France Prayer Times
Islamic prayer times (namaz and salah) for every city in France: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Azan times, updated daily.
Islamic prayer times for France. PrayerAll provides accurate daily prayer schedules for 10 cities across France. Prayer times in France are calculated using the Muslim World League method. Main timezone: Europe/Paris. All prayer times include Fajr, Sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Times are updated daily and calculated based on each city's geographic coordinates. Source: PrayerAll.com – Global Islamic prayer time reference for Muslims worldwide.
Choose Your City in France
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Paris
Marseille
Lyon
Toulouse
Strasbourg
Nice
Nantes
Montpellier
Bordeaux
Lille
Islamic Resources for France
Muslims in France can check prayer times (namaz and salah) for cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, updated daily with the trusted method.
General Prayer Time Questions
How accurate is the prayer time for France?
French mosques commonly use the Muslim World League (MWL) calculation method with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. The Grande Mosquée de Paris publishes prayer times that are followed by many mosques. Some North African mosques follow Moroccan or Algerian ministry calculations. The Union of Islamic Organizations of France (UOIF) also provides prayer time guidance. France operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer. Prayer times vary across the country, with about 50 minutes difference between Strasbourg in the east and Brest in the west. Summer Ramadans present challenges with fasting hours exceeding 17 hours and Isha prayers falling very late.
Why are prayer times different between apps and mosques?
Prayer times can vary slightly due to different calculation methods, angles for Fajr and Isha, and whether the location uses summer time adjustments. We use the most widely accepted method for each region.
Which prayer time should I use to break my fast during Ramadan?
You should break your fast at Maghrib (sunset) time. This is when the sun has completely set below the horizon. The Maghrib time shown is calculated precisely for your location.
Is the sunrise time shown a prayer time?
No, sunrise is not a prayer time. It marks the end of Fajr prayer time and the beginning of the prohibited time for prayer. You cannot pray when the sun is rising until it has risen completely (about 15-20 minutes after sunrise).
About France
France has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, with estimates ranging from 5 to 6 million people, representing approximately 8-9% of the population. Islam is the second-largest religion in France. The Muslim community is predominantly of North African origin, with significant populations from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa, Turkey, and the Middle East.
Islamic Heritage in France
France's connection with the Islamic world extends back to the medieval period through trade, diplomacy, and the Crusades. The modern Muslim presence developed primarily through colonial relationships with North Africa, particularly Algeria (1830-1962). Following World War I, the Grande Mosquée de Paris was built in 1926 to honor Muslim soldiers who fought for France.
Large-scale Muslim immigration to France occurred during the post-World War II economic boom when workers from North Africa were recruited to rebuild France's economy. These communities established mosques and cultural centers, particularly in major cities and industrial areas. Today, French Muslims include both immigrants and French citizens of Muslim heritage spanning multiple generations.
France's secular (laïcité) tradition shapes the relationship between Islam and the state. Religious practice is considered a private matter, and religious symbols are restricted in public institutions. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), established in 2003, serves as an official interlocutor with the government on religious matters. Recent years have seen efforts to develop a 'French Islam' with locally trained imams and French-language religious education.
Prayer Time Practices in France
French mosques commonly use the Muslim World League (MWL) calculation method with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. The Grande Mosquée de Paris publishes prayer times that are followed by many mosques. Some North African mosques follow Moroccan or Algerian ministry calculations. The Union of Islamic Organizations of France (UOIF) also provides prayer time guidance.
France operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer. Prayer times vary across the country, with about 50 minutes difference between Strasbourg in the east and Brest in the west. Summer Ramadans present challenges with fasting hours exceeding 17 hours and Isha prayers falling very late.
Major Mosques in France
Grande Mosquée de Paris
Paris
The largest and most historic mosque in France, built between 1922-1926 in Hispano-Moorish style to honor Muslim soldiers who died for France in World War I. Its stunning architecture includes a 33-meter minaret, beautiful gardens, and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. It houses a library, restaurant, and hammam.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Grand Mosque of Lyon
Lyon
Opened in 1994, this is one of the largest mosques in France. Located in the 8th arrondissement, its modern architecture includes a distinctive minaret. The mosque serves Lyon's substantial Muslim community and hosts educational and cultural programs.
