Visit & Booking of the Pantheon in Paris

Hidden behind the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter of Paris, the Pantheon is a cherished monument of the French capital. Originally constructed in the 15th century as a church, after the French Revolution, it became the place to honour many artists' funerals.

Indeed, the Pantheon is now housing the tombs of many respected intellectuals and writers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Alexandre Dumas as well as an exact copy of the Foucault's pendulum.

It's façade reminds of the pantheon in Rome and impresses with its beautiful neo-classical style.

In this article, we will tell you more about the history of Pantheon of Paris and give your information about how to visit this beautiful church of Paris.

Entrance, Tickets and Tours to Paris Pantheon

What can I do at Pantheon in Paris ?

The Pantheon is a historical building which was initially built as a sanctuary dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève, one of the patron saints of Paris. 

While its interior design includes Gothic elements, it forms a Greek cross with Corinthian columns and detailed marble floors. There are splendid wall paintings as well as sculptures in its decorational programme.

Pantheon hosts the tombs of many authors, scientists and thinkers who have left their mark on history such as Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, Voltaire, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas in its crypt.

The climb for the Pantheon's dome is ticketed separately. The dome is often referred to as the “Balcony of Paris” with its 360-degree view of Paris.

Foucault's Pendulum

There were people who thought the earth rotated around its axis, but there was no physical evidence until the 19th century.

The demonstration of physicist Leon Foucault in Pantheon building shook the world in 1851. Constructing a 67 meter (220 ft) pendulum beneath the Pantheon's dome, the experiment proved the Earth's rotation on its axis.

Today there is an exact copy of the pendulum in Pantheon. The original pendulum can be seen at Musée des Arts et Métiers which was moved there in 1851.

How to get to Paris Pantheon ?

The Pantheon is located on the right bank of the Seine River in the 5th arrondissement. Sorborne University's Faculty of Law and The Library of St. Genevieve are near the Pantheon.

The closest Métro station is "Cardinal Lemoine", on line 10. From this station you can reach Pantheon building by 6 to 10 minutes walk.

If you don't mind walking a little bit more and see some art galleries and old bookstores you can choose another metro station "Odéon", on the lines 4 and 10.

You can get to Panthéon by Bus, Metro, Train, RER or Light Rail.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

History of the Pantheon

The story of Pantheon is based on the promise of King Louis XV, who stated to build a church on the site of an old ruined abbey dedicated to St. Geneviève, if he could get rid of suffering from his disease.

The constuction started upon the order of King Louis XV in 1758. It's completion was delayed due to the economic difficulties. It was finally opened in 1790. 

Following the French Revolution, it became a mausoleum for a number of illustrious heroes. Since then, the Panthéon has been converted into a church twice, but has since been restored to function as a mausoleum.