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Panthéon of Paris Tribute to France's Greatest Figures

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PARIS - FRANCE

Welcome to the Panthéon in Paris — resting place of France's great minds.

A masterpiece of architecture where republican ideals and scientific progress unite in an enduring symbol of French heritage.

A monument born from a royal promise


The history of the Panthéon of Paris begins in 1744, when King Louis XV, gravely ill, promised to build a church in honor of Saint Genevieve if he recovered. Thus, the project of the Church of Sainte-Geneviève was born, atop the Latin Quarter hill. A building with a Greek cross layout crowned by a triple dome, inspired by St. Peter's in Rome. The first stone was laid in 1764.

With the French Revolution, the fate of the building changed radically. In 1791, the unconsecrated church was transformed into a secular space, meant to house the remains of illustrious men of the nation. Voltaire and Rousseau were the first to enter the Panthéon crypt, followed later by Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, and Marie Curie.

Throughout the 19th century, the building oscillated between religious and civil functions until the Third Republic definitively established it as a secular temple of national memory. Today, the Panthéon Paris remains one of France’s most visited and symbolic places due to the greatness of those who rest there and the cultural legacy it preserves.

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Opening Hours

The Panthéon of Paris will be open to the public:

  • From April 1 to September 30: from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • From October 1 to March 31: from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Special hours: Opens at 12:00 PM on the first working Monday of each month.

info-icon Closing Days

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

Exceptional closures and special hours:

  • December 24 (closes at 5:00 PM - last entry at 4:15 PM)
  • December 31 (closes at 5:00 PM - last entry at 4:15 PM)

What’s included in your visit to the Panthéon of Paris?

With this ticket, you can freely explore the Panthéon Paris and access all its visitable areas.

  • Full access to the building: Walk through the central nave, the apse, the crypt, and other emblematic areas of this 18th-century neoclassical temple.
  • Entry to the Panthéon crypt: Visit the resting place of personalities like Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Rousseau, Voltaire, or Jean Moulin.
  • The Foucault pendulum in operation: Observe the legendary experiment that proved the Earth's rotation, installed under the monument's great dome.
  • Monumental artworks and frescoes: Admire sculptures, bas-reliefs, and frescoes narrating the life of Saint Genevieve and key episodes in France's history.
  • Access to temporary exhibitions: Attend cultural exhibitions held throughout the year, included in your ticket price.
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Tips to make your Panthéon visit unforgettable

  • Arrive early or after lunch: Avoid peak hours by arriving early in the morning or after 3:00 PM. You'll enjoy the monument more peacefully and with fewer crowds.

  • Don’t miss the Foucault pendulum: Look under the center of the dome to see the historic Foucault pendulum of the Panthéon, a fascinating experiment proving Earth's rotation.

  • Stop at the Rondelet model: The sectional replica of the building is ideal for understanding the monument’s internal structure, from the crypt to the lantern.

  • Take your time in the crypt: Go down calmly and look for the engraved names: you’ll be surprised by the variety of figures and the sober design that invites reflection.

  • Bring a jacket, even in summer: The monument’s interior, especially the crypt, stays cool year-round. You’ll be glad to have something warm.

  • Wear comfortable shoes: Although the visit lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, you’ll walk on marble and stairs. The Panthéon crypt’s floor can be a bit slippery on humid days.

You can reach the Panthéon of Paris in several ways depending on your location and preferences:

Located in Place du Panthéon (75005 Paris), atop the Latin Quarter hill, this iconic monument is well connected by public transport, bicycle, or even on foot if you're in the historic center.

  • If you take line 10, get off at Maubert-Mutualité station, about a 6-minute walk from the monument. You can also take line 7, Place Monge station, about 8 minutes on foot, passing through Rue Monge and the Place du Puits de l’Ermite.

  • If you're coming from the outskirts of Paris or other areas connected to the RER B line. Luxembourg station (line B) leaves you just a 5-minute walk from the Panthéon.

  • If you're driving, you’ll find several public parking lots near the Panthéon. Although traffic in the center can be heavy during peak hours, you can park in nearby lots like Indigo Val de Grâce, Lagrange-Maubert, or Panthéon-Soufflot.

  • You can use the 'Vélib' public bike system. The nearest station is N5032 – Panthéon – Valette, located right in front of the monument. You’ll also find additional docking points in nearby streets.

What is the recommended duration for visiting the Panthéon in Paris?

The visit to the Panthéon is designed to take approximately one hour, offering a complete tour that includes the main nave, the crypt, and the commemorative spaces.

In addition to exploring the neoclassical architecture designed by Soufflot, you will learn about the prominent French figures buried there, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, among others, and contemplate the sober grandeur of the central space. Note that final access is allowed up to 45 minutes before closing time, so it is advisable to start your visit with enough time.

Recommendation: Plan your visit by allowing at least an hour and a half to fully take in the details, leisurely explore the crypt, and (if allowed that day) enjoy the magnificent views from the dome.

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Access and behavior rules at the Panthéon of Paris

  • The nave and crypt are places of contemplation. Avoid speaking loudly, running, or making noises that could disturb other visitors’ experience.

  • While formal attire isn’t required, discreet and respectful clothing is recommended, especially in the crypt, a funerary space.

  • It is forbidden to consume food or beverages inside the monument. We suggest hydrating before or after your visit.

  • Only standard-size backpacks are allowed. There is no cloakroom, and helmets, large strollers, or bulky luggage are not permitted.

  • Animals are not allowed, except for properly identified guide or assistance dogs.

  • People with reduced mobility can access part of the nave via an exterior ramp. Staff is available to assist if needed.