The Panthéon has an entrance fee of 11€ per adult for the year 2025. Children under 18 and European Union residents under 26 can enjoy free admission. Senior visitors above 65 and students with valid identification are offered a reduced rate of 8€. The monument is open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily, with the last entry allowed 45 minutes before closing. From April to September, it remains open until 7:30 PM to accommodate higher visitor numbers. We visited on January 08, 2025, and all details provided here reflect the conditions on that date.
History and Highlights
Originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the Panthéon owes its creation to a vow made by King Louis XV in 1744. Stricken by a severe illness, the king promised to erect a grand basilica if he recovered. Construction began in 1758 under the guidance of architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, who envisioned a structure blending classical Greek elements with the grandeur of Gothic engineering. Although Soufflot passed away before its completion, his successor, Jean-Baptiste Rondelet, carried the project forward, finalizing many of the interior details by 1790.
Panthéon of Paris
In the wake of the French Revolution, the edifice was secularized and transformed into a mausoleum for the nation’s great figures—most notably Voltaire, Rousseau, and Victor Hugo. Over time, the building has alternated between religious and secular purposes, reflecting the shifting tides of French politics. By the late 19th century, it had definitively become a civic monument. Inside, you will find vast columns, ornate sculptures, and frescoes illustrating scenes from French religious and national history. The crypt houses the tombs of illustrious writers, philosophers, and scientists, underscoring the Panthéon’s role as both a historical landmark and a tribute to France’s cultural legacy.
We recommend allowing at least an hour to appreciate the massive dome, which offers remarkable views over Paris if you ascend the staircase leading to the upper level. Comfortable footwear is advised, as the climb can be physically demanding. The serene ambience inside invites close attention to the building’s architectural details, including Soufflot’s innovative use of light and space.
Surrounding Attractions
Near the Panthéon, the Luxembourg Gardens offer a refreshing retreat with manicured lawns and the stately Luxembourg Palace. We also encourage visiting the nearby Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church for its ornate rood screen and distinctive Gothic-Renaissance style. After exploring these sites, Le Comptoir du Panthéon is a convenient choice for sampling classic French cuisine, just a short walk away.
For further exploration, a stroll along Boulevard Saint-Michel presents various shopping opportunities, from boutique fashion outlets to bookstores and souvenir shops. This area is also home to numerous quaint cafés, where you can relax after a day of discovery. We advise taking the time to pause, enjoy the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, and absorb the historical richness that surrounds the Panthéon of Paris.