Grande Mosquée de Paris

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Line 7 to Place Monge, a 5-minute walk.
• On foot: Next to the Jardin des Plantes, 15 minutes from Notre-Dame.
• Bus: Buses 24, 47, 67 and 89 stop nearby.

The story of the Grande Mosquée

The Grand Mosque of Paris was built between 1922 and 1926 to honour the tens of thousands of Muslim soldiers from North Africa and beyond who died fighting for France in the First World War. It was designed in the Hispano-Moorish style, with a 33-metre minaret inspired by the mosques of Fez.

Moroccan craftsmen created its zellige tiles, carved cedar and plasterwork. During the Second World War, the mosque is remembered for helping shelter people in danger during the occupation. Today it is the oldest mosque in metropolitan France and a peaceful corner of the city.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Have mint tea and Oriental pastries in the courtyard café after your visit.
• Dress modestly; women may wish to bring a scarf, and shoulders and knees should be covered.
• The café serves mint tea and Maghrebi pastries, and the restaurant serves couscous and tagines.
• The traditional hammam has separate days for men and women.

What's around the Grande Mosquée

• Jardin des PlantesBotanical gardens with greenhouses and a small zoo, right next door.
• Arab World InstituteCultural centre with a famous light-sensitive façade and a rooftop view.
• Rue MouffetardLively market street with cafés and food shops.
• PanthéonThe domed resting place of great French figures.

Questions travellers ask