Stories
Grand Mosquée de Paris
(The Grand Mosque of Paris)
An elaborate 26-meter-high minaret breaks up the landscape of Parisian apartments, balconies, and cafes as you approach the Paris Mosque. This is the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe.
For a small fee, the mosque welcomes (properly-dressed) visitors to walk around inside, or take a tour to learn more about the building’s history and the purpose of its different rooms.
The prayer rooms are closed to tourists, although it is possible to peek inside, but anyone is welcome to explore the lavish courtyards, library, and assembly room. The intricate patterns and detail of the tiling and the trickle of the fountain in the courtyard make for a beautiful repose from the sometimes hectic pace of life in Paris.
The complex includes a North African-style restaurant (tagines, coucous and pastries are served), Hammam de la Mosquée de Paris (with its steam bath, exfoliating body scrubs, and $1/minute massages), souk and salon de thé.
2, place du puits de l’Ermite, Paris 5th
Mosque tél: 01 4535 9733
Tél for restaurant, hammam, souk, salon de thé: 01 4331 3820
Métro: #7 Censier-Daubenton or Place Monge, #7 or #10 Jussieu
Bus: 47, 89
Vélib: 5031- 2, rue Lacepede; 5028-6, rue Censier; 5024-4 rue Dolomieu
2011 entry: €3 adult, €2 student
