The Panthéon is one of the most beautiful and emblematic monuments of Paris. The big names of French history are buried there, and this place contains many other secrets.
Our Opinion
What We Loved
- its spectacular architecture
- the visit which teaches a lot about French history
- the free entry for people under 18 and for UE residents age 18 to 25
- the impressive Foucault Pendulum
What We Didn’t Quite Like
- the impossibility to visit for disabled people
- no left-luggage system
We highly recommend this visit. The Panthéon is the ideal building to learn more about French history and its emblematic figures.
A lot of French personalities with impressive histories are buried there. The visit is perfect for the history-lovers.
Despite not being too adapted to children, the guided tours are not very long and won’t leave them enough time to get bored.
A Little Bit of History…
The Panthéon, created under the orders of Louis XV and inaugurated in 1793, was, at first, a place of worship built for Saint Geneveve. The Panthéon is a neo-classical building decorated with some of the most beautiful paintings of the XIXth century.
Important personalities of French History were buried there from 1885 and on, starting with Victor Hugo. We can also mention Rousseau, Voltaire, Jean Moulin, Pierre and Marie Curie or even Simone Veil.
Today, 78 people are buried there (73 men and 5 women).
How to Get to the Panthéon?
Location : Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris
The Panthéon does not have a private parking lot and is located on a car-free square. We thus recommend you to go with public transports.
- From the metro station Cardinal Lemoine (line 10)
- From the bus station Panthéon (lines 21, 27, 38, 82, 84, 85, 89)
- From the RER station Luxembourg (line B)
When Should You Visit the Panthéon?
Opening hours
- From the 1st of October to the 31st of March: 10am-18pm
- From the 1st of April to the 30th of September: 10am-18.30pm
- Closed at 4pm on 24th and 31st of December
- Closed on the 1st of January, the 1st of May, and the 25th of December.
There are many visitors during the school and summer holidays and on the 1st of every month (free entry). We recommend you to visit the Panthéon during the week, ideally in the morning.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting
The visit of the Panthéon is destined to every type of public, but you need to take some information into consideration.
During the visit, there are many stairs: 206 stairs to access the panorama, 80 stairs for the tribune, and 40 stairs to access the crypt. Old people and young children may have some difficulties following the pace.
Since it is a memorial monument, a correct outfit is required. In the crypt, you should behave decently and not speak loud.
Finally, dogs are forbidden in the building.
Visiting the Panthéon
The Different Options for the Visit
You can visit the Panthéon on your own, and follow your own tour. It will probably take you around 1 hour. We recommend you to pay the 3€ extra fee for the audio guide which will provide you with plenty of information all along your visit.
If you want to fully understand the historical and national dimension of the monument, we highly recommend you the guided tour which lasts around 45 minutes every afternoon.
You do not have to book it in advance, but make sure you know at what time it is supposed to begin in order not to risk missing the guide. To get confirmation of the time of the tour, call 01 44 32 18 00.
The more interested ones can also choose the conference tour (1 hour and a half), available in French, English, or Spanish.
This tour takes place every second Wednesday at 2.30pm, and one Thursday a month at 10.30am.
What Does the Visit Look Like?
During the visit, you can first admire the majestic building and its neoclassical architecture from the outside.
When you go inside you will be able to admire the big paintings which decorate the walls of the nave and tell of the lives of important historical characters. There are also sculptures and the cupola with the famous Foucault Pendulum which demonstrates Earth’s rotation.
In the crypt, the underground part of the monument, great Men are buried. Silence and respect are required. You will discover people that were politicians, writers, scientists, or military men in the course of their life. You will definitely be struck by the emotion and feeling of contemplation this place exudes.
From April to October, you can also go up to the cupola, and visit the higher part of the Panthéon. The tour lasts around 45 minutes. The dome is actually constituted of 3 cupolas on top of each other, and weighs no less than 17,000 tons. There, you will have a stunning view over the surroundings and the Eiffel Tower. But for that, you will have to pay a 3.5€ extra.
A little extra: digital tablets are at your disposal to provide you with information about the different paintings and sculptures in the nave, as well as the function of the Foucault Pendulum. In the crypt, there are tablets which sum up the lives of the people buried in the Panthéon.
Do not hesitate to go in the nice shop, where you can find all kinds of souvenirs and books to continue your discovery of the Panthéon.
Accessibility for Disabled People
Disabled people can access the building, but not visits because of the many stairs and the lack of elevators.
Visits adapted to people with vision or hearing problems are offered for free to visitors and accompanying persons.
For the Children
You can download here a tour booklet made especially for children (in French only). The audio guide is also recommended in order to make the visit more fun.
Visit Prices
Prices
- Adults: 11.50€
- Free for people under 18
- Free every first Sunday of the month
- Part of the Paris Museum Pass
We recommend you to book your ticket online in order not to waste time queuing when you arrive.
Where to Eat After your Visit
There is no restaurant in the Panthéon and it is not allowed to eat inside.
But on the Place du Panthéon, there are dozens of wooden tables where you can sit to enjoy a picnic or a lunch break.
If you want a more complete meal, here are some places to eat near the Panthéon.
La Grotte de Chypre
Located just 5 minutes away from the Panthéon, La Grotte de Chypre is an original place which offers Turkish and Mediterranean food. Here, everything you can eat can be seen in display cases, like at a caterer’s. You can choose between enjoying your lunch there, or taking it with you and eating in the shade of a tree or on a bench. Prices are between 6 and 10€ for a dish; veggie options are also available.
Location : 85 rue Mouffetard, 75005 Paris
Opening hours : from Monday to Saturday : 11.30am – 10pm
Tripadvisor page of the restaurant (French only)
Jozi Café
After your visit, what is better than enjoying a good cup of coffee along with a sweet? In this blue and modern café, you can also taste a lot of different hot drinks, or a cheap brunch or lunch. Do not miss their delicious pancakes!
Location : 3 rue Valette, 75005 Paris
Ciasa Mia
Located near the Panthéon, Ciasa Mia will make you discover the best of Italian cuisine in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant is in the Michelin Guide since 2020. The prices are high, but the food is worth it.
Location : 19 rue Laplace, 75005 Paris
Opening hours :
Monday to Friday : 12am – 2pm / 7pm – 10pm
Saturday : 7pm – 10pm
Ciasa Mia (website in French)
Finally, here are some pictures which will make you want to discover the Panthéon even more:
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