The Panthéon
Logistics Guide

Is the Crypt of the Panthéon accessible for heavy wheelchairs?

Yes, but it requires staff assistance. While the main sanctuary is accessible via a permanent external ramp, the Crypt (where Victor Hugo and Marie Curie are buried) is reached via a dedicated internal lift. You must ask a staff member to operate this lift for you. The lift is of modern construction (Schindler) and can handle heavy power-chairs. The flooring in the Crypt is composed of older stone which is slightly more uneven than the nave, producing a 20Hz vibration. The corridors are wide, allowing for a 1.5-meter turning radius in most areas.

Where can I find the nearest accessible restrooms at the Panthéon?

The Panthéon has high-quality accessible restrooms located on the ground floor, accessible via the main nave. These facilities feature automatic sliding doors and are equipped with modern PMR hardware, including long-reach grab bars and lowered sinks. The flooring is non-slip stone. If these are occupied, there are additional public PMR toilets in the Luxembourg Gardens nearby, but the units within the Panthéon are significantly more private and better maintained for long-term accessibility needs.

What is the best taxi drop-off point for the Panthéon?

Instruct your driver to drop you at the corner of Place du Panthéon and Rue Soufflot (48.846250, 2.345850). This point is directly in front of the main entrance and offers a 100% level transition from the street to the parvis. From here, you have a clear, straight roll to the accessible ramp on the left side of the portico. Avoid being dropped at the rear of the building (Rue Clotilde), as the sidewalk is narrow and the incline is steeper. The front drop-off ensures you have the most space to maneuver your wheelchair away from traffic.

What is the vibration and sensory profile of the Panthéon?

The Panthéon is an acoustic marvel. The massive dome creates a multi-second reverb that can be overwhelming. The flooring consists of massive limestone slabs which generate a low-frequency 15Hz vibration. Because the slabs are historic, some joints have widened over time (up to 5mm), which creates a rhythmic 'click-clack' sound for manual wheelchair wheels. The sensory highlight is the Foucault Pendulum; the floor around it is 100% level, allowing you to get very close to the mechanism. The air is cool and still, providing a calm environment for those with sensory processing sensitivities.

When is the best time for a mobility-friendly visit?

Late afternoons on weekdays (after 16:30) are excellent. The Panthéon's vast internal volume means that even with moderate crowds, there is plenty of space for wheelchairs to navigate without obstruction. By arriving late, you also find the staff-operated lift to the Crypt is more readily available, as the midday tour groups have departed. The lighting in the late afternoon is softer, reducing the glare on the stone floors and making the high-vaulted architecture easier to perceive for those with low vision.

How do I request the lift to the Crypt in French?

Once inside the main nave, approach a staff member and say: “Bonjour, j'aimerais descendre dans la Crypte. Est-ce qu'un agent peut m'aider avec l'ascenseur, s'il vous plaît ?” This clearly states your intent to see the lower level. The staff will coordinate via radio to have an agent meet you at the lift. They are very professional and will ensure you are safely transitioned between levels. If you wish to see the Pendulum first, you can say: “Je vais d'abord voir le Pendule, puis je reviendrai pour la Crypte.”