Champ de Mars

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was originally a vegetable garden and orchard before being converted into a military parade ground in 1765.

2. 2

   It served as the site for the first festival of the Federation on July 14, 1790, commemorating the French Revolution.

3. 3

   The park is home to the 'Wall for Peace,' a monument featuring the word 'peace' translated into 49 languages.

4. 4

   Its current layout is based on a design by architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, completed in 1908.

5. 5

   During the French Revolution, the park hosted a major massacre in 1791 when the National Guard fired upon anti-monarchist protesters.

6. 6

   The park contains the Lucien Guitry memorial and a statue of Gustave Eiffel.

7. 7

   The ground was historically prone to flooding from the Seine until engineering improvements were made in the 18th century.

Overview

The Champ de Mars is a sprawling 24.5-hectare public greenspace located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. It serves as the primary foreground for the Eiffel Tower, extending southeast to the École Militaire. Originally used as a training ground for the French military, the site takes its name from the Campus Martius in Rome. The park features broad gravel paths, expansive lawns, ornamental flower beds, and a decorative pool. It has hosted multiple World's Fairs, including the 1889 Exposition Universelle where the Eiffel Tower was unveiled. The park is managed by the City of Paris and remains one of the city's most frequented public spaces. It functions as a recreational venue for pedestrians, joggers, and picnickers.

Insider tips

• Bring a picnic blanket as the lawns are open for public use, though check for seasonal 'do not step on the grass' signs.

• The area is prone to pickpockets; keep your personal belongings secured in crowded zones near the tower.

• Avoid accepting unsolicited gifts like friendship bracelets from individuals wandering the paths.