a guide to Champ de Mars
about Champ de Mars
Naturally, the popular feature here is Gustave Eiffel's famous tower, which begins to dominate the skyline long before you actually get close to it. Constructed in 1889, despite a lukewarm initial reaction the tower has gone on to become one of the most well-known landmarks on the planet. It is likely that your plans for your visit here will be centred around the tower, be it for holiday snaps or the elevator to the top in order to experience the magnificent view.
At the foot of the tower, the Parc du Champ de Mars, famously used as a military training ground and as a venue for the first ever Bastille Day celebrations, stretches off into the distance towards the École Militaire, from which Napoléon Bonaparte graduated in 1785.
For the museum inclined, it does not get much more authentic than the nearby Musée Rodin, where the great sculptor's original work is on display in a fabulous house and garden setting. Elsewhere, the museum section of Les Invalides offers a fascinating insight into France's military past.
Our tip: The best place to get that perfect shot of the Eiffel Tower is actually found on the other side of the Seine, from the ideal vantage point in front of the Palais du Chaillot.
top hotels in Champ De MarsHotels in Champ de Mars
how to get there
by car
Exit the Périphérique at Junction 10 (Porte de Sèvres) and follow along the Seine, going over the first crossroads you encounter and continuing straight onto Quai André Citroën. Take the right fork when you reach the fork in the road, followed by the left turn immediately afterwards to keep you on Quai André Citroën. Continue along the road parallel to the Seine, which once you pass the Pont de Bir-Hakeim on your left will become Quai de Branly. You will have noticed the tower long before this point, but it is only now that you will find it directly in front of you.
For satellite navigation systems enter postcode 75007.
Nearest underground parking: Hilton Suffren, 18 Avenue de Suffren, 75007
by bus
Services 69 and 87 operate around the Champs de Mars area, while 28, 82 and 92 will take you to the École Militaire.
by tube
Nearest station: École Militaire (Line 8)
From Gare du Nord: Take Line 4 towards Porte d'Orléans, alighting at Strasbourg-St. Denis (3 stops). Change to Line 8 towards Balard, getting off at École Militaire (9 stops).
From Gare de Lyon: Take Line 14 in the direction of St. Lazare, changing at Madeleine (3 stops) to the Line 8 service to Balard, getting off at École Militaire (4 stops).
From Gare Montparnasse: Take Line 13 towards either Saint Denis-Université or Asnières - Gennevilliers - Les Courtilles. Change at Invalides (4 stops) to the Line 8 service towards Balard, completing your journey at École Militaire (2 stops).
by train
Nearest RER station: Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel (RER C)
attractions
upcoming events
Jun 12
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04
Jul 12
Leading architects join London's local authorities in revitalising the public's view of the city's key buildings and spaces at the biennial London Festival of Architecture. Exhibitions, walks, performances and installations aim to refresh the common view of architecture and design.
Sep 09
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14
Sep 12
Sep 09
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14
Sep 12
