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The Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in Paris, attracting millions of tourists each year. But if you’ve filed the Eiffel Tower under the “been there done that” category, think again. The Champ de Mars, the sprawling lawn that spans from the southeast side of the Eiffel Tower to the Ecole Militaire, is the perfect place to enjoy a baguette, some fromage and a bottle of wine. Especially this year, as the Eiffel Tower celebrates its 120th anniversary.
Champs de Mar - Eiffel Tower
The Champ de Mars (Field of Mars) was named for the Roman god of war and was originally used as a military training ground. The lawn was also a key site during the French Revolution. Today, the large public greenspace is home not to feuding soldiers but to students, young couples and families, socializing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The ideal time to throw down a blanket is at dusk, as groups gather in anticipation of the hourly light show. When the tower starts twinkling against the darkened sky, the crowd is set abuzz.
The well-manicured lawn of the Champ de Mars is crisscrossed with walking paths and dotted with flowerbeds. At the far end of the park, in front of the Ecole Militaire, you’ll find the Monument to Peace, which has the word ‘Peace’ written in 32 languages on 32 columns and a kiosk that allows visitors to leave their own message of peace. The park also has many attractions for children, including a playground, marionette theater, carousel and even pony rides.
New York Habitat has an excellent selection of apartments near the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower, including:
This warm and inviting 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Invalides - Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2949) , located on the fifth floor (6th for the US) of a newly constructed elevator building. The living room area opens onto a balcony and offers a view of the famous Les Invalides.
Paris Apartment 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental Invalides (PA 2949)
This gorgeous 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Invalides - Auteuil - Tour Eiffel (PA-2914) situated on the fourth floor (fifth for US) of a 20th century walk-up building. The master bedroom looks onto the street and has a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower.
Stay near the Champ de Mars and you’ll be able to have a picnic in the park whenever you like. And for those in Paris for Bastille Day, July 14th, you’ll have great seats for the main fireworks display, fired off from the Champ de Mars or across the river at the Trocadero Gardens.
Have you ever been to the Champ de Mars? Please share you comments with us!
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Top 5 Parisian Parks — #3 Le Champ de Mars
- Top 5 Hidden Gem Museums in Paris — #2 Le Musée des Egouts de Paris
- Celebrating Eiffel - Paris’ Eiffel Tower
- Go Aquatic at the Cinéaqua - Paris
- Top 5 Hidden Gem Museums in Paris — #5 Le Musée du Vin
July 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am
When I was studying in Paris in college, my friends and I had three favorite places to picnic: Pont des Artistes, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Champs de Mar. We realized they weren’t very far off the beaten track, but they are Parisian institutions.
July 27th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I went to Paris about 4 years ago. I live in California but I am a native Parisian. I remembered I saw a Concert of Johnny Halliday it was wonderful. He really is a big artist and on top of that the Eiffel Tower was in the background. Nice memories from the Champs de Mars.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
The last time I was in Paris was in 2003, but I really like the Cahmps de Mars area. It is very diverse, and it seemed as though people were just generally in a good mood, picnicing and doing other “touristy” stuff.
August 4th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Interesting blog. Paris is a great city!
September 8th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Eiffel Tower is THE must-see’ monument of Paris. On our way to spend a quiet afternoon on the Champs du Mars sketching and picnicking, my husband and I took a new down rue Monttessuy. My attention was captured by some great architectural drawings beautifully displayed in a shop window just in site of the Eiffel Tower. I pushed open the door and entered the world of Michel Fresnay and his père go who are both passionately fond of graphic representation of architecture in its decorative form.
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