Pantheon in Paris: Plan Your Visit

The Pantheon in Paris has a few unique elements when compared to the many other buildings and historical sites in Paris. Currently, it stands as a mausoleum. The Pantheon has also been known as a chapel and temple throughout its 260+ year history.

The Pantheon is a short walk from Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) and even the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Stop at this magnificent building if you’re intrigued by art, science and French history.

Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at the Pantheon in Paris.

Foucault’s Pendulum in the Main Hall

We had no clue what to expect when we walked in the doors of the Pantheon. I was surprised to find a heavy ball hanging from a metal wire attached to the underside of the dome ceiling. I remembered it from my science classes as Foucault’s Pendulum.

Foucault placed the pendulum in the Pantheon in 1851 to demonstrate the constant turning of the earth.

If you’re only looking at the swinging ball for a moment or two, you won’t notice much of a difference. But if you take note of its trajectory when you first arrive, and then revisit it on your way out, you may notice it’s swinging in a different spot.

Art and Sculptures of French Nationalism

Branching off of the main hallway are several nooks. Scattered among the nooks are paintings and sculptures that honor the revolutionary history of France, along with Sainte-Geneviève. The Pantheon stands atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève.

Some of those paintings include Victory Leading the Armies of the Republic and Saint Genevieve bricking supplies to Paris. The walls and ceilings themselves are masterful works of art. So be sure and look up as you wander the hallways.

The National Convention, a large sculpture, is located near the back wall. If you’re familiar with scene’s from the French Revolution, you’ll notice that same look and feel in this sculpture. But there’s no guarantee you’ll see any characters from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. But in the crypt below, you will find Victor Hugo’s tomb.

Explore the Crypt

The National Assembly voted in 1791 to use the Pantheon as a mausoleum. It would honor distinguished French citizens.

You’ll find a stairway behind the National Convention Monument that leads down to the crypt. Voltaire has a statue, along with his tomb. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is entombed in the crypt, too.

As you explore the hallways, there are small rooms off of the main hallways. In them, you will find anywhere from 2-4 tombs inside. We saw the tombs of Victor Hugo (author), Pierre and Marie Curie (scientists) and Alexandre Dumas (author of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers).

Touchscreens in the hallway provide information (in English) about those entombed in the crypt. Use those touchscreens as an educational opportunity for you and your kids.

View Paris from the Dome

During our visit to the Pantheon in Paris, we didn’t notice an opportunity to view the city from the dome. My research on the Parthenon tipped me off to it. Check in at the ticket booth to ask about accessing the dome. Just note, the dome is only open during certain times of the year.

The Details

Address: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, France

Cost: About $12 per person. $3.50 extra to head up into the dome for a view of Paris. Children 18 and under are free. The Paris Pass includes access to the Pantheon in Paris.

Hours: April 1 to September 30: 10 am – 6:30 pm; October 1 to March 31: 10 am – 6 pm. Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25

Website: http://www.paris-pantheon.fr/en/

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