The Champ de Mars and the Trocadéro gardens lie only a short distance apart, separated by the Seine. The Champ de Mars stretches along the south bank, the Trocadéro faces it from the other side, and together they frame the Eiffel Tower. Both make a perfect addition to a visit before or after climbing the Iron Lady.
Located in Paris's 7th arrondissement, the Champ de Mars is a vast public park stretching 780 meters (2,559 ft) between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire. Its address is 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris. Before becoming one of the city's most iconic green spaces, the site was occupied by farmland. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a military drill ground for the students of the École Militaire, from which it takes its name, inspired by Mars, the Roman god of war.
Although originally under military control, the Champ de Mars soon became a venue for major public gatherings. In 1780, it hosted a renowned horse race between the chief riding master of the École Militaire and the Prince of Nassau. During the French Revolution, it became an important setting for national celebrations, including the Festival of the Federation in 1790. It also witnessed more tragic events, most notably the Champ de Mars Massacre of July 17, 1791. Jean-Sylvain Bailly, then Mayor of Paris, was later held responsible for the incident and was executed during the Reign of Terror. Over the centuries, the Champ de Mars has remained a popular site for celebrations, commemorations, and major public events.
Overlooking the Seine and facing the Eiffel Tower from Paris's 16th arrondissement, the Trocadéro is a vast complex of gardens and monuments developed for the 1937 International Exposition. Like the Champ de Mars, its gardens are open to the public. Covering nearly 94,000 square meters (1,011,800 sq ft), the site is also home to the Palais de Chaillot, which houses several museums, a large esplanade with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, and the Paris Aquarium.
The Trocadéro Gardens feature numerous sculptures and fountains that add to the site's grand and monumental character. The name "Trocadéro" commemorates the capture of Fort Trocadéro near Cádiz, Spain, by the French army on August 31, 1823. Today, it is one of Paris's most popular walking destinations and offers some of the city's finest views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.
• The Champ de Mars and the Trocadéro are separated by the Seine, framing the Eiffel Tower.
• Champ de Mars: about 2,560 feet (780 meters) long, 7th district, address 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007.
• The Trocadéro, created for the 1937 Universal Exhibition, covers nearly 1,012,000 square feet (94,000 square meters).
The Champ de Mars lies on the south bank of the Seine in the 7th district, while the Trocadéro faces it from the 16th district on the other side of the river.
The Champ de Mars is a public greenspace about 2,560 feet (780 meters) long, running between the Eiffel Tower and the Military School.
It comes from a battle led by Napoleon Bonaparte in Spain on August 31, 1823.