Visit the Panthéon

Claim to Fame

The Panthéon is France’s secular temple of honor — a neoclassical monument where the country’s greatest minds, including Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo, are laid to rest beneath an awe-inspiring dome.

📌 Navigating Panthéon : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter the Panthéon.
How Long to Visit: A visit to the Panthéon typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
Washrooms: Public washrooms are available at the Panthéon.
Hours of Operation: The Panthéon is open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
Important Information: The Panthéon is a historic building and former church, now a mausoleum.
Handicap Accessible: The Panthéon is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Panthéon.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to explore the history of the Panthéon.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is no restaurant or cafe inside the Panthéon.
Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Panthéon offers a variety of books and souvenirs.
Parking: Limited parking is available near the Panthéon.
Family Friendly: The Panthéon is a family-friendly site with educational exhibits.
Photography: The architecture and interior of the Panthéon are great for photography.
WIFI: WIFI is not available at the Panthéon.
Picnic Area: There are no picnic areas within the Panthéon grounds.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Panthéon

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon is one of Paris’s most important historical and architectural landmarks. Originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, it was transformed during the French Revolution into a mausoleum for the nation’s most celebrated citizens. Today, it stands as both a masterpiece of neoclassical design and a solemn tribute to French heritage.

What to Expect

As you approach the Panthéon, its grand portico and Corinthian columns immediately command attention. Inside, you're greeted by an expansive nave crowned by a majestic dome, murals celebrating French history, and Foucault’s Pendulum — a dramatic demonstration of Earth’s rotation first installed in 1851.

Descend into the crypt to explore the resting places of France’s most revered writers, philosophers, scientists, and politicians. You’ll find tombs of Rousseau, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie and Pierre Curie, and more — all honored for shaping French and global culture.

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned by King Louis XV in 1758 and completed in 1790, the Panthéon was initially intended as a church. However, as revolutionary fervor swept through France, the building’s purpose shifted. Since then, it has alternated between religious and secular functions, ultimately becoming a civic shrine to republican values and intellectual achievement.

Inscribed above the entrance is the phrase: “Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante” — “To great men, the grateful homeland” — symbolizing its dedication to those who advanced the nation through thought, art, and science.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Weekdays outside of peak tourist season are ideal. If you're interested in panoramic views, consider visiting on a clear day when the dome’s exterior viewing platform is open.

How to Get There

The Panthéon is located in the 5th arrondissement near the Jardin du Luxembourg and Sorbonne University. It's accessible by:

Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10), Luxembourg (RER B), or Place Monge (Line 7)
Bus: Lines 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, or 85

It's an easy walk from the Latin Quarter and several Left Bank attractions.

Photo Opportunities

The striking façade with classical columns and sculptures
Interior dome viewed from beneath
Crypt architecture and historical tombs
Panoramic rooftop views over Paris (when open)

Travel Tips

Entry is free for EU citizens under 26 and on the first Sunday of each month (Nov–Mar).
The dome climb is seasonal — check ahead to confirm access.
Bring a light jacket — the crypt can be quite cool year-round.
Combine with a walk through the Latin Quarter and the nearby Luxembourg Gardens.

FAQs

Is the Panthéon wheelchair accessible?
Yes — there is ramp and elevator access to most areas, though the dome terrace is not accessible to wheelchairs.

How long should I plan for a visit?
Plan for about 1–1.5 hours, or longer if exploring the dome and taking in the art and exhibits in detail.

Can I visit the dome terrace?
Yes, in spring through early fall — it offers one of the best views over central Paris.

Final Thoughts

A visit to the Panthéon is a powerful experience — a convergence of history, philosophy, and French identity beneath one monumental dome. Whether you come to honor France’s great thinkers or to marvel at the building itself, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.

