The Panthéon in Parisis one of those places you can’t ignore when walking through the 5th arrondissement. Once a church, this impressive building now serves as a final resting place for famous Frenchmen. Wondering if it’s worth taking a look inside? In this blog we tell you what to expect and share useful tips for your visit.
What is the Panthéon in Paris
The Panthéon in Paris is an impressive building with a special history. Originally it was built as a basilica, in honor of the city’s patron saint. After the French Revolution, everything changed and it lost its religious function. The Panthéon was renamed the Temple of French Science. Today it is best known as the place where important Frenchmen have found their final resting place, such as writers, scientists, politicians and generals. An extraordinary place full of history in the middle of Paris.
What is the difference between the Panthéon in Paris and the Panthéon in Rome?
Many people sometimes confuse them: the Panthéon in Paris and the Pantheon in Rome. Yet they are two very different buildings, each with its own history and significance.
The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical structure from the 18th century. Originally built as a church, it was later transformed into a monument where famous Frenchmen are buried, such as Voltaire and Marie Curie. Above all, it is a place to reflect on French history and honor important thinkers and heroes.
The Pantheon in Rome on the other hand, is a temple of Roman antiquity, built around 125 AD. This building was intended as a temple to all the gods and is known for its impressive dome with an open oculus. Today it is a church and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world.
In short, although the names are similar, they are two very different places, each with its own story and atmosphere.
What to see at the Panthéon in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is an impressive building with special attractions that tell the rich French history.
You can see this there:
1. The large dome with beautiful murals 2.The crypt with the tombs of famous Frenchmen such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie 3.Foucault’s pendulum, an extraordinary experiment showing the earth’s rotation 4.Impressive columns and sculptures adorning the building 5.Temporary exhibitions on French history and culture
1. The large dome with beautiful murals.
One of the highlights of the Panthéon in Paris is its impressive dome. Inside, you will see beautiful murals showing important moments in French history. But perhaps the best part is that you can climb the dome for a breathtaking view of the city.
For a few extra euros, which you have to pay on the spot, you can walk up the 206 steps. It’s a bit of a climb, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of Paris. You overlook famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Definitely recommended if you want to admire the city from above!
2. The crypt with the tombs of famous Frenchmen
One of the most impressive parts of the Panthéon in Paris is the crypt, where famous Frenchmen have found their final resting place. Who is interred here is decided by the French president himself. That makes this place extra special and full of meaning.
In the crypt lie such great names as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Alexandre Dumas. On screens, you can see exactly who is buried there and learn more about their lives and contributions to French history.
Remarkably, only four women are buried there. The first was Nobel laureate Marie Curie. The last woman interred was Simone Veil, a politician who devoted her entire life to human rights and Holocaust remembrance.
3. Foucault's pendulum in the Panthéon
A special and striking part of the Panthéon in Paris is Foucault’s pendulum. In the middle of the main hall, this enormous pendulum hangs from the high dome. What makes this pendulum so special is that it provided the very first scientific proof that the earth actually rotates.
This famous experiment was first performed here in 1851. As the pendulum slowly moves back and forth, you can see with your own eyes how the earth spins under your feet. A fascinating and impressive piece of science, right where it once began.
4. Impressive columns and sculptures of the Panthéon in Paris
In addition to the dome and crypt, the magnificent architecture of the Panthéon in Paris immediately stands out. Especially the tall columns and impressive sculptures make the building truly a picture to behold. Everything exudes grandeur and history.
Above the entrance to the Panthéon is the text “Aux grands hommes la patrie reconnaissante,” which means “To great men, the grateful homeland.” These words say exactly what the Panthéon stands for: a tribute to France’s greatest thinkers, writers, scientists and heroes.
Inside and outside you will find several statues depicting important moments and people from French history.
Some special images you can see:
1. The sculpture of the French Revolution 2. A sculpture of Voltaire 3. The statue of Jean-Jacques Rousseau 4. Statues honoring famous scientists and writers
These works of art give the Panthéon even more meaning and make your visit all the more impressive.
5. Temporary exhibitions on French history and culture
The Panthéon in Paris is not only an impressive monument, but also a place that regularly hosts interesting exhibitions. These temporary exhibitions are often about French history, culture or famous people honored at the Panthéon.
How do you buy tickets to the Panthéon in Paris?
