The Panthéon is a stunning neo-classical building with an imposing dome that hides a triple structure. Due to its location on top of the hill of St. Jove above the Latin Quarter, it is one of the landmarks of Paris. The main purpose of the Panthéon is as a mausoleum for famous personalities.
The construction was completed in 1790, but the building was originally intended as a church, today it is a magnificent mausoleum with a splendid interior.
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Foucault's Pendulum
The most interesting part of the Panthéon is the so-called Foucault Pendulum hanging right in the middle of the interior from the highest dome.
This general physics tool confirming the earth's rotation can be found in many museums around the world. The Foucault Pendulum in the Panthéon, however, is a first. It was here that French physicist J.B. Léon Foucault first launched his pendulum in 1851.
The 28 kg weight is lowered from the dome on a 68 m long rope and can still be admired by visitors today.
A breathtaking view of Paris
The gallery around the dome of the Pantheon offers what we think is the most beautiful view of Paris. Compared to other views from other buildings (such as the Centre Pompidou or the Tour Montparnasse), the Panthéon's viewpoint is not behind glass, so there is nothing to obstruct views or photos.
The entrance to the viewpoint is about 200 rather steep steps, but the effort is definitely worth it.
Mausoleum of the Famous
Important French figures are enshrined here, including philosophers Voltaire and J.J. Rousseau, writers Victor Hugo and Émile Zola, and inventor Louis Braille.
The first person buried in the Panthéon was the revolutionary Mirabeau in 1791, but his remains were removed from the church after 2 years. The first person to be buried in the Panthéon to this day is the philosopher Voltaire.
The remains of the famous are usually transferred to the crypt many decades after their death, a process known as panthéonisation. Proposals to move the famous to the Panthéon are put forward by the National Assembly and the French Parliament has the final say.
Admission and opening hours
It is open daily in season (April-September) 10:00-18:30, off-season until 18:00. Last entry is possible 45 minutes before closing time.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- 13 eur - Panthéon only
- 16,50 eur - Panthéon + viewpoint
Tickets can be purchased via the website below or at the door. The queues here are not very long and you will usually wait up to 30 minutes.
More information on the official website: paris-pantheon.fr.
How to get there
The Panthéon is located in the Latin Quarter, which is known as the student quarter because it is home to some of the most important universities in Paris.
There are bus stops right by the Panthéon:
- Line 24 - Jardin des Plantes, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare de Lyon, Gare de Bercy, Charenton-le-Pont
- Line 75 - Lower Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Hotel de Ville, Centre Pompidou, République, Canal Saint-Martin
- Line 89 - Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Plantes, Gare Montparnasse, Gare d'Austerlitz, Vanves
The nearest metro and train stations are as follows:
- Luxembourg station (approx. 500 metres)
- RER A train - Chatelet, Gare du Nord, CDG airport, Antony
- Station Cardinal Lemoine (approx. 550 metres)
- Metro 10 - Sorbonne, Jardin des Plantes, Odeon, Javel, Gare d'Austerlitz
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