Paris embraces the tradition of hammams
Paris’ hammams are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, drawing both locals and tourists
PARIS (MNTV) — Paris is seeing a rise in popularity of traditional hammams, steam baths that originated in the Ottoman Empire and were introduced to the city by North African immigrants in the early 20th century.
According to UK-based outlet Hyphen, the city now boasts at least 20 hammams, with more being developed to meet increasing demand.
The Grand Mosque of Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement, is home to the oldest operational hammam in the city.
Built in the 1920s as a tribute to French Muslim soldiers who died in World War I, the mosque’s hammam has become a cultural landmark.
Mohammad Zaidi, who has managed the baths since 1994, says that the hammam serves as an “introduction to the culture” for many first-time visitors.
For the past 20 years, the 700-square-meter baths have been reserved for women, and it now attracts about 1,000 clients weekly, with 90% of them being European.
Beyond the Grand Mosque, other high-end hammams, such as Hammam Pacha and Aux Bains Montorgueil, also draw attention from both tourists and social media users.
These luxury establishments offer ornate decor and therapeutic services like skin scrubs and deep tissue massages, adding to their appeal.
However, traditional hammams like Hammam Bains Vapeurs in the working-class Barbès neighborhood continue to play a key role in the daily lives of Muslim Parisians.
Opened in 1970 by Tunisian migrants, the facility welcomes a diverse clientele, including people of sub-Saharan African, North African, and Asian backgrounds.
As Paris continues to embrace hammams, the city is expanding its offerings.
The Institute of Islamic Cultures (ICI) in the Barbès district plans to reopen its hammam later this year after a decade of closure.
Director Stéphanie Chazalon sees the space as an opportunity for social mixing, hoping to bring together local residents and visitors from all backgrounds.
“We want it to be open to all of them,” she said to Hyphen.
From their historical roots to their modern-day popularity, these bathhouses have become an integral part of Parisian life.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
