The Festival des Lanternes Flottantes returns to the Pagode Wat Pho Paris this Sunday, October 19, 2025. We're off to Essonne (91) to enjoy free entertainment at this unusual site. After two highly successful editions, this free event organized in conjunction with theThai Tourist Office invites us to discover the richness of Thai culture through shows, entertainment and a magical atmosphere. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., we immerse ourselves in the ancestral traditions of Loy Kra Thong, a spiritual celebration symbolizing the abandonment of negative energies and renewal.
Located in Breux-Jouy, the Wat Pho Paris Pagoda is much more than just a place of worship. This Buddhist temple, inspired by Bangkok's famous Wat Pho, is distinguished by its traditional Thai architecture and peaceful gardens nestled in the heart of the verdant Orge Valley. Inaugurated in November 2023 in the presence of the abbot of Bangkok's official Wat Pho, this spiritual center has become one of the major anchors of Thai Buddhism in the Paris region. Just 45 minutes from the capital by car or RER C train, the pagoda offers a rare interlude of serenity in the Paris region, conducive to meditation and contemplation.
For this third edition, the program promises to be particularly rich. All day long, from 9am to 8pm, here's what's in store:
Music lovers will appreciate the diversity of the performances on offer, while wellness enthusiasts can take advantage of traditional massages to relax. This ancestral technique, the famous "nuad thaï", renowned for its relaxing virtues, will be available directly on site.
But what exactly is Loy Kra Thong? This festival, whose name literally means "little basket that floats", has its origins in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Celebrated every year in Thailand on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in November), it consists of floating small, decorated boats, called krathongs, on waterways. These miniature rafts, traditionally made from banana leaves and adorned with flowers, candles and incense, symbolize spiritual purification. As participants watch the rafts float away, they let go of resentment, anger and bad energy, and start afresh. It's also a way of paying homage to the goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha, and thanking her for her blessings.
One of the highlights of the day will undoubtedly be the contest for the most beautiful lantern, where creativity and craftsmanship will come together in friendly competition. The handmade luminous works will compete in beauty, offering an enchanting visual spectacle. If you're looking for a great way to discover this age-old tradition without crossing the globe, this is the perfect opportunity.
When it comes to gourmet delights, the festival wouldn't be complete without an immersion in Thai gastronomy. Numerous stands will be offering culinary specialities prepared before our very eyes, allowing us to take a true gustatory voyage between savoury and sweet flavours. Pad thaï, fragrant curries, grilled kebabs and typical desserts await our taste buds. You can also take home artisanal products directly imported from Thailand, to extend the experience.
To get there, we have several options: we can drive from Paris (about 45 minutes via the N20), opt for the RER C towards Dourdan to the Breuillet Village station with free shuttles all day between 8am and 8pm, or take advantage of the free shuttles from Porte de Choisy in front of the BNP with departures at 9am and 11am and returns at 4pm and 6pm. Admission is entirely free.
To facilitate access to this unique event, free shuttles will be available. Two departure points are planned: from Porte de Choisy in front of BNP (departures at 9 and 11am, returns at 4 and 6pm), and from Breuillet Village RER C station with shuttles running between 8am and 8pm. This organization demonstrates the organizers' determination to make this festival accessible to as many people as possible, in a spirit of sharing and cultural discovery.
The pagoda's enchanting setting, with its verdant gardens and exotic architecture, adds a special dimension to this event. It's almost like being in South-East Asia, even though you're only an hour from Paris. For families, couples or groups of friends in search of an original cultural outing, this day promises to be a wonderful discovery. The atmosphere will be both festive and spiritual, allowing everyone to take full advantage of this traditional celebration.
So, if you're looking for a free, exotic day out this Sunday, October 19, 2025, let's head to the Wat Pho Pagoda in Paris for a day dedicated to Thai culture. With traditional shows, relaxing massages, culinary delights and lantern contests, this third edition of the Loy Kra Thong Festival promises to be a memorable one. Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Lights without leaving the Paris region.
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Dates and Opening Time
On October 19, 2025
From 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
Location
Wat Pho Pagoda Paris
5224 Rue de Rimoron
91650 Breux Jouy
Route planner
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.watphoparis.org