Tickets for the Panthéon in Paris can easily be purchased online. This way you can avoid queues and be sure that you can enter at your convenience. Through the link below you can order tickets directly:
Want to visit the Panthéon in Paris? Good to know is that the monument is open to visitors almost all year round.
The Panthéon is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. In the winter months, from November through March, it closes a little earlier at 6 p.m.
Please note that the Panthéon is closed on some holidays, such as Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25.
For the most up-to-date opening hours, it’s best to check the Panthéon’s official website before your visit.
Where is the Panthéon located in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is located in the heart of the city, right in the historic and lively Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. The monument stands on the hill Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, near the famous University Sorbonne and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Address:
Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
With its central location, the Panthéon is easy to get to and combines well with other nearby attractions.
How do you get to the Panthéon in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is located in the cozy 5th arrondissement, in the Latin Quarter. You can easily reach it by public transportation.
By metro or RER:
1. Metro line 10 – stop Cardinal Lemoine 2.Metro line 7 – stop Place Monge or Jussieu 3.RER B – stop Luxembourg (in walking distance)
From these stops, it is a few minutes’ walk to the Panthéon.
Is the Panthéon in Paris worth a visit? Our experience
We thought the Panthéon in Paris was well worth a visit. The building is impressive, the dome offers great views of the city, and the crypt impresses with the great names buried there.
What struck us most is how beautifully history and architecture come together here. One small downside: the entrance fee is quite high, especially if you also want to climb the dome. But all in all, a special place not to be missed when in Paris!
3 tips for your visit to the Panthéon in Paris
After our visit to the Panthéon in Paris, we have a few more tips for you:
1. Climb the dome – It’s a bit of a climb, but the view of Paris is really worth it.
2. Take your time in the crypt – The stories behind the names make an impression, especially if you know anything about French history.
3. Buy your tickets online – This will save you time and avoid unnecessary queues.
Special offers for a city break to Paris
Are you going on a city trip to Paris and would like to visit famous sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the offers below!
This way you can easily save money on entrance tickets and get the most out of your visit to this beautiful city.
Panthéon in Paris: Is it worth a visit?
The Panthéon in Paris is one of those places you can’t ignore when walking through the 5th arrondissement. Once a church, this impressive building now serves as a final resting place for famous Frenchmen. Wondering if it’s worth taking a look inside? In this blog we tell you what to expect and share useful tips for your visit.
What is the Panthéon in Paris
The Panthéon in Paris is an impressive building with a special history. Originally it was built as a basilica, in honor of the city’s patron saint. After the French Revolution, everything changed and it lost its religious function. The Panthéon was renamed the Temple of French Science. Today it is best known as the place where important Frenchmen have found their final resting place, such as writers, scientists, politicians and generals. An extraordinary place full of history in the middle of Paris.
What is the difference between the Panthéon in Paris and the Panthéon in Rome?
Many people sometimes confuse them: the Panthéon in Paris and the Pantheon in Rome. Yet they are two very different buildings, each with its own history and significance.
The Panthéon in Paris is a neoclassical structure from the 18th century. Originally built as a church, it was later transformed into a monument where famous Frenchmen are buried, such as Voltaire and Marie Curie. Above all, it is a place to reflect on French history and honor important thinkers and heroes.
The Pantheon in Rome on the other hand, is a temple of Roman antiquity, built around 125 AD. This building was intended as a temple to all the gods and is known for its impressive dome with an open oculus. Today it is a church and one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world.
In short, although the names are similar, they are two very different places, each with its own story and atmosphere.
What to see at the Panthéon in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is an impressive building with special attractions that tell the rich French history.
You can see this there:
1. The large dome with beautiful murals
2.The crypt with the tombs of famous Frenchmen such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie
3.Foucault’s pendulum, an extraordinary experiment showing the earth’s rotation
4.Impressive columns and sculptures adorning the building
5.Temporary exhibitions on French history and culture
1. The large dome with beautiful murals.
One of the highlights of the Panthéon in Paris is its impressive dome. Inside, you will see beautiful murals showing important moments in French history. But perhaps the best part is that you can climb the dome for a breathtaking view of the city.
For a few extra euros, which you have to pay on the spot, you can walk up the 206 steps. It’s a bit of a climb, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of Paris. You overlook famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Definitely recommended if you want to admire the city from above!
