A training ground for military cadets at the École Militaire until the end of the 19th century, the Champ-de-Mars was named by the Romans in homage to their God of War, as it was dedicated to his work for many centuries.
It's difficult to imagine it as an open field where the sound of cannon fire and the clash of swords once rang out, before it became this green haven that now represents the quintessential French-style garden: 66 acres of meticulously mastered botanical elegance, the setting for France's most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
A testament to the great changes that Paris has been through, it has evolved from a military fallow field to a luscious lowland, from hosting major Republican festivities during the Revolution to legendary World Fairs and the temporary Grand Palais installation, this site has embraced the entire evolution of Paris.
A popular green space for Parisians to enjoy, nestled between the École Militaire, Trocadéro, UNESCO and the Maison de Balzac, the neighbourhoods surrounding the public garden are some of the most affluent in the capital.
Architecture
The area's architecture is predominantly Haussmannian, in its most refined form, chiselled and majestic, punctuated by superb Art Nouveau exceptions like the Arums and Lavirotte buildings.
The streets leading off the Champ-de-Mars are among some of the most sought-after and exclusive addresses in Paris.
The real estate portfolio here can only be described as exceptional in the extreme, with prominent Parisian families, prestigious expatriates and successful professionals coming together to co-habit in an elegant universe.
The properties are perfect, offering ample space, accomplished architecture and an appealing address. Demand therefore often exceeds supply and investments here are stable.
Neighbourhood Life
The apparent peace and quiet of the neighbourhood conceals a bustling community. Families thrive here, with prestigious schools (l'Ecole Active Janine Manuel, Lennen Bilingual School, etc.), playgrounds in the heart of the Champ-de-Mars and the charming Rue Saint-Dominique - a village pace of life with all the amenities and pleasures that the city has to offer.
Constant's cuisine has the foodies flooding in, while Suffren celebrates tradition and those with a sweet tooth head to Karamel to discover all the delicious variations of this flavour. When the sun comes out and you fancy a walk (and a treat!) head to Martine Lambert, just a few strides away.
Not to be missed
Good weather means starting your morning at the Maison de Balzac, taking in the whole of Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower from the Rose Bakery's terrace, which opens there every summer. Stroll along the banks of the Seine to the musée du quai Branly to admire this glass vessel with its plant-covered façade, its curious design, like the Eiffel Tower in its day, having blended in perfectly with the landscape and won the hearts of Parisians over time.
Venture into the greenspace of the Champ-de-Mars for a rural escape in the heart of the city, marvel and savour its stretching horizons, a rarity in Paris. Continue on to the Wall for Peace, where the word has been inscribed in every language.
Stopping also to admire the École Militaire, the original venerable building that welcomed Napoleon Bonaparte as an army cadet, before marvelling at the Arums building, an Art Nouveau masterpiece with a stunning sculpted façade.
Finally, Rapp Square, home to some architectural rarities, offers a postcard-worthy view of the area's best-known resident, the Eiffel Tower, at nightfall.