During the construction of the École Militaire, the market gardens between the new buildings and the Seine were transformed into a training ground, or Champ-de-Mars. From 1780 onwards, the public was allowed access here to watch the very first hot-air ballooning attempts. The Champ-de-Mars has also been the setting for patriotic gatherings, and has hosted Universal Exhibitions. Nowadays, this huge garden, part French and part English in design, is a popular venue for big events and concerts.