La Grande Mosquée de Paris, built in 1926, is a Paris must-see. Constructed in traditional North African design, the mosque is a stunning piece of foreign architecture planted among rows of typical French buildings. It serves as a reminder of both the French colonial past and France’s substantial Muslim community.
Contained within the enormous structure is the Café de la Mosquée, a charming space where patrons can relax with a delicious mint tea among sprouting fig trees, a fountain, and billowing hookah smoke. The café attracts mature, laid-back crowds and contains a certain authenticity rarely found in run-of-the-mill hookah joints. The cafe is open from noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
La grande Mosquée de Paris is located at 2, bis place du puits de l’Ermite. Metro: Place Monge, Jussieu, Censier. Bus: 89, 47. Admission: €3. The mosque is open from 9 a.m. until noon and 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.