Running southeast from the Eiffel Tower, the grassy Champ de Mars was originally used as a parade ground for the cadets of the 18th-century École Militaire, the vast, French-classical building at the southeastern end of the park, which counts none other than Napoleon Bonaparte among its graduates. The wonderful steel-and-etched glass Wall for Peace memorial (2000) facing the academy and the statue of Maréchal Joffre (1870–1931) are by Clara Halter.

Today it’s the ideal spot for a summer picnic. Pick up some bread, cheese and wine on nearby rue Cler (about a 20-minute walk) and you’re all set to enjoy one of the most memorable meals in Paris. Also here are puppet shows.