Champs de Mars

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12 Reviews | Add review

Address: 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, Paris
Admission: Free

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Photography, Picnic Spot, Walking/Hiking, Park / Garden

6:04 AM Tuesday, May 21
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An idyllic stretch of greenery encircling the iconic pinnacle of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs de Mars is one of the most popular of Paris' parks. Named after Rome’s Campus Martius, a tribute to the Roman God of War, Champs de Mars was originally designed as a military training area for the nearby Ecole Militaire (Military School), but became an important arena for national events when it opened to the public back in 1780. Many key moments throughout the French Revolution took place here - including the first Fête de la Fédération (Federation Day or Bastille Day) in 1790, the legendary Festival of the Supreme Being in 1794, and it was the site of the 1791 Champs de Mars massacre - a bloody demonstration against King Louis XVI.

Today, the harrowing history is just a memory, and the park makes a popular detour for those visiting the Eiffel Tower with its glistening lakes, ornamental ponds and rectangular landscaped gardens. The 60 acre stretch runs from the Seine River to the Ecole Militaire, and contains a series of walkways, children's playground and sports fields. The park is also home to the poignant Monument to Peace - a modernist memorial created by Clara Halter and Jean-Michel Wilmotte that features 32 columns inscribed with the word ‘peace,’ each written in a different language. The park is still the go-to site for public events, hosting the annual Bastille Day celebrations and New Year's Eve firework displays.

Latest Reviews

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All Champs de Mars Reviews

Review by John O, October 2011
Doing what: Paris L'Open Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour

Booked a two day ticket which is great value. The option to hop-on and hop-off anywhere on the four routes was fantastic. The view from the top of the bus of the Champs-Elysées was eye catching. Without doubt this is the only way to see Paris.

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Review by Martin M, August 2011
Doing what: Paris L'Open Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour

It was a terrific way to see the whole of Paris. We bought a 2 day pass for 4 people and we used all 4 tours, hopping on and off where we chose. The commentary was very good and despite the heavy traffic on the Champs Elysees, the drivers were very patient. Just one fault though. We had to wait over an hour near the Notre Dame stop to connect with the blue Bastille bus route. It could be better timed. We paid £82 for 4 people for 2 days, si we thought it was good value.

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Review by Anonymous, December 2009
Doing what: Paris City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

It was the best choice I made after I searched the Internet looking for various options. The drivers were very friendly, except one young woman who did not allow me to board near Champs Elysee, although some 15 people had done so a few seconds before me. But besides this very minor thing, it was the best tour I took in Paris, which is the most beautiful city so far! Although I had the wrong impression that New York could not be surpassed. I recommend this company to everyone who wishes a good deal, especially in an extremely expensive city such as Paris, this was an absolute bargain! Au revoir! A bientot!

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