A complete guide to the Grande Mosque of Paris

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Paris and tired of the usual attractions, crowds, and long queues. The Grande Mosque of Paris is a hidden gem. The architecture is stunning and has a peaceful vibe. There are lots of Islamic art, and beautiful Moroccan tiles. You almost forget you’re in Paris.

The History

It all begun in the 1920s. The French President approved the building works for a mosque to represent Muslim culture. He wanted to show gratitude for the Muslim soldiers who fought alongside France in World War 1. Today, The Grand Mosque of Paris is the biggest mosque in France and is open to the public.

How to get to The Grand Mosque of Paris

The Grand Mosque of Paris is located on a quiet street in the 5th arrondissement. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the touristy things in Paris. You can get buses 67 or 89 to the mosque, or Metro 7; station Place Mongo. Tourist attractions like The Pantheon and Jardin des Plantes are within walking distance to the mosque.

What are the opening hours & Entry fees?

The Grand Mosque is open every day except Fridays and religious holidays.

Opening hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The admission fee is €5 (check website for more information).

Can tourists visit the Grande Mosque of Paris?

Yes. Tourists can visit the Mosque during opening hours. Just remember to be respectful and keep quiet during prayer hours.

What to wear

A visit to the The Grand Mosque of Paris requires you to dress modest and cover your shoulders and knees. You can borrow head scarves from the mosque during your visit. You’ll find them right at the entrance of the mosque, just ask the staff members who can assist you. 

What to see at the Mosque

The courtyard is the heart of the Mosque, with its beautiful fountain, lush green plants and turquoise tiles. It’s the most photographed area and favorite amongst visitors. From there, head into the edifice, there’s a massive patio, with the most stunning mosaics of this Mosque. Bare in mind, not all areas of the mosque are open to explore, the minaret and prayer rooms are closed. So remember to remain quiet as you explore the mosque on your visit.

Don’t forget to visit the Library. It is located near the reception. It is easy to miss because people usually go straight to the courtyard after purchasing their tickets. The Library has a collection of the Encyclopedia of Islam, and many Korans.

You’ll get a great feel of relaxation and moments of peace as you explore around The Grand Mosque of Paris. It is by no doubt a relaxing atmosphere. The gorgeous tiles, patterns and architecture will make you feel like you’ve teleported to Morocco. Afterall, the mosque was designed by Moroccan artists.

Visit the Tea House

After your visit to the mosque, walk over to the Tea house which is around the corner from the Mosque. Have a seat in the courtyard and sample some delicious Moroccan tea, cakes, sweets, and delicacies.

Looking for a hotel nearby?

Book your stay at French Theory a boutique hotel just 20 minutes walk from the Grand Mosque of Paris. I stayed here for my first solo trip to Paris and felt safe. The reception staff were so kind and even gave me an upgrade. You can read my hotel review hotel near Luxembourg Gardens.

Things to do as a solo traveller in Paris

One of the best things I’ve done in Paris is a professional photo shoot. It’s a 30 minute shoot with a professional photographer. My photographer took me to some cool spots. I felt comfortable as he directed my moves and took time with the shots. The images take a few days to be editedt. You then get a link by email to download your images.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for something different to do in Paris, the mosque is a good place to visit. I loved the relaxed atmosphere, and there were no queues unlike the busy tourist spots in Paris. It’s a place to escape the noise and be at peace while learning and discovering the art. No doubt! It is my go-to place whenever I want to escape the busy attractions in Paris.

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