Surprising, but true! Just a few kilometers from Lodève, near Roqueredonde, nestled in the peaceful green hills of Occitanie, lies the Lerab Ling Buddhist Temple. A spiritual gem founded in 1992 by renowned Tibetan Buddhist master Sogyal Rinpoche, twice blessed by the Dalai Lama himself during his visits in 2000 and 2008. Today, Lerab Ling is one of Europe’s leading centers for the study and practice of Buddhism.
A relaxing visit to add to the to-do-list of your next vacation at Camping La Tamarissière.
Lerab Ling, an oasis of serenity since 1992
In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc, the site for the Buddhist temple, known as “lieu des sources”, was carefully chosen and blessed in 1991. Construction and decoration work began in 1992 and was completed in 2006.
The Lerab Ling temple was designed in the style of an authentic Tibetan temple. Out of respect for tradition and attention to detail, the temple’s decorations were created by craftsmen from India, Nepal and Bhutan. With its architecture blending ancestral traditions and contemporary aesthetics, Lerab Ling time is a real architectural gem, very surprising in the heart of the Hérault region. The main meditation hall dazzles with its grandeur, rich, colorful decor and exceptional 7-meter-high Buddha statue. The whole offers a space conducive to meditation and the elevation of the spirit.
When you travel to Lerab Ling to visit the temple, prepare yourself for an exceptional experience, out of the ordinary and out of time. As you drive along the verdant roads of the Languedoc mountains towards the temple, the contemplation of nature begins, and so does the change of scenery. Once you’ve parked your car, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Haut-Languedoc, you’ll feel like you’re in a cocoon of softness, security and well-being. At the entrance to the path leading to the main temple, adorable donkeys will welcome you; then, colorful prayer flags will guide you to the site’s main square, where the imposing temple will reveal itself before your astonished gaze. It dazzles with its grandeur, bright colors and meticulous architecture. The golden roofs rise majestically to the azure skies of southern France. Around the temple, the gardens and green spaces are carefully tended and richly ornamented, creating an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity.
Since 2002, the Lerab Ling community has been recognized as a religious congregation by decree of the French Ministry of the Interior. The Lerab Ling community is made up of around 122 people, both monastic and lay members, who join forces to bring to life this exceptional place whose main mission is to discover, study and practice Tibetan Buddhism. Lerab Ling has established itself as a place of retreat, study and meditation, welcoming people from all cultures and spiritual traditions.
Whether you come to Lerab Ling for a simple visit, without any prior knowledge of Buddhism, or opt for a spiritual retreat as part of a process of self-discovery, the warm and caring community will accompany you on the path to enlightened meditation and well-being. Lerab Ling is a place where you feel welcomed and accepted as you are.
Since the passing of Sogyal Rinpoche, Tibetan Buddhist master and founder of the temple, in 2019; the Spiritual Director of the Rigpa Lerab Ling Congregation is Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. The community has been led on site by Ngawang Chözom Lhamo since 2018.
Beyond its unwavering commitment to Buddhist spirituality, the community is also committed to preserving the environment through eco-responsible actions in the day-to-day management of community life and visitor reception: waste management, protection of the temple environment, sustainable food, energy efficiency and renewable energies, sustainable food production… Further proof of this commitment, the site recently became an LPO (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux – League for the Protection of Birds) refuge.
Organize your visit to Lerab Ling, near Lodève
In 2024, it will be possible to visit the Lerab Ling temple from March 31 to November 3.
Self-guided tours of the site are offered every Sunday afternoon for €8. Prior booking on the community’s website is essential. A free audio-guide application lets you discover the temple, its gardens and its history at your own pace. A film on the history of the site and a guided meditation led by an experienced teacher are also available free of charge in the temple’s main hall. A wonderful experience for experienced and novice alike. Objective: inner peace and mental clarity.
From Tuesday to Saturday, in the afternoons, it is also possible to visit the Lerab Ling site on your own, without Book. However, access to the main temple hall is not guaranteed on these days. This depends on the temple’s schedule of retreats and events. The fee is €5.
For initiates wishing to go further in their discovery and practice of Buddhism, courses, retreats, events, conferences and gatherings are regularly organized at Lerab Ling. Schedule and information on the official community website: https://www.lerabling.org/
Lerab Ling regularly welcomes world-renowned teachers and spiritual masters, offering visitors the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy and receive valuable advice for their spiritual practice. The teachings are accessible to all, whatever their age, background or spiritual path.
Extend your Zen experience at Camping La Tamarissière
What better way to extend your Zen experience at Lerab Ling than to stay at the eco-chic La Tamarissière campsite, in the heart of a preserved natural area, in harmony with the flora and fauna. The La Tamarissière pine forest is an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by the verdisses nature park on one side and a wonderful sandy beach on the other. The 4-star La Tamarisière campsite also offers weekly yoga classes by the sea, with Estel from Latelier Yoga. A great opportunity to pursue meditation and reconnection.
A day at the Lerab Ling Buddhist Temple is a truly enriching experience for mind, body and soul. Whether you’re looking for inner peace, spiritual connection or simply architectural discovery, you’ll find here a haven where you can recharge and be inspired. Take the time to visit this magical place and let its beauty and serenity soak you in…
