mars is that of cherry blossom and almond blossom. Depending on the weather, these flowers typically bloom between late March and mid-April. For more information, be sure to check out our cherry blossom guide to Paris .

Though not the best-known spot in the city to spot the changing of the leaf colours during the autumn, the vast green space that is Champ de Mars nevertheless deserves a place on this list, for the simple fact that it’s surrounded by so many trees! For more fall inspiration, check out our guide to the best fall foliage in Paris .

Enjoyed reading about how to visit the Champ de Mars? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Field of Mars

The famous garden next to the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars

Champs de Mars

The Campo de Marte Park or Champ de Mars, is the famous garden located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower  in Paris .

In its extensive length (780 meters long x 200 meters wide) they have happened , throughout history , multiple events relevant such as the 1971 massacre during the French Revolution , with the subsequent execution of his impeller Jean Sylvain Bailly in a guillotine in 1793, and others situations further happy as inauguration of the Iron Lady on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of 1889.

That see in the Champs de Mars

The Field of Mars is one of the numerous  Gardens in Paris where we find green areas , lagoons and fountains. There are also facilities sports facilities, such as basketball courts and children parks.

A lot of people visit the El Campo de Marte park to relax and rest  leaning back about his friendly vegetation and contemplating the passage of tourists and the multiple visions possible of the Eiffel Tower .

It is an excellent place to drink photographs with the famous background tower .

In the few occasions in which it falls  snow about Paris , this is one of the meeting points favorite of the Paris public.

Champ de Mars at night

A great plan can also be go lie down about the field one time finalized the day and now entering the night , after having tour and enjoyed Paris, to relax looking at the illuminated Eiffel Tower , one of the shows further beautiful in the city

The Field of Mars is a special garden to enjoy the day, and also to end it in the best way way .

Places nearby

• The Invalids
• Quai Branly Museum
• Rodin museum
• Esplanade Les Invalides

2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur 75007 Paris, France

Metro: École Militaire, line 8

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Tour Eiffel et Parc du Champ-de-Mars : une escapade inévitable à Paris

La Tour Eiffel et le parc du Champ-de-Mars : une escapade incontournable à Paris

Lorsque l’on évoque la capitale française , il est impossible de ne pas penser à la célèbre dame de fer qu’est la Tour Eiffel . Ce monument emblématique se dresse fièrement au-dessus des toits de la ville, offrant un panorama exceptionnel aux millions de visiteurs qui s’y pressent chaque année. Mais saviez-vous que ce véritable joyau architectural est entouré d’un écrin de verdure tout aussi charmant ? C’est le parc du Champ-de-Mars , situé entre la tour et l’École militaire, qui étend ses jardins sur 24 hectares et offre aux parisiens et aux touristes un lieu de détente et de loisirs apprécié.

Le parc du Champ-de-Mars : histoire et création

Au XVIIIe siècle, les terrains où se trouve aujourd’hui le parc étaient utilisés pour les exercices militaires de l’École royale militaire. En effet, c’est en 1765 que le marquis de Marigny décide d’acquérir ces terrains pour y construire l’établissement et ses jardins. Il faudra attendre la fin du XIXe siècle pour que la zone prenne réellement son aspect actuel, avec notamment l’installation de la Tour Eiffel à l’occasion de l’Exposition universelle de 1889.

Durant cette période, le site est également utilisé pour la célébration de divers événements populaires, tels que des fêtes foraines ou des courses hippiques. C’est finalement en 1908 que le Champ-de-Mars est officiellement classé comme jardin public , et devient ainsi un espace vert ouvert à tous.

Aménagements et transformations au fil du temps

Au fil des années, le parc a subi plusieurs aménagements et transformations afin d’accueillir au mieux les visiteurs. Parmi ces changements, on peut notamment citer :

• L’installation d’un manège en 1929, qui fait toujours le bonheur des plus petits aujourd’hui;
• La construction de la fontaine de Varsovie en 1937, avec ses jets d’eau et son bassin rectangulaire;
• L’aménagement de pelouses accessibles au public dans les années 1950, idéales pour pique-niquer ou se détendre;
• Le réaménagement complet du site en 1981, avec la création de nouvelles allées et l’ajout d’équipements sportifs (terrains de pétanque, tennis, football).

Le charme et les atouts du parc du Champ-de-Mars

Véritable havre de paix au cœur de la ville, le parc du Champ-de-Mars offre à ses visiteurs une belle variété d’ espaces verts et d’ activités pour profiter pleinement de leur passage. Voici quelques-uns des atouts de ce jardin public :

Une végétation luxuriante et diversifiée

Au sein du parc, on peut admirer pas moins de 1666 arbres , dont certains sont centenaires. Parmi les essences présentes, on retrouve notamment des marronniers, des érables, des tilleuls ou encore des frênes. Le site compte également une trentaine d’espèces d’ oiseaux qui viennent se réfugier dans la verdure.

Des équipements sportifs pour tous les goûts

Outre les terrains de pétanque, tennis et football mentionnés plus haut, le parc dispose aussi d’un parcours de santé et de plusieurs aires de jeux pour enfants. De quoi satisfaire les envies de détente et de loisirs de chacun !

Un lieu chargé d’histoire et de culture

Enfin, il convient de souligner l’importance historique et culturelle du site, avec sa proximité immédiate de la Tour Eiffel et de l’École militaire. Le monument aux morts, situé sur l’un des côtés du parc, rappelle également le passé militaire des lieux.

Les événements incontournables au parc du Champ-de-Mars

Au fil des saisons, le parc accueille régulièrement des événements festifs qui contribuent à son dynamisme et à son attractivité. Voici quelques rendez-vous à ne pas manquer :

• Le feu d’artifice du 14 juillet, tiré depuis la Tour Eiffel et offrant un spectacle époustouflant;
• La Fête de la musique, avec des concerts gratuits organisés dans l’enceinte du parc;
• Les cinémas en plein air durant l’été, pour profiter d’une toile sous les étoiles;
• Les expositions temporaires et installations artistiques, qui viennent ponctuellement agrémenter le paysage.

Ainsi, que vous soyez Parisien ou simplement de passage dans la capitale, n’hésitez pas à venir découvrir les charmes et les trésors cachés du parc du Champ-de-Mars. Entre détente au vert, activités sportives et culturelles, et proximité avec l’un des monuments les plus célèbres au monde, ce lieu offre une expérience véritablement unique et inoubliable.

Bonjour, je suis Alex, un passionné de voyages et un explorateur dans l'âme. À travers mon blog de voyage, je partage mes aventures captivantes, mes conseils pratiques et mes découvertes inspirantes. Que ce soit en escaladant des montagnes, en plongeant dans les eaux cristallines ou en dégustant des mets exotiques, j'aime vivre des expériences uniques et les partager avec mes lecteurs.

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Champ de Mars

Paris France Tourist Information and City Guide

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The Eiffel Tower is an amazing structure.  Architecturally elegant and visible from around Paris, a visit to the tower is a "must do" for all visitors to Paris France.

In the next few pages, you will see the "Tour Eiffel" from many perspectives and discover why it is one of the world's most beloved structures.

The photograph on this page was taken from the Parc du Champ de Mars.

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