El Oulfa Mosque

The El Oulfa Mosque is a place of prayer in Lyon's 7th arrondissement, in the Guillotière area. Its name, which means "harmony" or "concord" in Arabic, sums up the fraternal spirit of the community that keeps it alive.

A mosque of the 7th arrondissement

The El Oulfa Mosque welcomes worshippers for the five daily prayers and Friday prayer. It plays a distinctive role during the month of Ramadan, with the nightly Tarawih prayers and shared iftar meals, as well as during the celebrations of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is part of a network of Muslim places of worship that shapes religious life in south-eastern Lyon, in close connection with local residents.

Guillotière and the 7th arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement is one of Lyon's largest, stretching from Guillotière to Gerland via Jean Macé. Guillotière is a working-class, cosmopolitan neighbourhood marked by a strong cultural mix: food shops from around the world, fabric stores, grocers and restaurants reflect the diversity of its residents. Gerland, to the south, brings together major sports facilities, universities and business areas. The 7th is also crossed by important green spaces, including Parc de Gerland, and by the Rhône riverbanks, which are very popular.

Getting there

The El Oulfa Mosque is well served by public transport. Metro Line B connects Charpennes to Oullins, serving Guillotière, Saxe-Gambetta and Jean Macé. Tram Lines T1 and T2 also cross the arrondissement, with connections toward Part-Dieu, Perrache and Vénissieux. From the city centre, the mosque can be reached in about ten minutes. Street parking is available but often saturated, so public transport is a better choice.

Advice for visitors

Appropriate dress is expected, and shoes are removed before entering the prayer hall. Friday prayer and major holidays draw large crowds, so arriving a little early is wise. Visitors are invited to keep a quiet presence, especially during collective prayers.