Champ de Mars (Field of Mars), Paris
In sunny weather, there is nothing better in Paris than stretching out somewhere on a grassy lawn. A public park between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School, the Field of Mars, is one of the largest parks in Paris and generously offers such an opportunity to those lucky with lots of time under their belt.
This popular outdoor space derives its name from the ancient Mars Field in Rome, once the drilling ground for the Roman armies, dedicated to the Roman god of war. Similarly, the area in Paris was also used originally for military drills. At some point, before its transformation in the 16th century, this flat, open terrain was used for market gardening, though it was not highly fertile.
In 1765, the construction of the Military School began shaping the Field of Mars into its present form. The park was developed with an esplanade, a noble facade, a large ditch, elm avenues, and an enclosing grille fence. Additionally, the Isle of Swans, a small islet near the Eiffel Tower, was attached to the shore for aesthetic symmetry.
The Field of Mars has historical significance, hosting the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight in 1783, as well as several major events during the French Revolution, including the 1790 Federation Day celebration, now known as Bastille Day. However, it was also the site of the 1791 Field of Mars massacre and the execution of the first mayor of Paris, who was guillotined there in 1793. In 1815, during Napoleon’s Hundred Days, the field hosted the so-called “Field of May” public assembly to rally support for Napoleon’s liberal reform.
The park also hosted Universal Exhibitions in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. For the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it housed the Eiffel Tower Stadium and the Grand Palais Éphémère, a temporary exhibition hall, hosting beach volleyball, blind football, and portions of the opening ceremony. Today, it continues to be a significant green space with sports facilities like basketball and football fields.
A favorite spot for many, the Field of Mars can get rather busy on sunny days. Those coming with kids will find several playgrounds available at their disposal.
Tip:
Consider bringing a mat or cover for lying about.
This popular outdoor space derives its name from the ancient Mars Field in Rome, once the drilling ground for the Roman armies, dedicated to the Roman god of war. Similarly, the area in Paris was also used originally for military drills. At some point, before its transformation in the 16th century, this flat, open terrain was used for market gardening, though it was not highly fertile.
In 1765, the construction of the Military School began shaping the Field of Mars into its present form. The park was developed with an esplanade, a noble facade, a large ditch, elm avenues, and an enclosing grille fence. Additionally, the Isle of Swans, a small islet near the Eiffel Tower, was attached to the shore for aesthetic symmetry.
The Field of Mars has historical significance, hosting the first hydrogen-filled balloon flight in 1783, as well as several major events during the French Revolution, including the 1790 Federation Day celebration, now known as Bastille Day. However, it was also the site of the 1791 Field of Mars massacre and the execution of the first mayor of Paris, who was guillotined there in 1793. In 1815, during Napoleon’s Hundred Days, the field hosted the so-called “Field of May” public assembly to rally support for Napoleon’s liberal reform.
The park also hosted Universal Exhibitions in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. For the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it housed the Eiffel Tower Stadium and the Grand Palais Éphémère, a temporary exhibition hall, hosting beach volleyball, blind football, and portions of the opening ceremony. Today, it continues to be a significant green space with sports facilities like basketball and football fields.
A favorite spot for many, the Field of Mars can get rather busy on sunny days. Those coming with kids will find several playgrounds available at their disposal.
Tip:
Consider bringing a mat or cover for lying about.
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Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) on Map
Sight Name: Champ de Mars (Field of Mars)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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The 7th arrondissement of Paris is the most affluent and prestigious residential area in France, home to world-famous Eiffel Tower and the French upper class alongside a number of French national institutions, government offices and diplomatic missions. This historical neighborhood boasts typically Parisian architecture complete with vibrant cafés, restaurants and gourmet shops which draw foodies... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
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