Panthéon, Paris

Visitors and children under 18 can buy tickets on paris-panthéon.fr. For students under 26, you’ll need to queue in person at the ticket counter to verify your student status—tickets are free for under-26 students, and access to the top floor is also free. You can go to the top until 4:30 PM. I lined up on a weekday afternoon at 3:30 PM, and the queue took about 40 minutes. Just made it for the last group to go up to the top floor. From the top, there’s a circular walkway offering stunning panoramic views of Paris! Every few steps, there are signs with labels pointing to distant landmarks, super helpful! The Panthéon is designed in the style of ancient Roman architecture. In ancient Rome, this type of building was called a Pantheon, used to honor the gods. In France, it’s called the Panthéon, dedicated to honoring great figures of the nation (in fields like literature, war, law, etc.). The most prominent memorials are the tombs of Rousseau and Voltaire, a testament to their immense importance in French history. Besides the tombs, the Panthéon also provides a lot of detailed information about its architectural artistry, with interactive screens that are great educational tools for those interested in architecture. And finally, a photo with the friendly police officer! No more worrying, Mom—I'm safe! 😄👮‍♂️ On Rousseau's tomb, the inscription reads: “Ici repose l'homme de la nature et de la vérité”, meaning “Here rests the man of nature and truth.” If I understand correctly, this statement is quite apt. I have mixed feelings about Rousseau. On one hand, he was a literary and intellectual giant, revealing some of his own minor faults in Confessions, showing both wisdom and honesty. But on the other hand, he wrote Emile, a highly regarded book on education, while sending his five children to an orphanage, an act that’s incredibly harmful and irresponsible. It’s unforgivable on a fundamental level. So, I think this inscription from the French is fair—focusing on his adherence to nature and truth. As a little souvenir, you can buy a 3€ commemorative coin at the exit. The quality is quite nice, definitely worth getting one! #Pantheon #France