Panthéon

The Basics

Situated at the heart of Paris’ atmospheric Latin Quarter, the Panthéon makes a popular photo stop on walking or bike tours of the Left Bank. Independent visitors can save time by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets; additionally, entrance is free to Paris Museum Pass holders.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitors are required to undergo security checks and large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside.

• Audio guides are available in 11 different languages.

• The Panthéon interiors are not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Paris Panthéon is located at the Place du Panthéon in Paris’ Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. You can easily walk to the Panthéon from nearby attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Luxembourg Gardens; alternatively, the closest Metro stop is Maubert-Mutualité (Line 10).

When to Get There

The Panthéon is open daily year round, but it can get busy in the peak summer months. Opt for a mid-week or early-morning visit to escape the crowds, or visit after dark when the grand monument is dramatically illuminated.

Exploring the Panthéon

Built as church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève, the original Panthéon was the work of architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot and deconsecrated in the 19th century. Today, visitors can admire its Corinthian columns and magnificent dome, then head inside to explore the crypt, see Foucault's Pendulum, and climb the 206 steps to the colonnade, which offers views of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Ways to explore

Situated at the heart of Paris’ atmospheric Latin Quarter, the Panthéon makes a popular stop on walking, bike, and vintage car tours of the Left Bank. Pass by on a Latin Quarter food and wine tour, or combine the Panthéon with a Seine River cruise or guided tour of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. To explore the monument’s tombs and other visiting areas with a guide, it’s best to book a private tour that allows you to customize your itinerary. Independent visitors can save time by pre-booking skip-the-line tickets, while Paris Museum Pass holders get free entry without a reservation.

Accessibility

Only the nave is wheelchair accessible; the crypt and terrace can only be reached via stairs. The site offers supportive visiting materials for those with limited hearing and vision.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Only bring the essentials you can carry, as there’s no cloakroom here.

What to wear

It’s usually cold inside the Panthéon, so warm clothing is recommended.

Not allowed

Food and drink, non-service animals, tripods, drones, bulky bags

Amenities

Audio guides, restrooms

Address

The Panthéon is located at the Place du Panthéon in the Latin Quarter. You can walk there from nearby attractions such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg), and it’s well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport.

Driving

Due to heavy traffic and tricky parking, visitors to Paris are better off using taxis and rideshare apps than self-navigating. The drive to the Panthéon takes 25 minutes or less from most Paris attractions.

Public transportation

Take the RER B to Luxembourg train station or the metro to Maubert-Mutualité (line 10) or Place Monge (line 7) stations. Depending on where you get off, it will take you about 7–15 minutes to walk to the Panthéon.

Best times to visit

Most people visit the Panthéon at midday—head there in the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Or, pass by at night when the monument is dramatically illuminated.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be busier at the Panthéon, so go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere.

Best months to visit

The Panthéon is a year-round attraction, though Paris in general is best visited in the warmer months of June–October—a great time to enjoy the views from the monument’s terrace.

Special events

Head to the attraction on select nights in December and January for Night at the Panthéon, which includes unique evening tours of the venue by torchlight.