Grand Mosque of Paris, A Taste of Morocco in the heart of Paris

Grand Mosque of Paris, A Taste of Morocco in the heart of Paris
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Last Updated: February 11, 2021

Paris is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. The city has one of the largest Muslim communities in Europe, and Islam is the second most practiced religion in France behind Christianity. So, it is no wonder that in Paris, you will find a lot of mosques. But the most beautiful one is definitely the Grand Mosque of Paris, in the 5th arrondissement. 

Built in honor of the thousands of Muslims who fought and died for France during the World War I, the Grand Mosque of Paris is the oldest mosque in France; it was founded by Si Kaddour Benghabrit in 1926 as the symbol of the French-Muslim friendship. It is located near the Jardin des Plantes (The Botanical Garden). 

The Grand Mosque was inspired by the Mosque Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, and its 33-m minaret was inspired by the Mosque Ez-Zitouna in Tunis, Tunisia. It is the largest mosque in France. 

If you are visiting the Latin Quarter, take a moment and stop by the Grand Mosque of Paris. Don’t leave without having a cup of tea (and traditional pastries) at its café-restaurant. And don’t forget to visit their gorgeous garden.

You can also find a library and a hammam on the premises of the Mosque. The Grand Mosque of Paris is surely off-the-beaten-path but definitely worth a visit!

Our opinion

Being half-Tunisian, I have visited many mosques from different countries in the past. Even though the Grand Mosque of Paris is not as splendid as the Ez-Zitouna Mosque in Tunis, it is a beautiful, exotic and unusual place to visit while in Paris. Its oriental garden is particularly stunning in summer and autumn. A real hidden gem in Paris. 

At the end of your visit, do not miss the tearoom at the corner of the Mosque. Order a cup of tea (their mint tea is delicious!) and try some of their traditional pastries.

Price? 3€. 2€ for children and students.

Where? 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, near the Jardin des Plantes, in the 5th arrondissement.

Access? Place Monge station (Metro line 7) and Jussieu station (Metro lines 7 and 10) and Gare d’Austerlitz station (Metro lines 5 and 10 and RER C).

When? Every day (except Fridays and days of Muslim celebrations) from 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm.

For more travel inspiration, visit my Instagram account: @paris_kathmandu

Grand Mosque of Paris (Grande Mosquée de Paris)