École Militaire
1 Place Joffre, Paris, Île-de-France, 75007
Set at the end of the Parc du Champ de Mars within sight of the Eiffel Tower and Trocadero, the 18th-century École Militaire houses several military training facilities. Alma mater of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French classical main hall–marked by bullets fired by retreating German units during World War II–is still home to the officers’ academy of the French army. The Champ de Mars park just outside the complex originally served as the school’s parade ground.
The basics
One of the most striking landmarks on Paris walking, cycling, and Segway tours between the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower, the École Militaire was founded in 1750 by Louis XV as an academic college for cadet officers from poor families. The Champ de Mars park just outside the complex originally served as a parade ground for the school’s troops and students, and the front facade of the main building (facing the Eiffel Tower) is still marked by bullet holes left by retreating German units prior to the liberation of Paris during WWII.
Things to know before you go
The École Militaire is an active military academy and almost always closed to the public, but you can admire its impressive architecture as you head to the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars.
The grassy expanse of the Champ de Mars is an ideal picnic spot, with views of the Eiffel Tower on one end and the École Militaire on the other.
Smooth, flat walkways run the length of the Champ de Mars, making it easy to enjoy the park and its views with a stroller or wheelchair.
How to get there
The École Militaire is set at the southeastern end of the Parc du Champ de Mars in Paris’ central 7th arrondissement, easy to reach on foot or by bike or Segway. There is a metro stop (École Militaire) just outside the complex, and the RER local commuter train and local bus routes also stop near the academy.
When to get there
The École Militaire is closed to the public for most of the year, with the exception of the annual opening during the European Heritage Days, held the third week of September. You can take in its grand facade any time of year from the Champ de Mars; choose a day with clear weather to relax on the park’s lawns while you admire the academy’s architecture.
Highlights of the Parc du Champs de Mars
Bookended by the Eiffel Tower to one end and the École Militaire to the other, the Parc du Champs de Mars is one of the most attractive parks in Paris. Other highlights along its grassy length include the steel-and-glass Wall for Peace Memorial created in 2000 by artist Clara Halter, the 20th-century Monument des Droits de l’Homme (Monument to Human Rights), and a puppet theater that hosts regular shows in summer. The park also has several public restrooms and kiosks selling snacks and drinks.
Ways to explore
One of the most striking landmarks on Paris walking, cycling, and Segway tours between the Champ de Mars and Eiffel Tower, the École Militaire was founded by Louis XV as an academic college for cadet officers from poor families. A must-see for fans of military history, the complex has turned out some of France’s most legendary officers; a stop here is a highlight of Napoleon-themed tours. Architectural itineraries also often pass by this military academy to admire its French Baroque main building, designed to outshine the nearby Hôtel des Invalides.
Accessibility
The outside of the École Militaire can be approached by wheelchair along the paved pathways in the Champ de Mars.
Age limits
None; tots can admire the complex on a golf cart or hop-on hop-off bus tour to avoid getting footsore.
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, bottle of water
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen
Not allowed
Visitors are only allowed inside the complex during European Heritage Days in late September.
Amenities
The grassy expanse of the Champ de Mars is an ideal picnic spot, with views of the Eiffel Tower on one end and the École Militaire on the other.
Address
The École Militaire is set at the southeastern end of the Parc du Champ de Mars in Paris’ central 7th Arrondissement, easy to reach on foot or by bike. There is a metro stop just outside the complex.
Driving
The area around the military academy and Champ de Mars is known for its heavy traffic and limited parking. Skip the hassle of driving and get around on foot or by public transportation.
Public transportation
Take metro line 8 to the École Militaire stop, located steps from the complex. RER local commuter trains and local bus routes also stop near the academy.
Best times to visit
Visit at lunchtime to pair your stop at the École Militaire with a picnic on the Champ de Mars.
Best days to visit
The area around the École Militaire is most crowded on the weekends, when locals and visitors gather in the park facing the academy. Visit on a weekday to avoid the throngs.
Best months to visit
Take advantage of the mild spring and fall weather to relax on the lawn fronting the École Militaire and admire its architecture.
Special events
The École Militaire is open to visitors during European Heritage Days in the third week of September.
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