Grand Synagogue of Paris — Attraction in Paris

Mixed feelings. Very nice synagogue, actually quite impressive. We arranged for leil shabbat meal, I was surprised for ‘low’ price, but when we had seuda I understood…extremely simple food, reminded me camp food…

Leis shabbat service was a bit depressing, we were around 25-30 men and similar number of ladies. Very few locals. Rabbi Sebbag is very nice and his drasha (in French) was a good one.

Seuda: imagine you are in a camp but with older people. Sitting in U shaped tables. Organisers were nice.

Area seems safe, we walked back to our hotel close to Champs Elysees (35 min walk) with no problem.

Note:when you book meals online they ask you to bring ID, I called (unsuccessfully)10 times to ask how could we do that as there’s no eruv, I brought receipt & copy of our ID’s but nobody asked for it, they just checked we were...

The Grand Synagogue of Paris, also known as La Victoire, stands as a majestic symbol of Jewish heritage and architectural grandeur in the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement. Inaugurated in 1874 and classified as a historic monument, this Orthodox Ashkenazi synagogue was designed by architect Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe and richly funded by the Rothschild family showcasing the community’s vibrant cultural and economic revival in 19th-century France   .

Its striking 36-meter Romanesque façade, embellished with Byzantine styling and Second Empire touches, leads into a grand 28-meter-long nave. Inside, visitors are greeted by ornate elements: stained-glass windows representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a magnificent Torah Ark, a sweeping grand staircase, gilded bronze candelabras, and a solid silver menorah all gifts from the Rothschilds   . The synagogue remains the official seat of the Chief Rabbi of Paris, hosting spiritual services and official ceremonies year-round  .

Visiting and Service Information • Guided tours are available for groups on Mondays (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) and Thursdays (9:00 AM-10:30 AM). Tours must be arranged in advance by contacting the synagogue’s tour coordinator  . • Individuals and families are encouraged to participate in services instead of formal tours. Regular service times are: • Friday night (Kabbalat Shabbat): 6:30 PM (summer), shifting earlier in winter  . • Saturday morning: 9:30 AM (Shabbat service)  . • Weekdays: Morning (7:45 AM) and evening (6:30 PM) services; Sunday morning 8:30 AM . • Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine): On special occasions-such as 22 September 2024-the synagogue opens to the public, offering guided visits in small groups (approx. 20 minutes) .

Summary Highlights: • Architecturally and artistically stunning, with deeply symbolic décor. • Holds significant place in Jewish religious and cultural life in France. • Offers structured visiting options with pre-booking and respectful...

Unfortunately a terrible experience. We tried to enter twice. The first one they rudely told us that the website information was wrong and that visit times were so and so. We came back when they told us and then "there was nobody in the synagogue to let us in," although we could see people in and out. Speaking French and Hebrew didn't help at all, and I felt embarrassed since i was traveling with a non-Jewish friend. Perhaps if you schedule a group visit it would be ok, but individually... it's a nightmare. I understand all about bitachon, but this is...