Steps to climb in Paris
 

We're going to paris in October (hence my screenname, obviously). We'll be taking children with us, and are a little worried about all the steps there seem to be. We'll have a stroller too, because one of the children is a toddler, but she can wait with my mother while we climb some things. Does the Arc de Triomphe have an elevator? I know the towers at Notre Dame don't - do you think this would be too much for our 4 or 10 yo?

Too much for a four-year old. The ten-year old ... depends on how lively and willing. It's hard for some kids to keep going up steps just out of boredom - if they thought Harry Potter was showing up there, it might be easy. A view ...? That depends on the kid.

If your 10 YO is a fan of Hunchback of Notre Dame, that might be enough to motivate. Or even if he/she is the athletic type who wants to prove he can do the steps.

There is an elevator at the Arc..but after you exit there is a short flight to get out onto the top. It shouldn't be a problem for a 4 yr old.

My 6 1/2 year old son bounded right up the steps to the tip-top of Notre Dame, with me huffing and puffing behind. He probably would have made it at 4 as well. He was less concerned with the view (other than seeing gargoyles) than with the huge bell and the challenge itself.

Make sure you are walking down from Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower, rather than the opposite. Other than there and at the Arena des Lutece, I don't think the stairs themselves are much more of an impediment than city walking in general--steps down to and up from the quays, down to the Metro, etc.

We got 5-day passes on the Batobus (I think 1-day passes were 12 Euro and 5-days were 17 Euro, so what the heck) and it made for a nice break while also serving as transportation--more relaxing than the Metro.

Stay away from Sacre Coeur, despite its specatcular views.

To avoid climbing around Sacr&eacute; Coeur, get on the <i>Montmartrobus</i> at Pigalle and ride it all the way around its circuit, terminating at the basilica. Here's the route map:

http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...&amp;nompdf=18

Take the funnicular up to Sacre Coeur and avoid the steps but don't stay away from Sacre Coeur. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris, IMHO, and the view alone is worth it. Climbing up the tower may be a challenge but the rest of Sacre Coeur is easily reached without undue climbing of stairs.

Yes, the <i>funiculaire</i> is fun, but the problem with that plan is that getting to it requires a certain amount of climbing, regardless of how one gets to Montmartre.

The funnicular was inoperative and is being repaired as of my visit last week. But don't miss the veiws from the Sacre Coeur it is my favorite sunrise and sunset in all of Paris.

Sacre Coeur par Montmartrobus, oui.
Sacre Coeur par Metro Abbesses and the funicular, non. I have never seen so many steps in my life as in the Abbesses Metro station.

&quot;Sacre Coeur par Metro Abbesses and the funicular, non. I have never seen so many steps in my life as in the Abbesses Metro station.&quot;
Fortunately, there is an elevator :)

For Notre Dame tower I would think most 10 year olds would be fine. Our younger son climbed it happily at age 7 and enjoyed the gargoyles, the bell,etc. He didn't appreciate the view as much as the older members of the family but it is always interesting to point out things you have already seen.

According to RATP, the <i>funiculaire</i> is operational again.

http://www.ratp.com/lesactualites/lesactus/3925.shtml

You might want to avoid the m&eacute;tro and stick to the bus. Transfer points often require going up and down stairs and escalators are not found in all stations.