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Pantheon Paris: Tickets, Hours, History, and Essential Visitor Info

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The Panthéon in Paris, located in the Latin Quarter, is an iconic monument rich in French history. Originally built as a church, it became a mausoleum after the French Revolution, honoring notable figures like Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo.

Known for its neoclassical architecture and the famous Foucault Pendulum, the Pantheon also offers stunning views of Paris from its dome. This guide will provide essential information on visiting hours, tickets, and key highlights, including its history and notable burials.

1. Visiting the Pantheon: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Info

📍 Address:

  • Place du Pantheon, 75005 Paris
  • Located in the Latin Quarter of the 5th arrondissement.

🚶 How to Get There:

  • Metro:
    • Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10)
    • Luxembourg (RER B)
    • Maubert-Mutualité (Line 10)
  • Bus: Lines 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85, and 89 serve the area.
  • Walking: The Pantheon is a short walk from Jardin du Luxembourg, Sorbonne, and the Seine River.

🎫 Ticket Prices:

  • Individual ticket: €13
  • Panorama (dome access): additional €3.50
  • Combined ticket (Pantheon + Basilica of Saint-Denis): €19
  • Free admission for:
    • Children under 16 accompanied by an adult with an e-ticket
    • Disabled visitors and their companion
    • The first Sunday of January, February, March, November, and December
    • Visitors aged 16-25 from EU countries or residents in France
    • Jobseekers (with proof less than 6 months old)
    • Paris Museum Pass holders

⏰ Opening Hours:

  • April 1 to September 30: open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • October 1 to March 31: open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
  • Last admission: 45 minutes before closing.

⛔ Annual Closures:

  • Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

⏳ Recommended Visit Duration:

  • 1 to 2 hours is recommended to fully explore the Pantheon, including the crypts and optional visit to the dome for panoramic views.

🎧 Audio Guide:

  • Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German, providing in-depth information on the history, architecture, and notable figures buried in the Pantheon.

♿ Accessibility:

The Pantheon is fully accessible to disabled visitors:

  • Accessible entrance and trained staff
  • Adapted tours (tactile, in LSF, LPC, or LL)
  • Loan of wheelchairs
  • Free admission for disabled visitors and their companion with valid ID

🎟️ Services:

  • Shop and bookstore on site
  • Combined tickets available for the Pantheon and Basilica of Saint-Denis (€16)
  • Visitor information in multiple languages: German, English, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian
  • Interactive kiosks throughout the site

🏰 Architecture and Exhibitions:

  • Exterior neoclassical monumental architecture
  • The Pantheon offers guided tours and workshops adapted for different audiences.

2. History of the Pantheon

The Pantheon in Paris has a fascinating history, closely tied to France’s political and religious upheavals. Its construction began in 1758 under Louis XV, who commissioned a grand church to honor Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, as a token of gratitude for his recovery from a serious illness. Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot was tasked with designing this monumental building in the neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome.

However, with the onset of the French Revolution, the Pantheon underwent a significant transformation. In 1791, it was secularized and repurposed as a mausoleum to honor the “great men” of the nation. The inscription on its façade, “To great men, the grateful homeland,” reflects this new role. Voltaire and Rousseau were among the first to be interred here, establishing the Pantheon as a shrine of national memory.

Over time, as political regimes changed, the Pantheon oscillated between religious and secular functions. It permanently regained its role as a national mausoleum in 1885 with the state funeral of Victor Hugo. Since then, it has become the resting place for many notable figures, including Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and most recently, Simone Veil. Today, the Pantheon stands as a powerful symbol of French Republican history, honoring the country’s intellectual and cultural heritage.

3. Architecture and Design of the Pantheon

The Pantheon is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, combining monumental proportions with elegant detail. Designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot and completed in 1790, the building was inspired by the classical grandeur of ancient Roman architecture, particularly the Pantheon in Rome. Soufflot’s vision was to create a structure that symbolized the greatness of both the monarchy and religion.

The most striking feature of the Pantheon is its colossal dome, which dominates the skyline of the Latin Quarter. The dome consists of three layers, creating a sense of height and grandeur while allowing natural light to flood the interior. The structure is supported by Corinthian columns that frame the entrance, giving it a temple-like appearance.

Inside, the interior design is equally impressive. The walls are adorned with large frescoes that depict scenes from French history, particularly those related to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The frescoes tell stories of France’s religious and political evolution, highlighting moments of national pride.

The crypt beneath the Pantheon is where the tombs of France’s most revered figures are housed. The crypt’s architecture is simpler in design but no less significant, providing a solemn space for reflection.

In addition to its classical design, the Pantheon is known for its scientific significance. In 1851, the physicist Léon Foucault installed his famous pendulum inside the Pantheon to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth. The pendulum still swings in the main hall today, making the Pantheon not only a monument to the nation’s history but also to its scientific achievements.

The combination of its neoclassical design, historical frescoes, and scientific heritage makes the Pantheon a unique architectural masterpiece, embodying both the grandeur of the past and the progress of modern thought.

