Paris Mosque

The Mosquée de Paris (Paris Mosque) is a beautiful 20th-century mosque in Paris that closely resembles those of Marrakesh.

The Paris Mosque was built in 1922 to honor the North African countries that had helped France during World War I. A major renovation was completed in 1992.

Made of reinforced concrete, the mosque was decorated with mosaics, wood carvings and wrought iron brought from Morocco. It remains an active place of worship for North Africans living in Paris, especially on Friday, the Muslim holy day, and during the holy month of Ramadan.

Visitors are welcome at the Paris Mosque and short tours are given of the building, its central courtyard, and its Moorish garden. Guides also present a brief history of the Islamic faith. In the winter, the main attraction for locals are the marble Turkish baths. Baths for men are open Tuesdays and Sundays; other days are for women only.

In the summer, students from nearby universities and tourists in the know gather for couscous and sweet mint tea at the Muslim Restaurant de la Mosquée de Paris (tel. 01-43-31-18-14). The restaurant adjoins the courtyard of the mosque and is open daily from noon to 3pm and 7 to 10:30pm.