How to Visit The Grand Mosque of Paris (History + Practical Tips)

Want to visit the Grand mosque of Paris but not sure how to plan your visit? Then this article will help you!

If there is one place you can’t miss while visiting the 5th arrondissement of Paris is the Grand Mosque of Paris or Paris Mosque as it’s simply known!

Opened in 1926 to honor Muslim troops who fought for France during World War I, this place is not only a house of prayer but also a tourist attraction today, receiving visitors who want to admire its unique architecture and beautiful garden.

On top of prayer rooms and a central garden that is no doubt the highlight of any visit, the mosque also has a library, a tea room, various patios, a hammam, and a gift shop, so there is plenty to see regardless of its small size.

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Its stunning Moorish architecture, which mirrors the el-Qaraouyyîn Mosque in Fez, Morocco complete with a minaret, horseshoe arches, and turquoise tile work will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an Islamic country. 

And unlike other places in Paris that are always overflowing with tourists, this one is still a little unknown so you won’t be competing for space with others! 

I visited this place in summer when crowds are usually expected, but I was pleasantly surprised that a landmark as beautiful and as central as this one was still spared from the crowds that swam Paris in the summer. 

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Grand Mosque of Paris

History of The Grand Mosque of Paris

The history of the Paris Mosque dates back to October 19, 1922, when the first stone was laid, although it wasn’t inaugurated until 1926.

It was built to pay tribute to muslim soldier who died while fighting alongside France in WWI.

Although it was in 1922 that the Paris mosque was realized, the idea had long been there since 1842.

14 years later in 1856, the Ottoman Embassy in Paris was given a decree to construct a place that would be the burial place of Moslems in Paris, specifically in Père Lachaise.

They constructed a structure which they named a “Mosque” that woulg go on to be used for funeral services and to pray for the deceased.

A few years later, this place fell into despair and the Ottoman government decided to finance its reconstruction, and by 1914, new designs for a more “Islamic building” were already in place but unfortunately the 1st world war changed its course. 

During WWI, France needed more soldiers and casual laborers which meant that it had to “allow” Algerian immigrants to come into the country and fight with them. As a result, over 100,000 Algerian soldiers lost their lives. 

When the war ended, France became more warmer towards Muslims hence constructing a Mosque to honor them. It was such a huge milestone that the inauguration was even attended by then French President Gaston Doumergue.

But the history of the Paris Mosque doesn’t end with WWI. It also played a crucial role during WWII. 

While the Nazis were occupying France, the Paris Mosque was used as a site of resistance for Muslims living in France.

The moslems protected the British parachutists and also faked papers for Jews to seem like they came from Islamic families since they were heavily targeted during that time.

What to See At The Grande Mosquée de Paris

The Minaret

The first thing you’ll see as soon as you arrive at the Paris Mosque is the Minaret standing at 33 m tall which was inspired by the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in Tunisia.

This can be seen both from outside and inside the mosque, particularly, in the gardens. Which leads us to our next point.

The Central Garden

The courtyard garden is no doubt the most beautiful area of the Mosque. With turquoise floor tiles, marble water fountains, flowers, and trees winding the area, to various tile works on the walls. 

This entire area is so beautiful, you’ll just need to walk around to take in all its beauty.

The Prayer Room

As I mentioned earlier, the prayer room is closed to visitors, but if you visit at a time when no prayer is going on, you can have a quick peek from the outside. 

The Library

The library at the Paris Mosque is a small room with bookshelves that house important books about the Islamic faith. 

The Tearoom

If you feel like trying some goodies and mint tea, particularly from the Magreb, be sure to check out the tearoom next door.

The room itself is beautiful and the tea and snacks are cheap — something that is rare in cafes/restaurants next to tourist attractions. 

the “History” Room

There is also a room with boards explaining the history of the Paris mosque and the Islamic faith in France and photos of some of the important people who made this possible.

It’s interesting to read to really see how everything came to place, so I recommend checking it out before leaving.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Grande Mosquée de Paris

Where is the Paris Mosque Located

The Grand Mosque of Paris is located in the Latin Quarter in the 5th Arrondissement, at 2bis Pl. du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris.

It’s close to other famous Paris landmarks like the Paris Pantheon (about 5 minutes on foot) and Jardin des Plantes (about 7 minutes on foot).

How to Get to The Grand Mosque of Paris

If you’re in the Latin Quarter area, you can simply just walk there but if you’re a bit further, you can take the metro or bus.

If you opt for the bus, take either Lines 47, 67, or  89. For the metro, take Metro Line 7 (M7) and stop at Place Monge. It will be about a 5-minute walk from this metro stop.

What to Wear to The Grand Mosque of Paris

Since this is a house of worship, dress modestly! Think long skirts or dresses that cover your knees and tops that cover your shoulders.

If for some reason you didn’t come dressed as required, the mosque offers scarves at the entry, so you won’t need to go back home/to your hotel to change.

Actually, this is exactly what happened on my last visit. This visit was very spontaneous, so I hadn’t worn a long dress. As you can see in the photo above, I added a scarf down offered by the mosque to fully cover up. This is thankfully free of charge.

What Are The Opening Hours of The Grand Mosque of Paris

The Paris mosque is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm except on Fridays and other Muslim holidays like Eid. 

Note that even though the mosque is open during this time, as I mentioned earlier, you won’t have access to the prayer rooms, unless you’re there to pray. 

How Much Is a Visit To The Grande Mosquée de Paris

The entry fee to the Mosque is only €3 which I found so worth it! For students, children, large groups, and other groups of people that enjoy reduced prices, it is only €2. Both cash and cards are accepted. 

When is The Best Time to Visit The Paris Mosque

Any time is really a good time to visit the mosque, but you may want to stick to weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. 

Also, if you can visit in either spring or summer, that would be perfect! In the spring, the garden area is flanked by beautiful purple wisteria and other flowers that make this place even more Instagrammable than it already is!  

Summer is also a great time to visit as everything is still green and beautiful.

However, if your trip to Paris doesn’t fall in these seasons, you can still visit it and you’ll still find it beautiful, just a bit less compared to spring and summer, in my opinion.

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Final Thoughts On Visiting the Grand Mosque of Paris

That’s it guys! I hope you enjoyed exploring the Paris Mosque with me.

If you have any questions about this French monument or Paris for that matter, be sure to leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• The Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in Spring
• Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
• What to Wear in Paris in Spring
• The best Parisian desserts you should try
• What to do in Paris at night
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Best Places to go for the best views of the Eiffel Tower

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