Panthéon

The 48 Best Things to Do in Paris

"There are a few major reasons to visit the Panthéon, starting with the gorgeous neoclassical architecture; designed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot in 1757, it began as a replacement to the original Church of Sainte-Geneviève. People also come to visit the final resting places of some of France's most famous sons and daughters, from Victor Hugo to Marie Curie. And then there are those who come to marvel at Foucault's Pendulum, tracing the path of the Earth. The vibe in the crowd is a mix of awe, reverence, and curiosity. Timed tickets can be purchased online." - Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Julia Eskins

"Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, this giant mausoleum houses the remains of some of Paris's most famous citizens: Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Jean Monnet, Marie and Pierre Curie, Emile Zola, and as of 2002, Alexandre Dumas. And it was under the central dome that Léon Foucault constructed his pendulum to demonstrate the rotation of the earth (the original now lives in the Musée des Arts et Métiers). In 2007, Jacques Chirac dedicated a plaque in The Pantheon to the thousands of French citizens who harbored Jews during the German occupation, saving them from concentration camp internment."

Paris Travel Guide by Rick Steves

"▲  Neoclassical monument and burial place of the famous." - Rick Steves' Europe

A Detailed Paris Itinerary for 3-5 Days (Updated 2025)

"I stopped by the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter to honor France’s most famous dead citizens — it’s a dignified monument and a worthwhile cultural visit while exploring the area." - Matthew Kepnes