Visiting the Panthéon in Paris is ideal for those who’re after one thing grand—however not overwhelming. This neoclassical big usually flies beneath the radar, despite the fact that it’s one of the vital vital 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 hanging in scale. However with out the crowds and chaos of the same old 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 tips on how 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: really useful in excessive season and weekends (reserve right here)
✔️ Tip: Mix with a stroll by the Latin Quarter and Rue Mouffetard
A Temporary Historical past
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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 type, and it was accomplished in 1790. However its function modified quick.
The French Revolution remodeled this church right into a secular mausoleum. The thought? To honour the nice names of the nation. Voltaire and Rousseau had 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.
Immediately, greater than 80 French figures are buried right here. That features writers, scientists, politicians, and artists.
Among the many many males, solely six ladies have been laid to relaxation within the Panthéon. Simone Veil and Marie Curie are amongst them. The newest addition is Josephine Baker, who joined in 2021 as the primary Black lady honoured within the Panthéon.
Enjoyable Reality: Marie Curie’s tomb is lined with result in protect towards the lingering radiation from her stays.
Contained in the Pantheon
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The Panthéon unfolds in three separate areas, every with a very totally different really feel and goal. It’s a must-see attraction in Paris, particularly for those who love historical past.
#1 The Principal Corridor
That is the primary area you enter—shiny, symmetrical, and grand in scale. It genuinely shocked 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 stuffed with mild, 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 spiritual legends.
The centerpiece is Foucault’s Pendulum, slowly swinging beneath the dome—a scientific experiment first proven right here in 1851 to exhibit Earth’s rotation.
#2 The Crypt
Beneath the corridor, you’ll descend right into a extra intimate and solemn area. 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 additionally 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 an evidence in Braille—not one of the others did. A lot for inclusivity.
The hallways are total relatively 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 hanging and intentional.
#3 The Dome
The higher stage 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 beloved that we may take a stroll throughout the dome and revel in a 360° view of Paris. Due to the tremendous central location, you get unbelievable views – one thing that in any other case solely the Tour de Saint-Jacques affords.
The dome is a unbelievable bonus, however observe that you’ll want a separate ticket for this part. The area is tight, particularly within the staircase with it’s 206 steps and I wouldn’t advocate for those who’re afraid of heights.
Visiting Ideas
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Visiting the Panthéon is simple—and refreshingly calm in comparison with different main sights in Paris. There’s usually no lengthy queue, which already units it aside. Nonetheless, despite the fact that it flies beneath the radar, it does get busier on weekends and through excessive season.
I like to recommend reserving your ticket right here upfront. 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 isn’t all the time open – relying on season, climate and works. Finest 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 beneath 26 and youngsters beneath 18
- Free on the primary Sunday of every month from November to March
Entry:
- Nearest Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
- RER B: Luxembourg station
Last Ideas
Visiting the Panthéon is a transferring approach to join with France’s previous and the exceptional 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 probably want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – for those who don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an effective possibility.
- 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 might be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re usually bought out.
- I like the GoCity Journey Passes for straightforward planning
- I take advantage of Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Accommodations in Europe I largely e-book by Reserving.com (verify evaluations rigorously)
- Trip Leases by Airbnb or VRBO
