If you’re wondering whether visiting the Arc de Triomphe with kids is a good idea, I can confidently say it’s a lovely experience for the whole family. As a Parisian mum with two little ones, I’ve visited this iconic landmark several times, and it’s always been a hit. Let me share our experience and some helpful tips to make the most of your visit.
Why visit the Arc de Triomphe with kids?
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s most famous landmarks, standing proudly at the top of the Champs-Élysées. The Arc honours those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. From climbing to the top for panoramic views of Paris to discovering the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at its base, there’s a lot to explore.
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the arch in 1806 after his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. He intended it to honour the soldiers who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Standing 50 meters tall, it took over 30 years to complete, with construction finishing in 1836 under King Louis-Philippe. The monument features intricate carvings of battles, generals, and allegorical figures representing strength and peace. Beneath it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921 to commemorate the countless unidentified soldiers who died in World War I. Every evening at 6:30pm, war veterans perform a ceremony here, and the Flame of Remembrance never goes out.
For us, the highlight was the rooftop. My kids loved spotting the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and even trying to find our neighbourhood.
What it’s like visiting with kids
There’s plenty to explore both at the base and at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. At the bottom, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with its eternal flame burning in memory of fallen soldiers—a solemn and moving sight. At the top, there’s a stunning terrace that offers panoramic views of Paris, including iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. Whether you choose to start your visit by exploring the details at the base and then work your way up, or head straight to the terrace for the breathtaking views before coming back down, the experience is entirely up to you! Both perspectives are worth taking the time to enjoy.
The Climb: is it kid-friendly?
Let’s talk about the climb because, let’s be honest, that’s the part that can make parents a little nervous. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 284 steps via a spiral staircase. It’s a workout, but even my youngest managed it with a few breaks along the way. If you have very little ones, bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller, as strollers aren’t allowed. There are spaces along the stairwell where you can step aside to let others pass and take a breather before continuing up the steps.
You don’t have to climb if you don’t feel like it and there is actually an elevator that can take you up to the terrace.
On the Rooftop
Once you’re at the top, it’s all worth it. The rooftop is enclosed with railings, so I felt comfortable letting my kids roam a bit. The views are incredible, and there’s a small interactive display that explains what you’re looking at, which kept my older child entertained.
The Arc de Triomphe is at the centre of the Place de l’Étoile, or “Star Square” in English, which owes its name to the 12 avenues that radiate out from it. The most famous one is the Champs-Élysées Avenue to the East. It is 2 km long and leads to the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre. Look out for other great monuments in Paris like the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Is it worth visiting Arc de Triomphe with kids?
Absolutely! The climb and the views make it feel like an adventure, and the historical significance adds depth to the visit.
How long to spend here?
For a family visit, plan to spend about 1–2 hours at the Arc de Triomphe. This gives you enough time to explore the base, climb to the top, enjoy the views, and take a breather before heading back down.
Tips for families visiting the Arc de Triomphe
- Download a free activity booklet before arrival: There is a guide on the official website that you can print out at home and bring with you to the visit. You can choose to download it in French/English. The booklet is also sold as a printed copy at €2 at the ticket office or the onsite gift shop. It’s suited for ages 7 and up and has fun facts and activities to do along the way.
- Arrive early, or late: The Arc is busiest in the middle of the day. Mornings or late afternoons are quieter, which is perfect for families.
- Bring a layer: It can be a bit windy on the terrace so bring an extra layer for the kids if you think they’ll get cold.
- Skip the stairs if needed: There’s an elevator for those who need it, but it only goes partway. Families with toddlers or mobility issues might find the climb a bit challenging.
- Park your stroller: Strollers are not allowed inside the monument but you can drop them off at the monument access point safely and pick them up after your visit.
- Bring water & snacks: There is nowhere to buy any water onsite so bring a bottle with you.
- Use the underground passage: Don’t try to cross the busy roundabout (Place Charles de Gaulle) on foot. Instead, use the pedestrian tunnel to reach the Arc safely.
- Pre-book tickets: Save time by booking your tickets online to skip the lines.
- Visit the gift shop: Before you climb the final steps to the terrace, the gift shop in the museum room offers lovely souvenirs and activity books for kids about Paris.
Family-friendly workshops and activities
Did you know the Arc de Triomphe runs workshops for kids? These are run throughout the year and include hands-on activities like creating your own miniature pop-up model of the Arc of Triomphe or learning about the monument’s architecture and history in a fun, engaging way. Occassionally, they also run storytelling sessions for children. Check the official website for details on upcoming events.
Fun facts about Arc de Triomphe to share with kids
- It’s older than you think: Construction began in 1806, and it took 30 years to complete.
- 12 Avenues: The arch is the center of 12 avenues, forming a star-shaped roundabout. This is why it’s also called “Place de l’Étoile” (Star Square).
- A giant roundabout: The Arc is surrounded by one of the world’s busiest roundabouts, with no traffic lanes—drivers just go for it!
- Napoleon never saw it finished: Although Napoleon commissioned the Arc, he died long before it was completed.
- It’s pretty big: The Arc is 50 meters tall, which is the size of an 18-story building and weighs as much as 10,000 elephants.
- A plane once flew through it: In 1919, a daredevil French pilot flew his plane through the Arc!
How to get here and opening hours
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle. Access to the monument is via the Passage du Souvenir . You can get to the monument from the top of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées or the Avenue de la Grande-Armée.
Nearest metro: Metro lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile station.
Opening hours:
Summer Season (1 April – 30 September): Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 11pm.
Winter Season (1 October – 31 March): Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 10:30pm.
Prices: €16 for adults, free for children under 18. Free to visit the first Sunday of the months of January, February, March, November and December.
Tickets: Buy your tickets in advance here.
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