The Champ de Mars is a long, open park in Paris, stretching out beneath the Eiffel Tower in the Île-de-France region. It is one of the city's best-loved green spaces, and it makes an easy place to spend a relaxed hour or an entire afternoon.
What to expect
The gardens are laid out as broad lawns and tree-lined walks, so there is plenty of room to wander. Many visitors come simply to sit on the grass, share a picnic and watch the city go by. It is a pleasant setting for a stroll, whether you are heading toward the tower or just enjoying the open air.
Views of the Eiffel Tower
The park's greatest attraction is its frame on the tower. The long gardens lead the eye straight to the Eiffel Tower, which makes this a favourite spot for photographs. Many people choose to visit at sunset, when the light softens across the lawns, and again in the evening, when the tower sparkles after dark.
Planning your visit
- Bring a picnic. Buying bread and simple food to eat on the grass is a classic way to enjoy the park like a local.
- Go in the late afternoon or evening for the best light and the sparkling tower.
- Allow time to walk the full length of the gardens, which gives you several different angles on the tower.
Because the Champ de Mars sits directly under the Eiffel Tower, it pairs naturally with a visit to the tower itself. It is a simple, pleasant place to slow down in the middle of a busy trip to Paris.
