Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon honors the most important figures in French history. Transformed in the 18th century, this formerly religious building became a secular mausoleum. This change was inspired by ancient traditions, notably Egyptian and Greek, to pay tribute to the great men of a nation.
Indeed, before it was a monument to the great men of the French Republic, the Panthéon was a church. We explain everything. In 1744, Louis XV decided to rebuild theChurch of Sainte-Geneviève, which was falling into ruins at the top of Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Indeed, it pales in comparison with the beautiful church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont. In 1764, the foundation stone was laid by the King himself.
Architect Jacques Germain Soufflot, a fervent admirer ofGreco-Roman architecture, chose to build it on a Greek cross plan, and the entire architectural style of the church is imbued with this, judging by its beautiful Corinthian columns.
A somewhat chaotic period followed. During the French Revolution, the building was stripped of its religious functions and turned into a temple to house the ashes of great men fighting for French freedom. Following renovations by De Quincy, the Panthéon became a church again in 1806.
Secular under the July Monarchy, religious under Napoleon Bonaparte, then HQ of the insurgents during the Commune, the Panthéon never ceases to change hands. In 1885, the building with its impressive dome finally became the monument to great men we know today, with the funeral of Victor Hugo.
Since then, the Panthéon has housed the remains of some of the Republic's greatest figures. The crypt contains the tombs of Rousseau, Voltaire,Emile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, René Cassin, Victor Schoelcher, Jean Monnet, Marie Curie(the first woman to be admitted) and, more recently, Simone Veil and Joséphine Baker.
Contemporary works of art can also be discovered within the monument.
During your visit, you'll also notice Foucault's famous pendulum, which has hung under the Pantheon dome since 1851.
For an enriching experience, we recommend a self-guided tour lasting around 1h30. However, 45-minute guided tours are available in the afternoon. An audioguide, available in 11 languages, makes it easy to discover this national treasure. To avoid waiting times, remember to buy your tickets in advance.
On the program:
Pantheon opening hours :
Closed: January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Prices: The tour costs €11.50 for adults. However, free admission is available for certain categories, including young people under 26 and people with disabilities.
Accessibility: The Panthéon is committed to inclusion, and offers facilities for people with disabilities. However, the crypt remains difficult to access due to its architecture.
A little anecdote: Marie Curie, buried here in 1995, lies in a lead-shielded coffin because of the radiation to which she was exposed.
On sunny days, the Panorama du Panthéon opens its doors to visitors, giving them a chance to admire one of the most beautiful views of Paris.
In short, the Paris Pantheon is more than just a monument. It's a journey through time, where every nook and cranny tells a story. Don't wait any longer, come and discover this Parisian jewel!
Contes et Histoires 2024: a dramatized visit to meet the Pantheon's personalities
The Panthéon is inviting families to discover its history and famous tenants through a strolling show, on the occasion of the national event Contes et Histoires 2024, from January 2 to 4, 2025. [Read more]
10km du Panthéon: the first edition of the iconic race in the heart of the Latin Quarter
Fancy a short 10-kilometer run? On May 11, 2025, the Panthéon race will take place for the first time, for a complete tour of Paris's 5th arrondissement and its legendary historic monuments! [Read more]
The panorama of the Paris Pantheon, the view of Paris we love, free for under-26s.
Visiting the Pantheon is one thing, but did you know you could also visit its colonnades and discover a sublime panorama of Paris? From April to October, the Pantheon exceptionally opens its rooftop to visitors to admire the rooftops of Paname and the Eiffel Tower. [Read more]
Did you know? You can watch the Earth rotate thanks to Foucault's pendulum in Paris.
Want to see the Earth spinning at the end of a wire? You're in luck, because two of Foucault's pendulums can be seen in Paris, in the heart of the Panthéon and the Musée des Arts et Métiers. [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history! [Read more]
The Bombardier: the English bar a stone's throw from the Pantheon
An English pub located next to the Pantheon, The Bombardier is a must in the 5th arrondissement for a good beer or to watch a match with atmosphere! [Read more]
Discover Paris in the footsteps of Victor Hugo
Take a stroll around Paris in the footsteps of the great French writer Victor Hugo, and discover the many places that marked his life. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 21, 2024
Location
The Pantheon
Place du Panthéon
75005 Paris 5
Access
Metro: Luxembourg / Cardinal Lemoine / Maubert Mutualité
Prices
Moins de 26 ans: Free
Visite: €11.5
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.paris-pantheon.fr
