The Champ de Mars is a public garden between the École Militaire and Eiffel Tower. Its lawns and long axis recall an exercise ground transformed by revolutionary gatherings, balloon experiments, world fairs and a 1908 city park design.
Quick facts
Champ de Mars became an exercise ground for the École Militaire in the late eighteenth century and hosted the Fête de la Fédération in 1790.
The first hydrogen-filled balloon was launched from Champ de Mars on August 27, 1783, by Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers.
Jean-Camille Formigé began shaping the municipal park in 1908, with central lawns and perpendicular paths framed by side gardens.
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Guide
The long lawn between the École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower can seem like a simple green approach to a famous monument. But Champ de Mars has repeatedly changed its purpose: from military drill ground to revolutionary meeting place, scientific launch site, world’s-fair showcase, and public garden. Its open axis is part of that history. The park was made to hold large crowds and long views, and each generation has used that openness differently.
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