No, you’re not in Indonesia or Thailand, but in the Paris region, more precisely in Évry-Courcouronnes. This commune near Paris is home to a majestic pagoda. Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama himself in 2008, this Buddhist temple is the largest in Europe.
Europe’s largest Buddhist temple just outside Paris
Who would have thought that such a treasure could exist just outside Paris? The Khanh Anh Pagoda in Évry-Courcouronnes is a feast for the eyes. This immense 3,300 m² temple is truly impressive! We had to wait 20 years for the faithful of the Ile-de-France region, and from all over the world, to be able to worship in this magical place. Work on the temple, which began in 1995, had fallen far behind schedule. Donations from numerous devotees from all over the world enabled the work to be completed.
At the center of the sanctuary is an immense 550 m² prayer hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people during major religious ceremonies. Here you’ll find a 4-metre-high statue of Buddha, covered in gold leaf. Worshippers can also meditate and think of the departed in the dedicated meditation room.
In addition to the faithful who come to gather and take communion, the Khanh Anh pagoda is also a training center for monks, as well as a venue for seminars and conferences.
Impressive as it may be, the temple is an extremely welcoming place, open to both believers and anyone interested in Buddhism. You can attend religious ceremonies on Sundays, from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and then enjoy a vegetarian meal. A moment of conviviality and sharing!
Location: Parc aux Lièvres, 8 Rue François Mauriac, 91000 Évry