Visiting the Panthéon in Paris is ideal in case you’re after one thing grand—however not overwhelming. This neoclassical large typically flies underneath the radar, though it’s one of the crucial essential monuments within the metropolis.
It’s quiet. It’s highly effective. And it’s a corridor of fame for the individuals who formed French tradition—writers, scientists, revolutionaries.
Nonetheless wealthy intimately. Nonetheless putting in scale. However with out the crowds and chaos of the standard big-name stops.
I’ll admit it—I skipped it for years. However after I lastly visited, late into my Paris years, I realised what I’d been lacking. Now, it’s one in every of my favorites.
Right here’s why it issues, what you’ll see, and easy methods to plan your go to proper.
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✔️ Location: Latin Quarter, fifth arrondissement
✔️ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to six:00 PM, closed January 1, Could 1, and December 25
✔️ Reserving: advisable in excessive season and weekends (reserve right here)
✔️ Tip: Mix with a stroll by the Latin Quarter and Rue Mouffetard
A Temporary Historical past
The Panthéon wasn’t all the time a temple to French greatness. It began as a church—commissioned by Louis XV in 1758 to honour Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.
Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot designed it within the neoclassical model, and it was accomplished in 1790. However its position modified quick.
The French Revolution remodeled this church right into a secular mausoleum. The concept? To honour the good names of the nation. Voltaire and Rousseau have been among the many first to be moved right here.
Over time, it turned a nationwide corridor of fame, and the inscription on its façade nonetheless says it clearly: Aux grands hommes la patrie reconnaissante—To nice males, the grateful homeland.
At the moment, greater than 80 French figures are buried right here. That features writers, scientists, politicians, and artists.
Among the many many males, solely six girls have been laid to relaxation within the Panthéon. Simone Veil and Marie Curie are amongst them. The latest addition is Josephine Baker, who joined in 2021 as the primary Black lady honoured within the Panthéon.
Enjoyable Truth: Marie Curie’s tomb is lined with result in defend towards the lingering radiation from her stays.
Contained in the Pantheon
The Panthéon unfolds in three separate areas, every with a very totally different really feel and objective.
#1 The Essential Corridor
That is the primary house you enter—brilliant, symmetrical, and grand in scale. It genuinely stunned me. I had all the time imagined the Panthéon as one thing darkish and heavy, extra crypt than monument.
As an alternative, this central corridor is filled with gentle, and you’ll actually really feel that this was meant to be a church.
The primary corridor is lined with neoclassical columns, grand sculptures, and expansive murals that depict key episodes of French historical past and non secular legends.
The centerpiece is Foucault’s Pendulum, slowly swinging underneath the dome—a scientific experiment first proven right here in 1851 to display Earth’s rotation.
#2 The Crypt
Beneath the corridor, you’ll descend right into a extra intimate and solemn house. It’s right here the place ou discover the tombs of France’s most influential thinkers, writers, scientists, and political figures.
Mainly all the large names united: Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Rousseau, but in addition a number of you may not have in your radar.
Louis Braille, for instance, who created the Braille system, the tactile writing system utilized by people who find themselves blind or visually impaired. It was a bit ironic to see that solely Louis Braille’s tombstone had a proof in Braille—not one of the others did. A lot for inclusivity.
The hallways are total slightly modest and quiet. Every tomb is marked with dignity, however don’t count on huge or lavish memorials. The distinction to the grand corridor above is putting and intentional.
#3 The Dome
The higher degree just isn’t all the time open, however whether it is, take the possibility to climb up. After an extended spiral staircase, you attain one of many greatest panoramic views in Paris—the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter, the Seine, all laid out round you.
I liked that we may take a stroll throughout the dome and luxuriate in a 360° view of Paris. Because of the tremendous central location, you get improbable views – one thing that in any other case solely the Tour de Saint-Jacques affords.
The dome is a improbable bonus, however be aware that you’ll want a separate ticket for this part. The house is tight, particularly within the staircase with it’s 206 steps and I wouldn’t advocate in case you’re afraid of heights.
Visiting Suggestions
Visiting the Panthéon is easy—and refreshingly calm in comparison with different main sights in Paris. There’s typically no lengthy queue, which already units it aside. Nonetheless, though it flies underneath the radar, it does get busier on weekends and through excessive season.
I like to recommend reserving your ticket right here prematurely. They’re not timed, so that you keep versatile—however you’ll skip the ticket line and head straight in. A small step that makes your go to smoother.
Additionally, the dome just isn’t all the time open – relying on season, climate and works. Greatest verify the official web page earlier than to know what to anticipate.
Opening Hours
- April 1 – September 30: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- October 1 – March 31: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Final admission: 45 minutes earlier than closing
- Closed on January 1, Could 1, and December 25
- First Monday of every month: Opens at 12:00 PM
Tickets:
- Guide your tickets right here
- Free for EU residents underneath 26 and kids underneath 18
- Free on the primary Sunday of every month from November to March
Entry:
- Nearest Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
- RER B: Luxembourg station
Remaining Ideas
Visiting the Panthéon is a transferring strategy to join with France’s previous and the outstanding individuals who helped form it. Its neoclassical magnificence and the highly effective tales beneath its dome make it greater than only a monument—it’s a tribute to legacy.
Set within the coronary heart of the Latin Quarter—my favourite nook of Paris, with its cozy bookshops, college students vibest, and charming cafés—it’s additionally simply across the nook from Emily’s fictional flat (for the followers on the market).
However past the popular culture nod, that is the place France pays homage to its brightest minds.
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Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – in case you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient choice.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Points of interest:
- I e book excursions & actions by Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets will be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically bought out.
- I like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Motels in Europe I largely e book by Reserving.com (verify evaluations fastidiously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
