Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars is a vast, elongated garden situated in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France. It measures 780 meters in length and 220 meters in width, positioned between the Eiffel Tower to its northwest and the École Militaire to its southeast. The name of this square originates from Rome’s Campus Martius, where the word “Mars” in French refers to the Roman god of war.

Originally a military training ground, the Champ de Mars was often chosen for major national celebrations during the French Revolution and was also the site of the Montgolfier brothers’ first hot air balloon flight. In the 19th century, the square hosted several World’s Fairs with temporary pavilions and buildings. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, was one of them, marking the centennial of the French Revolution.

This rectangular garden unfolds across expansive lawns, tree-lined pathways, several ponds, and small grottoes. It also features sculptures, two children’s playgrounds, and the Wall of Peace facing the École Militaire. The garden is free to enter both during the day and at night, offering unique views of the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro area on the opposite bank of the Seine. It regularly hosts large-scale concerts and is also a great spot to watch the fireworks display on Bastille Day, July 14.

Champ de Mars

Must-visit reason: One of the oldest squares in Paris

Continent: Europe

Country/Region: France

Province/State: Île-de-France Region

City: Paris