Champ de Mars Paris – The Park with the Best View in Town

Spread out between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire, the Champ de Mars Paris is a sprawling green oasis that has witnessed centuries of history. Once a military parade ground, this verdant expanse now serves as a communal backyard for Parisians and visitors alike.

Stop by for a picnic with a view of the Iron Lady or to let the kids romp around in one of the many playgrounds. The Champ de Mars Paris is another quintessential Parisian experience.

Marching to a Different Beat

Champ de Mars and École Militaire at night, seen from the Eiffel Tower

Long before it became Paris's favorite backyard, the Champ de Mars was all business — military business, to be exact. Back in the 18th century, this now-lush park was a giant training ground for the cadets of the École Militaire. Named after Mars, the Roman god of war, the place was all about drills, discipline, and the occasional stomping of future emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Fast forward to the French Revolution, and the Champ de Mars turned into a hotspot for public gatherings — some more cheerful than others. It played host to the grand Fête de la Fédération in 1790, a massive celebration of unity (imagine an 18th-century block party, but with muskets and powdered wigs). A year later, things took a darker turn with the Champ de Mars Massacre, proving that public squares in revolutionary France were anything but dull.

Then came the World Fairs, where Paris decided to flex on the rest of the world. The 1889 Exposition Universelle gave us the Eiffel Tower — originally a temporary attraction to be torn down in ten years. (Spoiler: it wasn't.) Over time, the park transitioned from military drills and political upheaval to picnics, joggers, and a front-row seat to the city's favorite landmark.

Paris's Ultimate Picnic Spot: The Champ de Mars

The expansive green lawn of the Champ de Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower

Imagine a park so generous with its space that you can spread out a picnic without worrying about someone's sneaker-clad foot trampling your brie. That's the Champ de Mars. Sprawling over 60 acres, this green haven is all about wide lawns, tree-lined walkways, and just enough benches for serious people-watching.

Springtime means cherry blossoms with their pastel charm; summer is an endless parade of picnickers, musicians, and sunbathers taking in the open-air ambiance. Autumn turns the whole scene into a painting of gold and rust while winter dusts the park in a crisp, frosty glow, making it a scenic stop on a cold-weather stroll.

And let's not forget the Eiffel Tower looming in the background like a very elegant chaperone, reminding you that yes, you are in Paris, and yes, you should probably take a photo. You could argue that no picnic spot in the city has a better view — and you'd be right.

Things to Do at Champ de Mars Paris

The best view of the Champ de Mars is from the Eiffel Tower, photo by Mark Craft

The Champ de Mars isn't just a pretty face — it's packed with activities. Families love the playgrounds, where kids can unleash their energy on swings and slides. There's also an old-school carousel at the base of the Tower, because no Paris park is complete without one. And for something truly Parisian, check out the puppet theater, where old-fashioned performances still entertain the little ones.

Joggers claim the pathways for their morning runs, while groups of friends sprawl out on the grass for impromptu picnics (or, let's be honest, wine-fueled lounging). You'll also find yoga classes, casual soccer games, and the occasional rollerblader showing off moves from the early 2000s. (You know who you are.)

Photographers — both the tripod-wielding professionals and the casual Instagram crowd — flock here to capture the Eiffel Tower in all its moods, from sunrise serenity to nighttime sparkle. Speaking of nighttime…

The Party Never Stops: Events at Champ de Mars

Champs de Mars Christmas market, photo by Mark Craft

The Champ de Mars is Paris's go-to venue for big celebrations. Bastille Day (July 14th) sees the park packed with Parisians waiting for the spectacular fireworks show over the Eiffel Tower — arguably the best light show in… well, anywhere. Throughout the year, concerts, cultural festivals, and musical performances turn the park into an open-air stage.

One of the most enchanting experiences is watching the Eiffel Tower's nightly spectacle. Every evening, on the hour, the tower lights up in a sparkling display that lasts only five minutes — just enough time to forget all your problems and remember why Paris is Paris.

Seasonal events? Check. The Eiffel Tower Christmas market sets up from November to January, and the smell of roasted chestnuts waft through the air. On summer evenings, locals bring blankets and bottles of wine, turning the lawn into an alfresco dining room with a view. And, when the football/soccer World Cup is broadcast large-scale screenings take over the space, proving that Champ de Mars is never just a quiet park.

Beyond the Lawn: What's Near Champ de Mars Paris?

View of the Eiffel Tower through the Wall for Peace, photo by Mark Craft

• École Militaire — The serious-looking building at the southeastern end of the park is still a training ground, but now for France's military elite. Napoleon himself once studied here, so you're walking in the footsteps of an emperor.
• Wall for Peace — A modern monument with the word "peace" written in multiple languages. Because Paris, for all its revolutions, strives to be about harmony.
• Trocadero Gardens — Just across the Seine, these gardens offer some of the best panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower (and plenty of photo ops). The grand staircases leading to Palais de Chaillot are practically designed for dramatic selfies.
• Seine River Cruises — A short walk away, the river is waiting with boats offering dreamy tours of Paris from the water. There's nothing quite like seeing the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame glide past as you sip a glass of wine on deck.
• Rue Cler — One of the city's best market streets is just a stone's throw away. If you forgot to pack a picnic, this is where you go to fix that. Fresh baguettes, local cheese, a bottle of Bordeaux — you're all set for an afternoon in the park.
• Musée du Quai Branly — Love museums but need a break from the Louvre? This gem, dedicated to indigenous art and cultures, is a short walk from Champ de Mars and well worth a visit.

Insider Tips for Making the Most of Champ de Mars Paris

Rue Cler, our favorite market street, photo by Mark Craft

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings are peaceful, great for a quiet stroll. Evenings are all about romance, especially when the Eiffel Tower puts on its light show. Midday? Perfect for a nap in the grass.
• Picnic Insiders Moves: Skip the overpriced kiosks and stock up at Rue Cler's market instead. Fresh baguettes, cheese, wine — it's a Parisian picnic done right.
• Wi-Fi Hunt: The park has free Wi-Fi in some spots. Perfect for uploading your Eiffel Tower shots in real time.

And there you have it: a park that's more than just a backdrop for the Eiffel Tower. Whether you're here for a picnic, a concert, or just a quiet moment under the Paris sky, Champ de Mars is proof that sometimes, the best part of the city is the space to simply be.