Pantheon
The facade of the Pantheon, modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, is a great example of the neoclassicism
The Pantheon, located in the Latin quarter of Paris, was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve and housed her relics. The construction of the Pantheon was commissioned by Louis XV when he recovered from his illness in 1744. It has since been re-appropriated as a mausoleum which contains the remains of a number of distinguished French citizens.
The facade of the Pantheon is modeled on the Pantheon in Rome. It is a great example of the neoclassicism that was popular at the time of its construction. The general layout is that of a massive Greek cross 110 meters long and 85 meters wide. The Pantheon boasts a triple dome where each dome is laid within the shell of the previous dome. The weight of this triple dome has been transferred by concealed buttresses to the portico columns. The dome reaches a height of 83 meters.
It was beneath the triple dome of the Pantheon that Leon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the earth by hanging a 67 meter Foucault pendulum beneath the central dome. The original pendulum is in the Musee des Arts et Petiers and a copy hangs in the Pantheon. The Pantheon also housed the famous sculpture, The Thinker, from 1906 to 1922.
Since the Pantheon was converted into a mausoleum many great French citizens have been interred there. The inscription above the entrance to the crypt reads "To the great men, the grateful homeland". Some of those interred there are Napoleon, Turenne, Vauban, Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Jean Moulin, Marie Sklodowska-Curie, Louis Braille, Jean Jaures and Soufflot, its architect. Some would argue that being able to pay your respects to these famous French citizens is reason enough to pay a visit to the Pantheon on its own.
If you have not added the Pantheon to your list of things to see in Paris, it would be a great idea to do so. Many who have seen it give it 5 star reviews. The Pantheon is accessible for those who are disabled and it's worth noting that the disabled and their helpers are admitted for free.
Nearby attractions: Musee de Cluny and Jardin de Luxembourg
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Pantheon Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
Official Website: Pantheon
Pantheon Reviews
Rated out of 5
We stumbled upon Place du Panthéon after dinner one night and were blown away! The building looks absolutely stunning when lit up at night—its architecture and grandeur are unforgettable. We really wish we had spent a full day here to explore it in daylight and take in all the details. A must-see spot in Paris, whether you pass by in the evening or take time to enjoy it properly during the day!
Ahmed Kradi - 3 weeks ago
Well worth the visit. Reasonably priced and includes the crypt which contains the tombs of famous French people. Also found out if you present your Eurostar ticket you can get a 2 for 1 deal.
Vito Serafino - 2 weeks ago
The Panthéon is one of Paris’s most powerful and inspiring monuments—grand, solemn, and deeply meaningful. Its neoclassical architecture, with a majestic dome inspired by the Roman Pantheon, immediately commands attention. Stepping inside, the vast interior feels calm and reverential, with light filtering beautifully through the high ceilings.
What truly sets the Panthéon apart is its purpose. As the final resting place of France’s great minds and heroes—such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas—it offers a moving journey through French history, philosophy, science, and literature. The crypt is especially impactful, evoking respect and reflection.
The exhibits explaining the monument’s transformation from a church to a secular mausoleum, along with displays on Foucault’s Pendulum, add strong educational value. If you climb to the dome, the panoramic view over Paris is spectacular and well worth the effort.
Overall, the Panthéon is not just a sightseeing stop but a place of reflection and admiration. A must-visit for anyone interested in history, culture, and the intellectual soul of France. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rajnish Bhatt - a month ago
Really cool building. Didn’t know who the guy on the poster so I found all the info they had about him in the tomb area pretty interesting. The paintings on the walls were also cool. Definitely worth the €15, or you can get in for free if you’ve got an eu passport. I forgot mine so had to pay the fee but it was worth while anyway.
Yannick Hornell - a month ago
Like these buildings are so amazing and grandious, what a fantastic place to explore and experience. I would have never thought ahead of time I'd have enjoyed walking through these buildings and experiencing what they had to offer, but it was great, something I'll never forget.
Stefan Brown - a month ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M10 | Cluny - La Sorbonne | 8 minutes |
| M4 | Odeon | 13 minutes |
| RER B | Luxembourg | 6 minutes |
How to get to Pantheon by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 10 exit at Cluny - La Sorbonne Station and walk east to Boulevard Saint-Germain then go right (south) on Rue Saint-Jacques to Rue Soufflot and go left. The Pantheon is straight ahead (8 minutes). From Metro Line 4 exit at Odeon Station via the Rue de l'École du Medecine exit; double back and walk southeast along Rue de l'École du Medécine continuing on Rue de Écoles to Rue Saint-Jacques and go right (south) to Rue Soufflot; then go left.
By RER: Take the RER B to Luxembourg Station and exit north onto Boulevard Saint-Michel. Walk north up Boulevard Saint-Michel to Rue Soufflot and go right.
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Accommodations near Pantheon:
Photo Gallery
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Looking up inside the dome of the Pantheon in Paris cc licensed photo by Michal Osmenda -
Photo Credit: rcamboim - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: Gael Varoquaux - cc license via Flickr
