Marseille
Pagoda (Wat Marseille) was established in July 11th , 1986 by The Association of
Cambodian Culture, Religion and Civilisation Preservation (A C C R C P) in
Marseille and khmer people in nearby provinces.
Wat Marseille is located on a hillside at 14 chemin de la bigotte, 13015
Marseille. Its size is 2200m2 including 4000m2 of parking space. There are two
monks who preside in Wat Marseille. The first monk is Venerable Chan Thorn. He
arrived in France in 1983 and collaborated in the construction of Wat Marseille.
He passed away due to his illness on January 6th, 2004. The second monk is
Venerable Bou Samyos. He arrived in France in 1988 and came to live in Wat
Marseille in 1990. In June 2004, A.C.C.R.C.P permitted Venerable Soeun Noeun to
live and work in Wat Marseille. Prior to relocating to Wat Marseille, he lived
in Wat Dhammarangsi in Bagneux, France.
Every years, we celebrate six religious ceremonies at Wat Marseille such as
Meakha-Bochea, Khmer New Year, Visark-Bochea, Jol Vassa, Pchom Ben, Jenh Vassa (including
Katin).
Wat Marseille has been developed by donation and solidarity of khmer community
as well as the generosity of Laotian, Thai and French donors.
Purpose of Wat Marseille :
- Preserve Khmer culture, religion and civilisation
- Educate Khmer descendants to know how to read and write Khmer, to respect their
elders
and to about Khmer tradition.