The Panthéon is a neoclassical monument on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement), originally commissioned by Louis XV and designed by the architect Soufflot as a church, then repurposed during the French Revolution into a national mausoleum for the great figures of France. Its crypt holds Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Marie Curie and Simone Veil, while Foucault's Pendulum, suspended beneath the dome, visibly demonstrates the Earth's rotation. On 23 June 2026 the historian and Resistance member Marc Bloch became the first historian laid to rest here, and the accompanying exhibition 'Marc Bloch, l'esprit de l'Histoire' runs until 10 January 2027. Individual visitors do not need to book in advance, but prices, opening hours and — above all — whether the panoramic terrace is operating should be checked on the official site before visiting.
Foucault's Pendulum beneath the dome — a gilded bob on a 67 m wire that slowly rotates to prove the Earth's rotation, the monument's signature sight
The crypt, resting place of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, Simone Veil and Jean Moulin, among others
Soufflot's grand neoclassical nave and 83 m dome, fronted by a colonnaded Corinthian portico
The pediment inscription 'Aux grands hommes la patrie reconnaissante' and the Puvis de Chavannes murals depicting Saint Geneviève
The exhibition 'Marc Bloch, l'esprit de l'Histoire' marking his June 2026 interment (open until 10 January 2027)
Good to know
SeasonThe colonnade panorama at the top of the dome is closed for renovation as of 2026, with no announced reopening date. If a city view is your goal, confirm whether it has reopened on the official site before you go.
RulesA ticket covers the nave and the crypt. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, and the monument is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Prices (roughly split into peak and off-peak) and hours can change, so verify the latest details.
SafetyThe Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens area and the nearby RER B 'Luxembourg' and metro stations draw crowds and pickpockets. Wear your bag in front and watch your phone and wallet when boarding trains.
CautionTouts outside may sell 'skip-the-line' tickets or approach you for donations or petitions. Buy only from the official site (CMN), the on-site box office or authorised resellers.
MannersThe crypt is a place of national remembrance, so keep quiet and avoid excessive photography. During state tributes or commemorations some areas may be closed off and decorum is expected.
SafetyThe crypt is reached by stairs, is dimly lit and can have slippery floors. Wear comfortable shoes and watch your footing on the steps.
Practical info
The nearest station is RER B 'Luxembourg'; by metro, use Line 10 (Cardinal Lemoine / Maubert-Mutualité) or Line 7 (Place Monge) and walk. Opening hours are broadly 10:00–18:30 (April–September) and 10:00–18:00 (October–March), with last admission 45 minutes before closing and closures on 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec — individuals need no reservation, but confirm prices, hours and the panorama's status on the official site (paris-pantheon.fr).
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