Spanning 24.5 ha and nearly 780 m long, the Champ de Mars is a public garden park nestled between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire. Originally used for military drills since 1780, it was redesigned in 1908 by Jean‑Camille Formigé to feature formal French lawns and romantic English-style groves with rare species like ginkgo and old plane trees .

This verdant space has witnessed key historical moments—from the 1790 Fédération Day, the Universal Exhibitions (1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, 1937), sporting events during the 1900 Olympics, to modern-day concerts and the Wall for Peace erected in 2000 .

Today, it’s a lively public area perfect for picnics, strolls, musical performances at the bandstand, Guignol puppet shows for children, playgrounds, and sports fields for all ages . Open 24/7 and free of charge, it’s easily reachable by metro (Bir‑Hakeim – line 6, École Militaire – line 8), RER C, and bus .

The ambiance is warm and welcoming—a perfect spot for a romantic picnic, photo ops, or a relaxing break in a historic Parisian setting. It attracts tourists, families, runners, and locals alike. Fun fact: the world’s first hot-air balloon launch took off from here in 1783 .

Practical info: no restrooms or Wi‑Fi on-site; dogs on leash only; limited on-street parking with P+R options nearby. A PMR drop-off zone and accessible facilities are available during sporting events .