Grand Mosque visitor guide

Visit Grand Mosque, Paris

The Grand Mosque is the principal mosque in Paris, and situated at the western end of the Jardin des Plantes, in the 5th arrondissement at 2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite. This is the small square where Rue de Quatrefages meets Rue Georges Desplas.

Discover the Grand Mosque of Paris

France This Way review: the Grand Mosque is not the best known attraction in Paris but it is very pleasant to visit, with Islamic style architecture and attractive gardens to see

Grand Patio of the Grand Mosque

The mosque was founded here in 1920 by the Muslim Institute after the town of Paris gave a large area (more than seven hectares) to the Institute, in the position where a hospital had previously stood. Part of the reason for the gift was the large contribution that the Islamic countries had made to help France during the First World War.

The Muslim Institute selected French architectes for the project, called Robert Fournez and Maurice Mantout, but the financing of the build was paid by Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia and it was artisans and craftsmen from these countries who added all the Islamic decorations such as mosaics, fountains and the cedar doors.

The mosque was inaugurated in 1926 in the presence of Gaston Doumergue, at that time the President of France. The mosque has always been dedicated to spreading a peaceful vision of Islam in France, and for promoting Islam within the values of French society.

The principal sight inside the mosque is the Grand Patio, a large room with a glass roof and decorative marble and tiles on the floor and walls. There is an arcade around the edge created by the Islamic style pairs of marble columns - this is the style of room you would expect to see in southern Spain or north African countries, but perhaps not in France.

You also pass through a room that contains many impressive works by Islamic artists.

There are several garden areas, such as the Jardin les Firdaws behind the Grand Patio, but the main garden of interest to visitors is the Garden of Eden. This garden has many plants and flowers, and is based along a main axis that includes marble and tiled fountains.

In one corner of these gardens there is a recent addition, a sculpture called House by artist Salim le Kouaghet that reimagines the central courtyard of a typical Algerian house. I can't pretend to have really understood all the details of the structure, although there is a very detailed information board, but it is an attractive and interesting addition to the gardens.

You will also find a small cafe/restaurant on the site.

Mosaics in the Grand Patio at the Grand Mosque

The closest metro station to the Grand Mosque is Place Monge station on line 7 of the metro.

Attractions nearby

The Jardin des Plantes with its museums and greenhouses is almost next to the Grand Mosque. A short distance north you can pass through the Arenes de Lutece, part of a Roman theatre structure discovered during works in the city.

You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.

To make travel arrangements to visit Grand Mosque see HERE

Find Paris Hotels and Holiday Rentals

Hotel search

Reserve excursions in Paris

Photos of Grand Mosque

Click any picture to start the gallery

See complete Grand Mosque Photo Gallery

Map of Grand Mosque and places nearby

Places to visit near Grand Mosque

Greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes

The greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes de Paris house tropical plants, cacti and succulents and plants and trees of New Caledonia

Greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes guide

Arenes de Lutece

The Arenes de Lutece, a Roman amphitheatre, is the oldest monument in Paris

Arenes de Lutece guide

Jardin des Plantes de Paris

The Jardin des Plantes de Paris is a large garden and botanic garden and also home to a zoo and several museums.

Jardin des Plantes de Paris guide

Jardin Tino Rossi

The Tino Rossi garden is both a pretty riverside walk and garden and also an outdoor sculpture museum.

Jardin Tino Rossi guide

Pantheon

The 18th century Pantheon was originally to be a church based on the pantheon in Rome, but is actually used as a temple to honour the great and good from the world of French arts

Pantheon guide

Cluny Museum

Cluny Museum is a museum of medieval and religious art in the 5th arrondissement of Paris

Cluny Museum guide

The French version of this page is at Grand Mosque (Francais)