.jpg?width=1600)
park
Champ-de-Mars
A vast lawn between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire, a former parade ground now the favourite picnic garden of Paris.
History & context
Once the drill ground of the École Militaire in the 18th century, the Champ-de-Mars takes its name from the Roman god of war. It hosted the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.
Turned into a public park in the 20th century, it has served as the Eiffel Tower's base since the 1889 World's Fair and remains one of Paris's great open lawns.
Key facts
- District
- 7th — École Militaire
Why visit
- ·Paris's most famous lawn, right under the Eiffel Tower
- ·A free space, perfect for a picnic or a break
- ·The long perspective running down to the École Militaire
What to see
- ·The Eiffel Tower perspective
- ·The Wall for Peace
- ·École Militaire
- ·Children's playgrounds
Practical tips
- ·Bring a blanket, the grass is often damp in the morning
- ·Some lawns are fenced off to recover
- ·Ideal with children before or after going up the tower
Best photo spots
- ·From the southern end, the tower framed by the central alley
- ·Lying on the grass, shooting upward from under the pillars
Good to know
- ·Some lawns are fenced off in rotation to let the grass recover
- ·Little shade in summer: settle near the tree-lined paths
- ·Access to the park itself is free and unrestricted
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Late in the day, sit on the École Militaire side: you'll see the tower light up without the Trocadéro crowds.
With family
Playgrounds and wide lawns make it one of the best stops in Paris with children.
Nearby
Eiffel Tower
Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel for the World's Fair, the Iron Lady rises 330 metres and remains the ultimate symbol of Paris.
Trocadéro
The esplanade of the Palais de Chaillot, built for the 1937 World's Fair, facing the Eiffel Tower across the Seine.
Les Invalides
17th-century monumental complex with a gilded dome, housing Napoleon's tomb and the Army Museum.