Rue Soufflot: A Grand Approach to the Panthéon
Tomas k - News Writer and Moderator 
Welcome to the 20 Streets of Paris Series - Episode #8
Rue Soufflot is situated in the Latin Quarter and links the area around Boulevard Saint-Michel to the Panthéon. It runs east to west. It is about thirty metres wide and nearly three hundred metres long.
It is precisely the street’s slope that gives it its iconic view of the Panthéon. This beautiful vista was, in fact, designed to showcase the Parisian monument.
Where does the name Soufflot come from?
The street takes its name from Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713–1780), who was, in fact, the architect of the Panthéon.
It was laid out in the 18th century and was conceived in conjunction with the construction of the Panthéon. The new street was thus intended to fulfil an important function: to create a vista towards the building.
The development of Rue Soufflot took place in two stages.
Around 1760, from what is now Place du Panthéon to Rue Saint-Jacques. This section was built at the same time as the new Church of Sainte-Geneviève – now the Panthéon – to provide a sense of perspective.
From 1846 to 1847, the street was extended as far as Boulevard Saint-Michel.
A word about the Panthéon
The Panthéon is one of Paris’s most iconic monuments and is recognisable by its dome, which culminates at a height of 84 metres. The grand neoclassical building was constructed from 1757 onwards by order of Louis XV. It was originally intended to house the relics of Saint Geneviève. However, the French Revolution transformed it into a funerary monument in honour of the great figures of modern French history.
Today, Rue Soufflot is frequented by locals and tourists alike, as well as by many students who can be found in the nearby cafés, bookshops or university buildings. It is therefore bustling with activity throughout the day.
Rue Soufflot is also used during large funeral processions to the Panthéon. It is here that the remains of prominent figures, such as Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Émile Zola, are carried as they are transferred to the monument.
What to Notice on Rue Soufflot
The street is interesting, particularly for the view it offers of the Panthéon.
There is a direct link between the street’s name and the architect of the Panthéon (Jacques-Germain Soufflot).
The street’s intended perspective forms part of the history of the Panthéon.
The street’s liveliness is down to the presence of residents, tourists and students.
Have you stood at the foot of Rue Soufflot and looked up toward the Panthéon? How did that view make you feel?
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