Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars is a sprawling green park nestled in the heart of Paris, right beneath the Eiffel Tower. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, it offers one of the city's most iconic vistas, making it a favorite destination for relaxing, walking, and of course, photography.

The site has been used since as early as the 7th century. Over time, it evolved into one of the city's beloved green spaces, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Its position directly adjacent to the Eiffel Tower turns Champ de Mars from a simple park into an enduring symbol of Paris.

Champ de Mars is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions thanks to blooming foliage and pleasant weather. Strolling or having a picnic in the park between May and September is particularly enjoyable.

We recommend visiting early in the morning, ideally between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. During these hours, the park is much quieter, crowds are minimal, and you can photograph the Eiffel Tower without many people in the background. The hour before sunset also provides a magical atmosphere.

Getting to Champ de Mars is very straightforward. If you take the RER C train line, get off directly at the Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station. Via the Metro, you can take Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim station or Line 9 to Trocadéro station. The park is just a short walk from any of these stops.

Bus routes from various parts of the city also service the Eiffel Tower area. The park is completely free and open around the clock. Address: 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.

One of the best features of Champ de Mars is how perfect it is for picnics. Sitting on the grass gazing at the Eiffel Tower while enjoying classic French treats like croissants, cheeses, cured meats, and wine creates one of the most romantic experiences in Paris. Fast-food stalls are available in the park, but picking up local provisions from nearby bakeries or grocery stores offers a more authentic experience.

Numerous cafes and restaurants also dot the surrounding neighborhood. If you prefer not to sit in the park, you can find casual, budget-friendly options along Rue de l'École Militaire nearby. Sitting at a sidewalk cafe terrace with a view of the tower is another popular way to spend an afternoon.

Champ de Mars offers sweeping lawns where you can photograph the Eiffel Tower from almost any angle. The open lawns in the center and front sections of the park yield clear, symmetrical shots with the tower perfectly centered. Positioning yourself with the morning sun at your back will produce the crispest images.

Sunset shots are equally stunning, especially once the Eiffel Tower's sparkling lights turn on. Framing the tower through the branches of the park's trees is another great technique for creating artistic, natural frames.

A visit to Champ de Mars naturally pairs with seeing the Eiffel Tower up close; walking from the park to the tower's base takes only a few minutes. Afterward, you can cross the Pont d'Iéna bridge to reach the Trocadéro Gardens, which offer the most famous panoramic vantage point of the tower.

Pont Alexandre III, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe are also within manageable reach. If you have extra time, visiting the Musée de l'Homme or taking a stroll along the banks of the Seine are wonderful additions. Reserving half a day or a full day for the Eiffel Tower district will allow you to see all these sights smoothly.

Access to Champ de Mars itself is completely free of charge. If you choose to host a picnic, you can find affordable options at neighborhood supermarkets. A bakery croissant costs around 2–3 Euros, while local cheese and ham prices vary but remain generally reasonable.

If you plan to ascend the Eiffel Tower as well, elevator tickets range between 17 and 27 Euros depending on the level. Grabbing a coffee while relaxing in the area costs around 3–5 Euros. Overall, you can enjoy a very affordable outing; 30 to 50 Euros per person is plenty for a picnic and local snacks in the park.

Champ de Mars can get quite crowded, particularly during peak tourist season. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed visit, aim for early morning hours or the off-peak winter season. Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and bags, as petty pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas.

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Summers can be quite warm, while winters can be chilly and windy. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will cover a fair distance on foot. If you picnic, note that trash bins in the park can fill up quickly; carrying a small bag to pack out your rubbish is appreciated.

You could easily linger at Champ de Mars for several hours, but 2 to 3 hours is usually sufficient. This gives you ample time to enjoy a relaxed picnic, walk around the grounds, and take plenty of photographs.

If you also intend to go up the Eiffel Tower, allow an additional 2 to 3 hours for ticket queues, security checks, and visiting the observation decks. Budgeting half a day in total is ideal for experiencing both the park and the tower together.

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