Things To Do near Panthéon

Latin Quarter

The Distance from Panthéon to Latin Quarter is 0.5 Kilometer(s) / 0.3 Mile(s)

Luxembourg Gardens

The Distance from Panthéon to Luxembourg Gardens is 1.1 Kilometer(s) / 0.7 Mile(s)

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Distance from Panthéon to Notre-Dame Cathedral is 1.3 Kilometer(s) / 0.8 Mile(s)

Louvre Museum

The Distance from Panthéon to Louvre Museum is 2.7 Kilometer(s) / 1.7 Mile(s)

Champs-Élysées

The Distance from Panthéon to Champs-Élysées is 6.1 Kilometer(s) / 3.8 Mile(s)

Eiffel Tower

The Distance from Panthéon to Eiffel Tower is 6.4 Kilometer(s) / 4 Mile(s)

Moulin Rouge

The Distance from Panthéon to Moulin Rouge is 6.9 Kilometer(s) / 4.3 Mile(s)

Montmartre

The Distance from Panthéon to Montmartre is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

Seine River Cruise

The Distance from Panthéon to Seine River Cruise is 7.6 Kilometer(s) / 4.7 Mile(s)

Musée d'Orsay

The Distance from Panthéon to Musée d'Orsay is 13.2 Kilometer(s) / 8.2 Mile(s)

📘 Paris Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Paris operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.

Weather: Paris has an oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), while winter temperatures average 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F). Rain is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Population: Paris has a population of approximately 2.1 million people in the city proper and over 12 million in the metropolitan area, making it the most populous urban center in France and one of the largest in Europe.

Size: Paris covers an area of around 105 square kilometers (40.7 square miles). Located along the Seine River in northern France, it is renowned for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and cultural landmarks.

Language: French is the official language spoken in Paris. English is commonly understood in hotels, major tourist attractions, and restaurants, though a few basic French phrases are appreciated by locals.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops and cafés.

Safety: Paris is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are common in crowded spots like the metro, Eiffel Tower, and major train stations. Visitors should stay alert and protect valuables.

Tipping: Tipping in Paris is appreciated but not required. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill. Leaving small change or rounding up is customary for good service.

Electricity and Plugs: France uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and E are standard. Travelers from countries using different voltage or plug types should bring appropriate adapters.

Water: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and meets EU quality standards. Public fountains and restaurant water are safe unless otherwise indicated.

Annual Visitors: Paris welcomes over 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities in the world. Key attractions include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays in France. A valid passport is required for entry.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to France. Routine immunizations such as measles, flu, and tetanus are recommended. Healthcare in Paris is high-quality and widely available.

Transportation: Paris has a dense and efficient public transportation network, including metro lines, buses, RER trains, and trams. Walking is also a convenient way to explore central neighborhoods.

Food: Paris is a culinary capital known for pastries, cheeses, wine, and gourmet dining. Signature dishes include croissants, escargot, coq au vin, and steak frites. Cafés and boulangeries are cultural staples.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Parisians value politeness and formality. A simple “bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants is expected. Quiet behavior in public spaces and respectful dress at religious sites are appreciated.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, museums, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is excellent. SIM cards with prepaid data are available at convenience stores and kiosks.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended when visiting Paris. While France has excellent healthcare, non-EU visitors may be charged for treatment. Insurance also helps cover theft, delays, or lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Panthéon

One of the Panthéon's most fascinating features is the Foucault pendulum, first displayed by physicist Léon Foucault in 1851 to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. While the original pendulum is no longer there, a replica swings inside, continuing to illustrate this fundamental principle of physics to visitors.

The Panthéon is the final resting place for many notable French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Marie Curie, and Louis Braille, among others. Their interment here honors their significant contributions to French and global culture, science, and politics.

The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical monument located in the Latin Quarter, serving as a mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens. Originally constructed as the Church of Sainte-Geneviève, it was completed in 1790, just as the French Revolution began, leading to its transformation into a secular mausoleum.

Designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the Panthéon's architecture was intended to combine the lightness and brightness of a Gothic cathedral with classical principles. Soufflot's ambition was to outdo the churches of St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London, aiming for a structure that was both grandiose and filled with light. The building is noted for its dome, which is one of the earliest examples of neoclassicism, influenced by the Pantheon in Rome.

The Panthéon stands not only as a mausoleum but also as a symbol of the nation's gratitude to those who have contributed to its intellectual and moral prestige. It is a place of memory and reflection, where visitors can engage with the stories of those who have shaped the French identity and legacy. Over time, it has become an essential part of Paris's historical and cultural landscape, reflecting the nation's changing values and commemorating its heroes.