Hello, I think I'm reading too many travel guides, because I have bits and pieces of information now floating in my head, but not much cohesion. I have read some posts about the Paris Museum Pass as well as going to the website. We have 3 kids (9, 13, and 16) and will be in Paris at the beginning of May. We were going to buy 2 passes (for the adults only), but then I read a post about not all of the sights being free for kids under 18. We want to see the Louvre, D'Orsay, Notre Dame (climb to the top), Arc de Triomphe (go to the top), Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, Hotel des Invalides (if time), the Rodin Museum (if time). We have 5 days and were going to buy the 4-day pass. I read that the kids can skip the lines with us, but I'm wondering if that's true with all sights? Does anyone know which sights are not free for kids? In the case that they aren't covered, is it worth to get passes for them too (seems extreme). Any ideas? I have also read that we can get student cards. Perhaps that would be useful? Thanks!
Becky
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Here's a quote from the Paris Museum Pass site: "Children under 18 and European citizens under 26 are allowed FREE access in most of the museums and monuments included in the PARIS MUSEUM PASS itinerary." Since it says "most", I suppose you will need to go to the official site of each museum or monument on your list to see whether or not children are free.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
103 posts
I took my kids to Paris when they were both under 18. It was great! They got in free at the Louvre, d'Orsay, Versailles, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, etc. and we did not have to wait in line! Please note, I read the Rodin Museum is undergoing renovations, so check out the specifics on their site. The gardens are supposed to be open. Also, check out the transportation pass for the kids - they're a great deal too. Definitely go to the individual sites to get more information or the Paris Tourist Office. That's where we picked up the passes (and you might need to get their pictures to put on the pass).
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
6 posts
We were there in Feb with our 11 year old - she was free and could skip the line with us at: Louvre, D'Orsay, Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle. She was free at the Arc, but we had to stand in a very short line (but it was Feb not May) to get her a free ticket. We did not climb the tower at Notre Dame, and did not go to Invalides - last trip we went to Rodin & she was free & skipped the line with us. We had the Paris Museum Pass and bought carnets of metro tickets (ten at a time, a bit cheaper than buying individual), no photo needed - your 9 year old qualifies for child fare. We did not find that the Paris Pass which includes transportation, would be a good value for us. If your 16 year old looks 18/19 then I'd carry their passport or driver's license just in case someone asks - most museums, like the Louvre allow under 18 free entry - best to check the website of each site or the info on each website on the Paris Museum Pass site. Most sites are closed on May 1. Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!
Posted by
OP
Woodinville, WA
97 posts
Thanks, everyone, for your replies! That helps enormously. It seemed that the kids should get in free to those sights, but I wanted to make sure. The individual websites aren't always that easy to navigate. I'd rather know now than be surprised. Especially good news that they can get in free and skip the lines with us, which is a priority. Thanks, too, for the tips on transportation. I didn't know about that! Still a lot of researching left to do...and only 8 weeks to go. My daughter is already laughing at me for feeling pinched for time. Thanks again!
Becky