2. The crypt with the tombs of famous Frenchmen
One of the most impressive parts of the Panthéon in Paris is the crypt, where famous Frenchmen have found their final resting place. Who is interred here is decided by the French president himself. That makes this place extra special and full of meaning.
In the crypt lie such great names as Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Alexandre Dumas. On screens, you can see exactly who is buried there and learn more about their lives and contributions to French history.
Remarkably, only four women are buried there. The first was Nobel laureate Marie Curie. The last woman interred was Simone Veil, a politician who devoted her entire life to human rights and Holocaust remembrance.
3. Foucault's pendulum in the Panthéon
A special and striking part of the Panthéon in Paris is Foucault’s pendulum. In the middle of the main hall, this enormous pendulum hangs from the high dome. What makes this pendulum so special is that it provided the very first scientific proof that the earth actually rotates.
This famous experiment was first performed here in 1851. As the pendulum slowly moves back and forth, you can see with your own eyes how the earth spins under your feet. A fascinating and impressive piece of science, right where it once began.
4. Impressive columns and sculptures of the Panthéon in Paris
In addition to the dome and crypt, the magnificent architecture of the Panthéon in Paris immediately stands out. Especially the tall columns and impressive sculptures make the building truly a picture to behold. Everything exudes grandeur and history.
Above the entrance to the Panthéon is the text “Aux grands hommes la patrie reconnaissante,” which means “To great men, the grateful homeland.” These words say exactly what the Panthéon stands for: a tribute to France’s greatest thinkers, writers, scientists and heroes.
Inside and outside you will find several statues depicting important moments and people from French history.
Some special images you can see:
1. The sculpture of the French Revolution
2. A sculpture of Voltaire
3. The statue of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
4. Statues honoring famous scientists and writers
These works of art give the Panthéon even more meaning and make your visit all the more impressive.
5. Temporary exhibitions on French history and culture
The Panthéon in Paris is not only an impressive monument, but also a place that regularly hosts interesting exhibitions. These temporary exhibitions are often about French history, culture or famous people honored at the Panthéon.
How do you buy tickets to the Panthéon in Paris?
Tickets for the Panthéon in Paris can easily be purchased online. This way you can avoid queues and be sure that you can enter at your convenience. Through the link below you can order tickets directly:
Opening hours of the Panthéon in Paris
Want to visit the Panthéon in Paris? Good to know is that the monument is open to visitors almost all year round.
The Panthéon is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. In the winter months, from November through March, it closes a little earlier at 6 p.m.
Please note that the Panthéon is closed on some holidays, such as Jan. 1, May 1 and Dec. 25.
For the most up-to-date opening hours, it’s best to check the Panthéon’s official website before your visit.
Where is the Panthéon located in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is located in the heart of the city, right in the historic and lively Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. The monument stands on the hill Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, near the famous University Sorbonne and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Address:
Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France
With its central location, the Panthéon is easy to get to and combines well with other nearby attractions.
How do you get to the Panthéon in Paris?
The Panthéon in Paris is located in the cozy 5th arrondissement, in the Latin Quarter. You can easily reach it by public transportation.
By metro or RER:
1. Metro line 10 – stop Cardinal Lemoine
2.Metro line 7 – stop Place Monge or Jussieu
3.RER B – stop Luxembourg (in walking distance)
From these stops, it is a few minutes’ walk to the Panthéon.
Is the Panthéon in Paris worth a visit? Our experience
We thought the Panthéon in Paris was well worth a visit. The building is impressive, the dome offers great views of the city, and the crypt impresses with the great names buried there.
What struck us most is how beautifully history and architecture come together here. One small downside: the entrance fee is quite high, especially if you also want to climb the dome. But all in all, a special place not to be missed when in Paris!
3 tips for your visit to the Panthéon in Paris
After our visit to the Panthéon in Paris, we have a few more tips for you:
1. Climb the dome – It’s a bit of a climb, but the view of Paris is really worth it.
2. Take your time in the crypt – The stories behind the names make an impression, especially if you know anything about French history.
3. Buy your tickets online – This will save you time and avoid unnecessary queues.
Special offers for a city break to Paris
Are you going on a city trip to Paris and would like to visit famous sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the offers below!
This way you can easily save money on entrance tickets and get the most out of your visit to this beautiful city.
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