Paris is one of Europe’s most Muslim-friendly cities, home to France’s largest Muslim population and the iconic Grand Mosque. With extensive halal infrastructure across the city, Muslim travelers find excellent dining options, numerous mosques, and a welcoming atmosphere. See our halal food guides for dining options. Explore halal food in Paris for more information. Explore Muslim travelers for more information.
Muslim-Friendly Score: 8/10
Paris excels for Muslim visitors:
- 100+ mosques in Greater Paris
- 2,000+ halal restaurants
- 5-6 million Muslims in France (many in Paris region)
- Rich Islamic history: Grand Mosque built 1926
- Diverse neighborhoods: North African, Middle Eastern, West African
Best Muslim-Friendly Areas
Barbès-Rochechouart (18th)
North African hub:
- Rue de la Goutte d’Or: Halal restaurants
- Couscous specialists: Authentic Maghrebi
- Halal butchers: Numerous options
- Street food: Merguez, shawarma
Le Marais (3rd/4th)
Central and convenient:
- Rue des Rosiers: Famous falafel street
- L’As du Fallafel: Iconic restaurant
- Middle Eastern options: Abundant
Belleville (19th/20th)
Multicultural paradise:
- North African restaurants
- Chinese-halal: Unique to Paris
- Vietnamese-halal: Some options
- Best variety: Diverse cuisines
10th & 11th Arrondissements
Growing scene:
- Passage Brady: Indian-Pakistani corridor
- Modern halal cafés: Trendy options
- International variety
The Grand Mosque of Paris
A must-visit landmark:
- Built 1926: To honor Muslim soldiers in WWI
- Hispano-Moorish architecture: Stunning design
- Gardens and courtyards: Peaceful retreat
- Hammam: Traditional Turkish bath
- Restaurant and tea room: Halal dining
- Location: 5th arrondissement
Visiting Tips
- Open to visitors: Outside prayer times
- Modest dress: Required inside mosque
- Restaurant: Excellent couscous and tagine
- Tea room: Mint tea and pastries
- Hammam: Separate days for men/women
Other Mosques
Mosquée de Paris (Grande Mosquée)
Main mosque, described above.
Mosquée Al-Fattah
- Large prayer space
- Located in 19th
Various neighborhood mosques
- Prayer rooms: Throughout Paris
- Friday prayers: Check times locally
Halal Food Guide
North African
Dominant cuisine:
- Couscous: Friday tradition
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stews
- Merguez: Spiced lamb sausage
- Mint tea: Everywhere
Middle Eastern
Abundant options:
- Lebanese: Shawarma, mezze
- Israeli-style: Le Marais
- Falafel: Famous in Paris
French-Halal
Growing trend:
- Halal bistros: Modern French
- Steak-frites halal: Classic dish
- Halal boulangeries: Pastries
Where to Eat
- Barbès: Best value, authentic
- Le Marais: Central, famous falafel
- Belleville: Most diverse
- 10th/11th: Trendy, modern
Near Tourist Attractions
Eiffel Tower
- Limited halal nearby
- Some Middle Eastern options
- Metro to better areas (15-20 min)
Louvre / Notre-Dame
- Walk to Le Marais (10 min)
- Excellent halal there
- Falafel highly recommended
Sacré-Cœur / Montmartre
- Walk down to Barbès (10 min)
- Best halal area nearby
- Couscous restaurants
Champs-Élysées
- Limited dedicated halal
- Some Lebanese restaurants
- Better options elsewhere
Prayer Facilities
- Grand Mosque: Central location
- Airport: Prayer rooms at CDG and Orly
- Train stations: Ask information
- Shopping centers: Some have quiet rooms
Practical Tips
- Grand Mosque must-visit: Beautiful and historic
- Barbès for value: Best prices
- Le Marais for tourists: Central location
- Couscous Friday: Traditional offering
- “C’est halal?”: Ask in French
- Look for signs: “Halal” widely displayed
- Metro efficient: Access halal areas easily
- Book for dinner: Popular spots fill up
- Ramadan special: Extended hours, menus
- Sunday open: Many halal restaurants open