Capacity: 3,000 worshippers
Grand Mosque of Strasbourg
Strasbourg
Completed in 2012, this modern mosque is one of the largest in France. Situated near the European institutions, it features contemporary Islamic architecture with a 25-meter minaret. The complex includes cultural and educational facilities.
Capacity: 2,500 worshippers
Grand Mosque of Évry-Courcouronnes
Évry (Greater Paris)
One of the largest mosques in Europe, completed in 1994. Designed by architect Henri Colboc, its distinctive features include a large central dome and a 25-meter minaret. Located in the southern suburbs of Paris, it serves a large Muslim community.
Capacity: 5,000 worshippers
Marseille Grand Mosque
Marseille
Serving France's second-largest city, which has one of the country's highest Muslim population concentrations. Marseille has multiple significant mosques serving its diverse Muslim community of North African, Comorian, and other origins.
Capacity: 3,000 worshippers
Ad-Da'wa Mosque
Paris (19th arrondissement)
Located in the diverse 19th arrondissement of Paris, this mosque serves one of the capital's largest Muslim neighborhoods. It is particularly busy during Friday prayers and Ramadan when overflow prayers fill adjacent streets.
Capacity: 2,000 worshippers
Ramadan in France
Ramadan in France is observed by millions of Muslims while they maintain their regular work and school schedules, as there are no official accommodations for the holy month in this secular republic. The atmosphere in Muslim neighborhoods transforms, with shops extending hours, special Ramadan food stalls appearing, and mosques filling for nightly prayers. Summer Ramadans are particularly demanding with fasting hours that can exceed 17-18 hours.
French mosques host iftar gatherings and Taraweeh prayers throughout the month. North African culinary traditions dominate Ramadan tables, with special pastries like makroud, chebakia, and traditional soups. Supermarkets in areas with Muslim populations stock Ramadan specialties. Charitable activities increase, with organizations collecting zakat for local and international causes. Eid al-Fitr brings large prayer gatherings, often overflowing into streets and parks due to mosque capacity limits. The date of Ramadan is officially announced by the Grande Mosquée de Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What calculation method is used for prayer times in France?
Most French mosques use the Muslim World League (MWL) method with Fajr at 18° and Isha at 17° below the horizon. The Grande Mosquée de Paris publishes widely-followed prayer times. Some mosques follow North African ministry calculations.
Does France observe daylight saving time?
Yes, France observes daylight saving time, changing between CET (UTC+1) in winter and CEST (UTC+2) in summer. Clock changes occur in March and October, affecting prayer times accordingly.
What is the Grande Mosquée de Paris?
The Grande Mosquée de Paris is France's largest and most historic mosque, built in 1922-1926 to honor Muslim soldiers who fought for France in WWI. It serves as a major religious, cultural, and symbolic center for French Islam and is open to visitors.
How is the start of Ramadan determined in France?
The Grande Mosquée de Paris, in coordination with the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), announces the start of Ramadan based on moon sighting. This announcement is followed by most mosques in France, though some communities may follow their country of origin's announcement.
Is halal food widely available in France?
Yes, halal food is widely available in France, especially in cities with significant Muslim populations. Halal butchers, restaurants, and supermarket sections offer certified halal products. France has a substantial halal food industry.
What is France's approach to Islam and secularism?
France follows laïcité (secularism), which separates religion from state affairs. This means religious symbols are restricted in public schools and government offices, and religious practice is considered private. This framework shapes how Islam is practiced in the public sphere.
Can women wear hijab in France?
In France, wearing hijab is restricted in public schools and for government employees during work hours due to laïcité laws. However, women are generally free to wear hijab in other public spaces, private workplaces (depending on company policy), and in their personal lives.