4. Notable Figures Buried in the Pantheon

The Pantheon serves as the final resting place for some of France’s most celebrated historical figures, individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s intellectual, political, and cultural heritage. These distinguished men and women are honored for their exceptional impact on French society, and their graves within the Pantheon immortalize their legacies.

One of the first to be interred was Voltaire in 1791, shortly followed by his philosophical counterpart Jean-Jacques Rousseau. These two Enlightenment thinkers are regarded as foundational figures in shaping modern political thought and the values of the French Revolution.

Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, was buried in the Pantheon in 1885, with a grand state funeral that reinforced the Pantheon’s role as a national mausoleum. Émile Zola, a pivotal figure in literature and social activism, and Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers, were later interred alongside him, symbolizing the recognition of literary and cultural giants.

 The Pantheon also honors Marie Curie, the first woman to be buried here on her own merit. A two-time Nobel Prize winner, Curie’s contributions to science, particularly in the field of radioactivity, left an indelible mark on history.

Most recently, Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and pioneering politician who played a major role in advancing women’s rights in France, was interred in the Pantheon in 2018. Her legacy as a champion of human rights and social justice solidifies the Pantheon’s status as a place not only for great men, but also for women who shaped the nation.

Together, these figures represent the diverse achievements that have shaped France, from philosophy and literature to science and social progress.

5. Foucault’s Pendulum

One of the most fascinating features of the Pantheon is the Foucault Pendulum, an experiment that visually demonstrates the Earth’s rotation. Installed in 1851 by the French physicist Léon Foucault, the pendulum was a groundbreaking experiment that proved the planet’s movement on its axis in a simple yet powerful way.

The pendulum consists of a long wire, nearly 67 meters in length, from which a weighted bob is suspended, slowly swinging back and forth. As the pendulum swings in a fixed plane, the Earth rotates beneath it, causing the direction of the swing to gradually shift. This movement is a direct visualization of the Earth’s rotation, something that was otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

At the Pantheon, the Foucault Pendulum became an instant attraction, drawing not only scientists and intellectuals but also the general public, who were captivated by the elegant demonstration of a fundamental scientific principle. The pendulum has since become one of the Pantheon’s key features, symbolizing the intersection of science, education, and enlightenment that the monument embodies.

Today, visitors can still witness the pendulum in action, suspended from the grand dome of the Pantheon. It serves as a reminder of the Pantheon’s role not only as a mausoleum honoring great historical figures but also as a place where knowledge, progress, and discovery are celebrated.

6. Nearby Attractions in the Latin Quarter

The Pantheon is situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’ most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. After visiting the Pantheon, there are many other nearby attractions that offer a rich continuation of your exploration of Parisian history, culture, and academic life.

Check out our guide to the Latin Quarter

Just a short walk away is the world-famous Sorbonne University, a symbol of intellectual excellence that has shaped French and European thought for centuries. Its historic buildings and surrounding streets give a glimpse into the lively student culture that has defined the Latin Quarter.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Jardin du Luxembourg is only a few minutes away. This sprawling garden is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering beautifully manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, and the iconic Luxembourg Palace, home to the French Senate.

Visitors interested in ancient history can explore the nearby Arènes de Lutèce, one of the few remaining Roman amphitheaters in Paris. Once used for gladiatorial contests and performances, it is now a quiet spot where locals and tourists can relax while reflecting on Paris’ Gallo-Roman past.

The Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, is also nearby. Famous for its lively market and charming cafés, it offers an authentic Parisian experience. Strolling down this cobblestone street, visitors can enjoy the flavors of local French cuisine or shop at the market for fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries.

Lastly, don’t miss the Jardin des Plantes, Paris’ main botanical garden. Home to the Natural History Museum and the Ménagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world, it is a wonderful place to explore both nature and science in a beautiful, tranquil setting.

With its rich array of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, the area surrounding the Pantheon provides a full day of discovery in one of Paris’ most treasured neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pantheon in Paris?

The Pantheon is a historic monument located in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, it now serves as a mausoleum for some of France’s most famous figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Simone Veil.

The Panthéon is famous for:

  • Its role as a mausoleum for great French figures.
  • Its stunning neoclassical architecture and dome, which offers panoramic views of Paris.
  • The Foucault Pendulum, a scientific demonstration of the Earth’s rotation.
  • Its significance as a symbol of French Republican values and national pride, with the inscription “Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante” (To great men, the grateful homeland).

The Panthéon is the final resting place of many of France’s most celebrated figures, including:

  • Voltaire – Enlightenment philosopher
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau – Political philosopher
  • Victor Hugo – Author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
  • Émile Zola – Novelist and social activist
  • Marie Curie – Nobel Prize-winning scientist
  • Alexandre Dumas – Author of The Three Musketeers
  • Simone Veil – Holocaust survivor and women’s rights advocate

These individuals are honored for their lasting contributions to French culture, science, politics, and literature.

A typical visit to the Pantheon, including the crypt and optional visit to the dome, usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Pantheon. However, using flash or tripods is generally prohibited to protect the artwork and ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors.

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