Overview
The Champ de Mars is one of the great open spaces of Paris — a 24-hectare public garden stretching in a long rectangle between the Eiffel Tower and the grand neoclassical façade of the École Militaire. The name means 'Field of Mars' (the Roman god of war), reflecting its original use as a military training ground and parade field for the École Militaire cadets. It was here that Revolutionary festivals were held, that the first hot-air balloon was demonstrated, and that the 1867 Universal Exposition was staged. The Eiffel Tower was erected at its northern tip for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. Today the Champ de Mars is the most popular picnic destination in Paris — the view of the Eiffel Tower from its lawns is one of the defining Parisian experiences.
🕐 Opening Hours
Effectively always open; no fenced enclosure
Free admission unless noted above
🚇 How to Get There
💡 Come after 9pm in summer to see the Eiffel Tower's hourly light show — the garden is open late.
Get Directions →What to See
- 1Eiffel Tower — the world's most visited monument, visible from every point of the garden
- 2Mur pour la Paix (Wall for Peace) — a glass monument inscribed with the word 'peace' in 49 languages
- 3Puppet theater (Théâtre des Marionnettes du Champ de Mars) — traditional French puppet shows
- 4Playgrounds and carousels — family-friendly facilities throughout the park
- 5Picnic lawns — the most popular picnic spot in Paris, especially at sunset facing the Eiffel Tower
- 6Eiffel Tower light show — 20,000 bulbs create a dazzling sparkle effect every hour after dark
Photos
Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower rising above the park's long central lawn
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