If you’re looking for a spa in Paris or a Paris hamman, look no further than the serene experience found at the Mosque of Paris Hammam. The Mosque of Paris Hammam had been on my list of Paris things to experience for quite some time. On a chilly January day, a friend and I decided to hit up the steam rooms, surrender to a gommage and recline sipping mint tea amidst stunning mosaic tiles.
For this first experience at the Hamman de la Grande Mosquée de Paris, I was not sure what to expect. Here is what to know before you go.
The Mosque de Paris Hammam: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where Is The Mosque de Paris Hammam?
39 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris
The Mosque de Paris is in the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement of Paris) just across from the Jardin des Plantes.
The entry to the Mosque de Paris Hammam is not at the main mosque entrance but to the left of the pastry counter in the courtyard café.
2. How Do I Get To The Mosque de Paris?
The closest métro stop is Place Monge.
3. What Are The Hours At The Hammam?
Daily from 10 am to 9 pm. No reservations taken.
We went on a Friday morning and the hammam was not too crowded.
4. What Is The Price Of The Hamman At The Grande Mosquée de Paris?
There are many packages and services available at the Grande Mosquée de Paris Hammam.
I chose the package with the steam room, gommage, a 10 minute massage, and mint tea for 60€.
You can choose packages without gommage, or with a longer massage. Individual services are also available such as massage and waxing.
5. What Am I Given At The Desk?
After you have selected your package, you will be given a towel, slippers (plastic sandals), a package of black soap, a scrubbing mitt for the gommage and several elastic bracelets which show that you have paid for a massage, mint tea, etc.
At this point, take off your footwear slip, on the plastic sandals and head to the locker room.
6. Is The Hammam For Women Only?
Yes, this is a ladies only hammam.
7. What Do I Need To Bring To The Mosque de Paris Hammam?
At the Mosque de Paris Hammam, it is obligatory to wear either bikini bottoms or underwear. Some women wore bathing suits. Most of the women on the day I was there were just wearing bottoms. A clip for your hair also comes in handy! Bring a plastic bag to put your wet bikini bottoms in when you are done.
Coming to Paris? Here are some of the most popular guided tours and tickets for Paris:
This one-hour Seine cruise is unforgettable but so is the evening Seine cruise. It’s a hard choice!
This skip-the-line admission to the Arc de Triomphe Rooftop or the timed entry to the Louvre and reserved access to the Musée d’Orsay can maximize your time.
Get to the top of the Eiffel Tower with direct access to the summit by elevator.
A day trip to Versailles with access to the Palace and Gardens with an audio guide is always a good idea.
8. Do I Need To Pay For The Lockers?
The lockers provided are free. Place your belongings in a locker, add your 4-digit code, press the pound key and everything is secure.
Leave your towel in the locker before heading into the steam room.
9. Are There Hair Dryers?
Your hair is wet after your time spent here at the Mosque de Paris Hammam. Hairdryers are available for 1€.
10. What Is A Gommage?
After the steam room, you are ready for the gommage. You’ll be directed to lie flat on warm tiles and one of the ladies will take your glove and scrub your front and back, top to bottom. This exfoliation process, which lasts about 5-7 minutes, renders your skin like velvet.
11. What Is Black Soap?
The package of black soap that you receive at the desk is to be used in the steam room. It is amber-coloured and a bit hard. Rub it between your hands and lather up! Avoid your eyes.
12. Can I Take Photos At The Hammam At The Mosque Of Paris?
No photos allowed. Believe me, you’ll be glad there are no cell phones around.
13. What Is The Experience At The Mosque Of Paris Hammam Like?
Entering the hammam de la Grande Mosquée de Paris, a historical monument, is like taking an unexpected trip to the old world. Passing through the central courtyard where mostly naked ladies are reclining on cushions sipping mint tea amidst carved columns, mosaic tiles, archways and hanging lanterns transports one far from the busy streets of Paris.
Minutes after undressing, we find ourselves in the steam room giggling, pouring buckets of water on one another, lathering up the black soap, and laying flat on the hot tiles letting all the worries of the world evaporate.
When we are completely relaxed, we surrender to our first gommage. I had heard it is like being scrubbed within an inch of your life. It is not a gentle scrub but I found it exhilarating. And the resulting softness of one’s skin is astounding.
We shower, retrieve our towels from the changing room and join the quiet whispers of the other ladies relaxing on the cushions. Mint tea is served on silver trays. We recline and wait our turn for the almond-oil massage.
The entire experience in this place of exceptional beauty leaves us incredibly relaxed. We return to the streets of Paris with an air of serenity, our skin glowing.
Where To Stay In Paris
Hotels In Paris:
Le Pavillon de la Reine, or the Hôtel Bourg Tibourg in the lively Marais district
Hotel Saint Christophe in the ancient Latin Quarter
Cler Hotel on the lovely market street rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement (by the Eiffel Tower)
Apartments in Paris:
This stylish apartment sleeps up to 6 people right in the heart of le Marais. This one-bedroom apartment is in the perfect location for exploring le Marais.
Looking for the ultimate splurge on this trip to Paris? How about being neighbours with the Eiffel Tower?
14. Where Can I Eat After My Spa?
Why not stop at the restaurant at the Grand Mosque of Paris for a meal or delightful treats and more mint tea? Or, walk to rue Mouffetard where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. One of my favourites is the tiny Lebanese restaurant, Le Cedre.
15. What Is There To Do In the Latin Quarter?
The Latin Quarter is a great area of Paris to wander and explore. Here are all my best tips on the Latin Quarter and all the recommendations from a friend who only ever stays in the Latin Quarter
After your experience at the mosque of Paris Hammam, be sure to visit the Grande Mosquée of Paris itself. The tower and gardens are beautiful and in the spring, draped in wisteria, the experience is unforgettable.
Close by is the Institut de Monde Arabe (the Arab Institute) with a fabulous tearoom and views over Paris on the 9th floor. (currently under renovation in January 2023). The museum offers wonderful exhibitions. We lined up to see the current one On the Roads to Samarkand, Wonders of Silk and Gold.
I hope you relax and enjoy your experience at the Mosque of Paris hammam as much as I did. I know I will be a repeat customer.
Until next time,
More Paris Info…
Get mixed up with the arrondissements of Paris? This guide to the Paris arrondissements will help you plan your best visit to the City of Light!
If you love hidden gems, here are 25 to discover in Paris.
This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places in Montmartre.
Another of Paris’s most-loved areas is Saint-Germain des Prés. Here are my best tips on things to do in Saint-Germain des Prés.
Le Marais is one of the best areas of Paris to flâner. Here are 23 tops things to do in le Marais.
La Butte aux Cailles, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, is another place in Paris that has retained its village-like charm. My article on La Butte aux Cailles will lead you to discover some of the area and its visually enticing street art.
Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.
Here are all the things to do on Ile Saint-Louis, one of the oldest villages in Paris.
Don’t forget that the 7th arrondissement has lots to see and do once you have seen the Eiffel Tower.
And the 11th arrondissment of Paris? Authentic and full of great restaurants and shopping (like a local).
Other Paris and France Travel Tips:
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.
If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.
