Morocco In Paris: From Hammams To Tea Spots, These Are The Places Where You Can Live The Meghreb Experience
When it comes to travel junkies, there’s no better dream than to have your feet in two different countries at once. A seemingly farfetched dream? No, it’s one of those dreams you can actually check off your bucket list! In case you don’t know, there’s a small version of the beautiful nation of Morocco, right in the heart of Paris— with lots of Moroccan gems.
For those who intend to spend some time in the capital of France, you should never miss out on visiting some of the best Moroccan places that take over the streets of Paris. If you were looking for a starter guide, look no further, because we’ve compiled for you some of the best Moroccan places in Paris. From hammams to restaurants, tea rooms, and cafes, we’ve got it all for you.
Grand Mosque De Paris
For a true taste of Morocco, there’s no better start than to visit the Grand Mosque of Paris that is considered one of the prime locations for anyone looking to have a full-on Moroccan experience. Built back in the 1920s, the mosque is as classic as it can get. It boasts a number of different spaces, from a tearoom in a salon designed with colorful mosaics and Moroccan decorations to an authentic Moroccan hammam (steam room).
In the spring, the Grand Mosque of Paris is even more stunning as its gardens bloom with beautiful flowers, and the sun shines brightly on its white walls. The ideal time to visit is in May as on a clear day; the minaret will appear even more brilliant against a background of beautiful skies. May is an excellent month to take advantage of the pleasant weather while avoiding the tourist flow, which increases between mid-June and Sept.
Located at 2bis Pl. du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005, the mosque is sure to stun you with its designs as well as the birds that often hover nearby as you’re sipping on your Moroccan tea. The mosque is, by all means, exquisite and a great way to escape to Morocco while in Paris.
Le Méchoui du Prince
“What a gem!” That’s how one of the visitors described his experience at this Paris-based Moroccan restaurant. For 54 years, Le Méchoui du Prince has been boasting an authentic atmosphere of the Arabian Nights to help you get immersed in a cultural ambiance.
Chefs offer the great classics of Moroccan cuisine: sweet and savory tagines, couscous, and pastillas. Their tagines and juicy lambs offered in their set menu are foods that will definitely get your stomach singing. Located at 36 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 75006, this is a great restaurant to hit up if you craving a chill ambiance coupled with delicious food. The staff is super friendly and they will guide you into a fabulous experience of traditional Moroccan food. When it comes to their prices, their set menu boasts an average price of 20 euros.
Founti Agadir
Nestled along the Rue Monge in the Quartier Latin is the beautifully decorated Moroccan resto bar Founti Agadir that opened its door back in the 1980s. This restaurant serves some of the best tagines, grills, tea, and desserts that many visitors continue to vouch for. Their menu is quite eclectic as it meets many different dietary requirements because of having everything from vegetarian and halal food to various vegan options as well. More on the pricey side, the restaurant’s set menu has an average price of 33 euros.
Stepping into the restaurant will make you feel like you are entering a typical Moroccan home with its walls of mosaic, copper lanterns and cedar woodwork. Throughout your dining experience, you’ll also get to enjoy soft Moroccan music wafting out of the surrounding speakers. Beyond that the people working at Founti Agadir qill make you feel like you are a guest in their home.
Le Timgad
Adorned with fine stuccowork, red carpeted floors and colorful potted plants, since 1983, Le Timgad has surely put the time and effort into perfecting its Moroccan identity. This jewel of Moroccan cuisine in Paris is located at 21 Rue Brunel, 75017. Moroccan specialties like tagines and their unmatched couscous will be offered to you in a vibrant setting. A lot of the guests also claim that the grilled lamb shoulder is a must.
With an average price of 29 euros, Timgad is the kind of restaurant that is more on the extravagant side yet based on reviews and ratings, it is considered well-worth the cost.
Hammam Medina Centre
Beyond Grand Mosque De Paris, another magical Moroccan hammam located in the capital is the Hammam Medina Paris. It rightfully earned its place as a go-to spot when searching for an astounding Moroccan spa offering an Arabian Nights atmosphere. Want to have a little escapism with a touch of oriental vibes? Then be sure to head to 43 Rue Petit, 75019. Offering a comprehensive treatment, the space boasts everything from a marble hot stone room and sauna to a steam room that will purify your skin and free your sinuses.
It’s important to bear in mind that most of the employees there don’t speak much English and that their massages may require appointments. To make your experience even more special make sure to end your day at their tea room where you can enjoy a drink of their customary mint tea.
Le 404
Imagine this, you are seated within a room boasting an open space with dim lighting and brick walls with your back lounged and relaxed on multicolored printed cushions and chairs. Add to that, patterns of light wafting through the etched latticework of the surrounding mashrabiya windows. That is the kind of vibe you will experience at Le 440, a restaurant in Paris that will make you feel like you are in Morocco.
Beyond the unique decor, the restaurant’s menu boasts out-of-the-box Moroccan specialties including tagine with prunes and pastilla (Moroccan pie) stuffed with pigeons. With all that being said, it’s probably the priciest spot in our list with an average cost of 50 euros. This dining spot isn’t just about the food, it is also known as a great place to throw a massive party where you can book a DJ and invite your closest friends and family for an unforgettable night. To experience all that Le 404 has to offer, when at Paris, head to its location at 69 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003.
Le Marrakech
Since we’re flaunting our favorite Moroccan restos, this one had to land on our list. From appetizers and desserts of good portions to tagines and lambs that visitors swear by, the restaurant has so many legs to stand on in terms of quality and quantity.
Beyond the food, sitting in the restaurant is an experience in and of itself as the entire space boasts a typical communal style of dining, one that you would find in a typical bedouin majlis (living room). Intricately woven mattresses are splayed along the entire wall with traditional cushions as back rests. In front of each dining area is a round golden tray where the food is served. To try out the experience for yourself book a table at their place where their average price is around 46 euros.
While at Paris, beyond the vibes of Morocco, many guests can also enjoy many other Arab cuisines and experiences including hitting up Daily Syrien, the makeshift restaurant/newsagent that brings the authentic flavors of Syria to the streets of Paris. Beyond that, there are also many Lebanese spots to hit up as well as a few Egyptian joints.
