Paris Mosque

I was doing research for an Eye Prefer Paris Tour the other day, and rediscovered the Paris Mosque. As I walked through the white stucco archway with it’s beautiful wood door and intricate mosaic tile work into the sunken garden, I remembered how much I loved the another world feel of the mosque. It was a cool, cloudy day and the colors of the aqua blue walk ways, the royal blue, mustard yellow, sage green tiles and pink clay columns were even more vibrant. There’s a certain serenity that takes over as you silently meander through. One of my favorite things were the wild vines of pretty pink roses in full bloom. I passed by the prayer hall curious to experience the sacred prayer ceremony but learned it was for Muslims only.

I relaxed in the garden terrace with a glass of mint tea and a delicious pastry dripping in honey. I checked out the restaurant with its beautiful authentic Moroccan interior and the smell of the tagines and cous cous made me instantly crave lunch. There is also a hammam for men and women, which I have not experienced yet but heard it’s one of the best in Paris.

It’s officially called the Grande Mosquée de Paris and was founded after World War I as a tribute and thank you to the Muslim tirailleurs (sharpshooters) who fought against Germany. It was built in the mudéjar style with a 108-foot minaret (lighthouse) and President Gaston Dourmergue inaugurated it on July 15, 1926.

As I left, I sighed as vivid memories of Morocco came to me. I decided I have to make another visit soon.

Grande Mosquée de Paris
2 bis place du puits de l'Ermite,75005
Metro: Place Monge, Censier (ligne 7), Jussieu (lignes 7 & 10)
Open daily except Fridays & Musllim holidays 9AM-12PM, 2PM-6PM.
Admission 3 euros
There are guided tours in French

For more info on hammam and restaurant, click here

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour
includes many of the places I have written about including small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.

Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com

 

Comments

[Racquel]

I have never been to that place. Is that in Paris? I'm currently traveling in Morocco and I should say that there is real Moroccan style to the architectural design applied in Paris Mosque..=) thanks for the info...