Paris is a very child-friendly city and both residents and tourists are encouraged to take their children throughout the city’s attractions to give them an education about the local culture and history. For this reason, many of the city’s attractions provide free admission for children and teens. While the Eiffel Tower only offers free admission to children under the age of 4, most attractions are open to providing free access to anyone under 18.

Musée du Louvre

Outside of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre is arguably one of the most best-known of all Parisian attractions and quite possibly the best-known museum in the world. The collection includes such famed center pieces as the Venus Di Milo and the Mona Lisa. Lesser known but equally fascinating are the museum’s historical collections, which contain the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt and an exact replica of Napoleon’s luxurious Parisian apartment. Perhaps one of the nicest aspects of the museum is the fact that anyone under 18 can explore this monument for free. This can be particularly helpful given that many people find they need to spend at least two days to take in everything on exhibit in the massive museum. Musée du Louvre 36 Rue du Louvre 75001 Paris, France +33-01-40-20-50-50

The Notre Dame Tower Tour

Admission to the famed cathedral of Notre Dame is actually free to people of all ages, but the tour through the towers, managed by the National Monuments Center, does charge an 8 Euro admission fee. Fortunately, anyone under the age of 18 can explore the upper façade of the beautiful building for free. This tour provides an excellent, up-close view of the world’s best-known gargoyles. There is no elevator and the stairway is rather lengthy, so only those in good health should attempt to join this tour group. Notre Dame 6 Bis Rue du Cloître Notre Dame 75004 Paris, France +33-01-53-10-07-00

Centre Pompidou

While lesser known than Notre Dame or the Louvre, this premiere modern art museum is certainly worth a look, even if only to explore the magnificently strange architecture of the colorful building. While the exterior is impressive, anyone under 18 can admire the fascinating modern artworks inside for free. Centre Pompidou Place Georges Pompidou 75004 Paris, France +33-01-44-78-12-33

Catacombs of Paris

The Paris Catacombs are a little on the morbid side for many guests, but they are still a popular tourist attraction none the less. This underground crypt contains the bones of thousands of bodies that were exhumed after a city decree ordered that all previously buried be removed from the city grounds due to hygienic reasons. An underground quarry was repurposed for the catacombs and the bones were arranged in rather artistic shapes. The underground tunnel even contains a small alter to pray. Anyone under the age of 13 can enter the tunnels for free, but the area is not advised for very young children or anyone with health problems. Catacombs of Paris 1 Avenue of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy 75014 Paris, France +33-01-43-22-47-63

Photo Credits

Suggest an Article Correction