Who France chooses as its heroes, and why it's still arguing about it.
Quick Overview
- Your group only (up to 6 people)
- Duration: About 2.5 hours
- What we see: The Sorbonne, the Panthéon's nave, Foucault's pendulum and crypt, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
- What's special: The crypt where Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Joséphine Baker rest, and the debates behind each name
- Days: Every day (except ceremony days, when the Panthéon closes)
- Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
- Languages: English or French
- Best for: History lovers, families, anyone curious about how France sees itself
- Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history
The Experience
The Panthéon began as a church and became a temple to the nation. Who gets in is still a national debate, and every name has a story.
We start at the Sorbonne, where students and rebels have gathered for eight centuries, then walk up to the Panthéon for Foucault's pendulum, the murals of Saint Genevieve and the crypt: Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Marie Curie, Joséphine Baker and the most recent arrivals.
We finish at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where Pascal and Racine are buried under the last stone rood screen in Paris, and in the old lanes of the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève.
Route & Walking Info
- Distance: About 2 km
- Terrain: Uphill streets, cobblestones, steps down to the crypt
- Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
- Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.
Good to Know
- Meeting Point: Place de la Sorbonne, by the fountain. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
- Timing: Try to be there 10 minutes early so we can start smoothly.
- Metro / RER: Luxembourg (RER B) to start, Maubert-Mutualité (line 10) at the end.
- Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
- Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
- Late Arrivals: If you're late, it cuts into our time, but I'll make sure you still see the essentials.
Optional Add-Ons
- Panthéon colonnade (April to October, extra ticket)
- Saint-Denis basilica (combined ticket with the Panthéon)
- "Women of the Panthéon" theme
- Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
- Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)
After You Book
- A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
- My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
- I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
- Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
- Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.
FAQ
Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.
Is this the same as your Saint-Germain and Latin Quarter walk? No. This tour goes inside the Panthéon. The Saint-Germain and Latin Quarter walk stays outdoors and covers both neighbourhoods.
Can we do it in French? Yes, in English or French.
Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.