Grande Mosquée de Paris

Overview

Located in the Latin Quarter right next to the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is a breathtakingly beautiful, highly unexpected architectural gem. It offers a spectacular immersion into Hispanic-Moorish design right in the heart of the city.

Highlights

• The Courtyard Gardens: A stunning, incredibly peaceful oasis filled with geometric turquoise mosaics, trickling marble fountains, and fragrant wisteria.
• The Minaret: The soaring, 33-metre-high square minaret completely covered in intricate, dazzling green and white Zellige tilework.
• The Tea Room: The very popular, highly atmospheric courtyard café serving excellent mint tea and intensely sweet North African pastries.

History

Inaugurated in 1926, it is the oldest mosque in Metropolitan France. It was built by the French state to specifically and formally honor the 100,000 Muslim soldiers from the French colonies who died fighting for France in the muddy, horrific trenches of World War I.

Visitor Tips

• Access: The courtyards, gardens, and library are open to the general public for a small fee, but the active prayer halls are strictly reserved for worshippers.
• The Hammam: The mosque features a beautifully authentic, highly ornate tiled hammam (steam room) that is open exclusively to women.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes (longer if stopping for tea).