The Champ de Mars is Valence's main public park and esplanade, a long green terrace overlooking the Rhône on the western edge of the old town. The view from here across the river to the Ardèche hills and the ruins of Château de Crussol is one of the best panoramas in the city. On clear days the Vercors massif is visible to the east as well.
The park is pleasant rather than remarkable — the usual French formality of gravel paths and clipped trees. But it serves as the natural end point of a walk through the old town, and the riverside position gives it a spaciousness that the narrow streets of the centre lack. There are benches, a kiosk, and at weekends a small market sometimes sets up nearby. The walk along the Rhône embankment north and south of the park is also agreeable.