Fire Engulfs France's Largest Buddhist Temple in Breux-Jouy
A fire at Wat Pho Paris, France's largest Buddhist temple, severely damages the structure but spares key spiritual areas.
Key Points
- • Fire caused by an electrical malfunction partially destroys the Wat Pho Paris temple.
- • Fifteen monks evacuated; three required respiratory help.
- • The fire affected 500 square meters but spared the Buddha statue and meditation rooms.
- • The temple serves a community of 1,300 and was inaugurated in November 2023.
A significant fire partially destroyed the Wat Pho Paris Buddhist temple, the largest in France, in Breux-Jouy, Essonne, on the night of July 11, 2025. The blaze, reportedly caused by an electrical malfunction, began around 10:30 PM and was not extinguished until approximately 3 AM, according to local fire officials. Firefighters struggled to contain the flames, which ultimately affected around 500 square meters of the temple, damaging 300 square meters of roofing and 200 square meters of the ground floor.
During the incident, fifteen monks residing at the temple were evacuated due to smoke inhalation, three of whom required respirators to assist breathing. Additionally, two gendarmes who responded to the scene were also affected by smoke. Fortunately, essential areas within the temple, including the statue of Buddha and the designated meditation rooms, remained untouched.
The temple, which was inaugurated just over a year ago in November 2023, serves as a spiritual center for a community of approximately 1,300 residents and plays a crucial role in preserving Thai cultural practices in France. In a statement, the chief monk, Ajahn Nong, expressed relief that the temple’s vital spiritual symbols were spared from the destruction. In support of the affected community, the Thai ambassador to France visited the site to extend condolences and offers of assistance. Following the fire, the monks have temporarily relocated to one of the 25 chalets available on the temple grounds. This incident marks a tragic event for a community that has come to deeply value the temple as a cultural landmark.