The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument

The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets.

Located in the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon honors the most important figures in French history. Transformed in the 18th century, this formerly religious building became a secular mausoleum. This change was inspired by ancient traditions, notably Egyptian and Greek, to pay tribute to the great men of a nation.

Indeed, before it became a monument to the great men of the French Republic, the Panthéon was a church. Here's how it all came about. In 1744, Louis XV decided to rebuild theChurch of Sainte-Geneviève, which was falling into ruin at the top of Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Indeed, it pales in comparison with the beautiful church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont. In 1764, the foundation stone was laid by the King himself.

The architect Jacques Germain Soufflot, a fervent admirer ofGreco-Roman architecture, chose to build it on a Greek cross plan, and the whole architectural style of the church is imbued with it, judging by its beautiful Corinthian columns.

A somewhat chaotic period followed. During the French Revolution, the building was stripped of its religious functions and turned into a temple to house the ashes of great men fighting for French freedom. Following renovations by De Quincy, the Panthéon was converted back into a church in 1806.

Secular under the July Monarchy, religious under Napoleon Bonaparte, then HQ of the insurgents during the Commune, the Panthéon never stopped changing hands. In 1885, the building with its impressive dome finally became the monument to great men we know today, with the funeral of Victor Hugo.

Since then, the Panthéon has welcomed the remains of some of the Republic's greatest figures. The crypt contains the tombs of Rousseau, Voltaire,Emile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louis Braille, René Cassin, Victor Schoelcher, Jean Monnet, Marie Curie(the first woman to be admitted) and, more recently, Simone Veil and Joséphine Baker.

Contemporary works of art are also on display within the monument.

You'll also note the presence of Foucault's famous pendulum, which has hung under the Pantheon dome since 1851.

For an enriching experience, we recommend a self-guided tour lasting around 1h30. However, 45-minute guided tours are available in the afternoon. An audioguide, available in 11 languages, makes it easy to discover this national treasure. To avoid waiting, remember to buy your tickets in advance.

On the program:

History: Relive the transformation of the church into the National Pantheon.
The Nave: Admire the replica of Foucault's Pendulum.
The Crypt: Meet the great names buried here, such as Rousseau and the Curies.
Architecture: Discover the three hidden domes and the influence of the Roman Pantheon.

Pantheon opening hours:

January 2 to March 31: 10am - 6pm
April 1 to September 31: 10am - 6:30pm
October 1 to December 31: 10 am - 6 pm

Closed: January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Prices : The visit costs €11.50 for adults. However, free admission is available for certain categories, including young people under 26 and people with disabilities.

Accessibility: The Panthéon is committed to inclusion, and offers facilities for people with disabilities. The crypt, however, is difficult to access due to its architecture.

A little anecdote: Marie Curie, buried here in 1995, lies in a lead-shielded coffin due to the radiation to which she was exposed.

On sunny days, the Panorama du Panthéon is open to visitors, offering one of the most beautiful views of Paris.

In short, the Paris Pantheon is more than just a monument. It's a journey through time, where every nook and cranny tells a story. Don't wait any longer, come and discover this Parisian jewel!

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