Situated atop the Montagne Sainte‑Geneviève in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, the Panthéon is a majestic neoclassical monument built between 1758 and 1790 under architect Jacques‑Germain Soufflot, later completed by Jean‑Baptiste. Originally commissioned as a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève by Louis XV, it was swiftly repurposed during the French Revolution into a secular temple of national memory honouring France's great figures.

Its imposing façade, with Corinthian columns and sculpted pediment, echo the Roman Panthéon and stand as symbols of solemnity, civic pride, and universality. Inside, visitors enter a grand cruciform nave adorned with frescoes and paintings by academic masters such as Puvis de Chavannes, Gros, Cabanel, and Bonnat, depicting foundational episodes of French history.

The crypt houses legendary national figures in themed galleries—writers, scientists, civic heroes— including Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Pierre & Marie Curie, Simone Veil, Jean Moulin, and Alexandre Dumas. Each tomb features inscriptions that recount their life and achievements .

A highlight is the Foucault pendulum—approximately 67 m long—installed in 1851 beneath the dome as a demonstration of Earth's rotation.

Between April and October, visitors can book a panorama visit to the dome with an optional supplement. This viewpoint offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Paris, including views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre‑Dame, Montparnasse and more. Access is limited to preserve the experience.

The atmosphere is solemn and contemplative—it’s a site of remembrance, knowledge, and heritage. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully and maintain quiet, particularly in the crypt . The expansive galleries, soft lighting, and sacred decor evoke reflection. The Panthéon offers special thematic tours (Women, Science, Resistance, etc.) for deeper insight.
The monument welcomes a wide audience: tourists, students, history enthusiasts, families (with activity booklets), schools, and international visitors, with audio guides available in 11 languages .

Practical information: open daily 10 am–6 pm (or 6:30 pm high season), closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Accessibility: nave accessible by ramp and lift, crypt and panorama reachable only by stairs. Backpacks allowed; scooters and skateboards prohibited. Nearby parking is available, but no luggage storage onsite .