Songkran Festival 2026: Celebrating the Thai New Year at Wat Thammapatip, the Unique Temple in Seine-et-Marne

If you're looking to experience a traditional Thai festival in the Île-de-France region, come explore the Songkran celebrations at Wat Thammapat in Moissy-Cramayel in the 77. Nestled within the former Lugny Castle on Rue des Marronniers, this Buddhist temple hosts this important annual event that marks the Thai New Year. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, it offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a lively and spiritual atmosphere, far from the usual tourist trails of the Île-de-France region.

The Songkran Festival is much more than just a celebration: it’s a time for cleansing and renewal deeply rooted in Thai culture. Traditionally held in mid-April in Thailand, it’s famous for its massive water fights through the streets of Bangkok, symbolizing purification and good fortune for the year ahead. At Wat Thammapatip, one of Europe's largest Buddhist temples, this vibrant tradition is brought to life in an authentic atmosphere, adapted to the Paris region context.

This quirky pagoda is worth a visit on its own. Nestled within a 19th-century castle, it houses a beautifully decorated Buddhist temple filled with golden statues, vibrant frescoes, and a design that blends French heritage with Thai spirituality. The striking contrast between the historic building and the distinctly Asian interior creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s like being transported to Southeast Asia, just a few kilometers from the capital.

What happens during the Songkran Festival?

On this special day, Wat Thammapatip hosts a variety of traditional religious ceremonies. Devotees gather to pour fragrant water over Buddha statues as an act of reverence and purification—a centuries-old ritual symbolizing the washing away of sins and misfortune from the past year. Visitors also participate in communal prayers led by monks, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Songkran is also a lively, family-friendly celebration. Visitors can typically enjoy various stalls offering authentic Thai cuisine: pad thai, som tam, grilled skewers, and sweet desserts. Thai cultural groups based in Île-de-France come together to bring the event to life with traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and sometimes even playful water fights that echo the festive spirit of the homeland.

How to Get to Wat Thammapatip?

The pagoda is located at 243 Rue des Marronniers in Moissy-Cramayel, approximately 25 miles southeast of Paris. Drivers can reach it in about 40 minutes via the A5 or A4 motorways. If you prefer public transportation, the Combs-la-Ville - Quincy RER D station is just a few kilometers away, followed by a short taxi or carpool ride to the site. The Wat Thammapatip website typically offers helpful practical information ahead of major events.

In short, if you're looking for a cultural and exotic experience in Seine-et-Marne, the upcoming Songkran 2026 celebration at Wat Thammapatip offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Thai traditions without leaving Île-de-France. It's a unique outing that combines spirituality, friendly atmosphere, and cultural discovery in an unusual setting.

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Wat Thammapatip, the unusual pagoda for an immersion in Thailand less than 1 hour from Paris
In Moissy-Cramayel, Seine-et-Marne, it's a place that immediately plunges you into another culture, immersing you in a country far removed from Paris, its metro and its rain. Welcome to Wat Thammapatip International, the unusual pagoda of 77. [Read more]