Emily’s apartment is located right next to the Panthéon. It’s in front of this iconic Parisian monument that she receives a call from her boyfriend back in Chicago, as she’s going back home after work. He informs her that he won’t be coming to visit her in Paris after all, and instead asks her to return to Chicago so they can go back to their old life together. Shocked by his sudden change of heart, Emily passionately defends Paris and its charm, portrayed as the city of light, love, and inspiration – but it’s not enough to convince him. So it’s right here, in front of the Panthéon, that she decides to break up with him. It wasn’t easy for our Emily to make this decision thousands of miles away – even though, as you and I both know, she bounces back pretty quickly. Now, I can’t leave you hanging without sharing a few facts about this symbolic place. Built in 1790, the Panthéon was the tallest monument in the capital until the arrival of the Eiffel Tower a century later. Designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, who was inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The building became a national mausoleum, a place to honour and bury the greatest figures in French history. It all started in 1791, when the Count of Mirabeau died and the decision was taken to transform this impressive building into a necropolis. As a key figure of the French Revolution, the French wanted to honour him the right way. Since then, the Panthéon has become a resting place for those who shaped the nation’s history: Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Jean Moulin, Pierre and Marie Curie, Simone Veil, and Joséphine Baker. I strongly recommend taking a look inside – not only to admire its incredible interior, but also to see the names of all those who now rest here in peace. However you should know that Mirabeau is no longer part of the Panthéon since an unpleasant discovery. Indeed, it was found out that he was secretly advising King Louis XVI. A revolutionary in front of his peers, but a monarchist behind closed doors. Perhaps he was trying to bring everyone together – but that wasn’t enough to keep him in the Panthéon. In any case, you must pay to enter, but know that the visit is well worth your time. If you’d like to hear more in-depth details about the monument, you’ll find a dedicated tour on the Panthéon and its surrounding neighbourhood on the app!