The park covers an impressive area of about 25 hectares of lawns. The exact middle of the park is marked by the characteristic, rectangular square called Place Jacques-Rueff. Throughout its fascinating history, Parc du Champ-de-Mars has been a popular venue for celebrations, official events and military parades. In 1790, it saw the first celebration of July 14th, the anniversary of the capture of the Bastille prison by French revolutionaries. Ever since, this day has been celebrated annually as France's major national holiday.

In later years, the Field of Mars witnessed such events as the parade celebrating the wedding of the Duke of Orleans in 1837, and the first launch of a zeppelin without men on board. Glorious occurrences intertwined with tragic ones, such as the infamous Champs-de-Mars Massacre in July 1791, mere days after festive celebration of the revolutionary victory. The army commanded by mayor Jean-Sylvain Bailly and Marquis de Lafayette opened fire on a crowd that had gathered in order to draft a petition calling for the removal of the king.

Parc de Champ de Mars was an important venue during the 1900 World's Fair held in Paris. The nearby Palais de Chaillot and Petit Palais, constructed for the occasion, can still be admired by visitors. Though neither removed from the centre nor sheltered by tall trees, the park is a true oasis for people seeking some rest from the chaos and commotion of the city. It's here that visitors usually decide to take a well-deserved break during a long day of sightseeing. The park’s benches are usually occupied by excited tourists discussing their just-concluded trip up the Eiffel Tower.

Thanks to its location, the park offers magnificent views of the neighbouring set of attractions, which just happens to include some of the most admired locations in the French capital. Though very urban in its character, the Field of Mars is a popular spot among sports lovers, who come here to jog, ride their bikes, rollerskate or simply stroll among the flowered lawns. Children have the opportunity to enjoy a pony ride or watch a performance at one of the countless puppet theatre stands. Adults might also be also drawn in to one of these charming spectacles, which bring back the magic of the old days in the bohemian districts of Paris.

As the most centrally-located park in Paris, the Field of Mars boasts an extensive calendar of cultural events taking place here on a regular basis. Summer nights are the best time to listen to a live music concert under the starry Paris sky, or watch a film classic at the weekly film screenings. Many visitors to the city claim that their favourite spot in Paris isn’t the Eiffel Tower, but the place that lies in its shadow. It's your turn to see if they're right.