Paris is home to the largest number of Muslims in the European Union, with its Seine-Saint-Denis district having the most mosques, schools and Islamic associations. The number of Muslims in the population of Marseille is 20%. The Muslim population in France is mostly found in the east and south of France.
Nimes, in Languedoc-Roussillon, a city bordering Provence and the Balearic Sea, is a point of interest for Muslims perhaps the ancient city, rich with vestiges of the Middle Ages. Stroll through the medieval streets and make your way to the Porte d'Espagne, which is near three Muslim tombs dating back to 719. This, along with new research, indicates the presence of Islam in France since the year 650.
The Quai Branly Museum in Paris, with its collections from North Africa and the Near East, is linked with the colonial history of France and houses a million objects from the territories colonized by France . They include objects from North Africa and the Near East, intertwined with Islamic stories about their making. Discover the complex history of Islam and France through this educational experience.
The Arab World Institute in Paris is an ideal place for Muslims during their stay in Paris. It is a complex offering festivities and activities for everyone, a museum, a cinema, shows, restaurants, cafes and workshops with regular program change. Book one of the hotels in the Latin Quarter for easy access to the Arab World Institute.
The Muslim Centre of Marseille offers events and activities designed for the public. The “S'il te plaît dessine-moi un livre" ("Please Draw Me a Book”) program teaches Muslim families and children about environmental stewardship. Each year The Annual Meeting of Muslims from the South allows Muslims to establish contacts. The center houses the Zitouna bookstore, which sells Islamic books and habits and more. This center is a place to visit for all Muslims who are looking for a cultural holiday.
The French Institute of Muslim Civilization in Lyon frequently houses Islamic art, literature, music and cinema. It is a cultural and ideal place for halal tourism in France. The building is surrounded by geometric patterns of traditional art and the architecture echoes the architecture of the Islamic world. The institute organizes calligraphy, poetry and philosophy workshops for the public.
The Islamic Arts Department of the Louvre Museum, one of the most renowned museums in the world in Paris, has dedicated a collection with nearly 3000 Islamic objects on display for the benefit of its visitors. This department allows Muslim travellers to immerse themselves in the stories of their ancestors and to understand the Islamic relationship between France and Islam.