Visiting the Arc de Triomphe with the family: what you need to know before you bring your kids along

Want to take in the best view of Paris with your crew? A family visit to the Arc de Triomphe is a memorable adventure, provided you plan ahead for the stairs and access. Practical tips, anecdotes and freebies for a smooth, hassle-free visit.

It's one of Paris's most iconic monuments, proudly perched at the top of the Champs-Élysées. To plan your visit to the Arc de Triomphe with kids, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip. If you’re under 18, you benefit from free entry (as EU nationals under 26), but climbing the roof of this stone giant requires a bit of physical and logistical preparation for young explorers. For adults, the price is 16€ from October to March, and 22€ from April to September. If you’re visiting in the spring–summer period, note that Wednesdays are cheaper, with an entry fee of 16€.

The climb to the panoramic terrace is a real test: 284 winding steps. The monument’s elevators are strictly reserved for people with reduced mobility or pregnant women. If you’re affected, make sure to check on the site that they’re in service, as they can sometimes be down for maintenance. Leaving a foldable stroller at the luggage‑receiving desk at the base of the building or opting for a physiological baby carrier is essential to move smoothly through these narrow passages. Additionally, inside the monument there are no refreshment facilities or beverage sales. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, especially in hot weather.

If climbing the steps can be tough on little legs, it’s worth noting that the Arc de Triomphe regularly offers playful workshops for the youngest visitors. If you can, prioritize these sessions to make the family outing smoother and to get the most from this ascent! Le programme est à retrouver ici. At the top, the effort pays off with a 360-degree view of twelve radiating avenues, the Eiffel Tower, and La Défense. Interactive orientation boards help children spot the city’s main landmarks.

One last tip. Never try to cross the Etoile roundabout above ground: there’s a pedestrian underground passage, the “Passage du Souvenir,” from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées or the Avenue de la Grande-Armée (Charles de Gaulle–Étoile metro/RER), which will take you to the monument safely.

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