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France is home to approximately 8,000 Tibetans one of the largest Tibetan communities in Western Europe, second only to Switzerland. Most live in the greater Paris and Île-de France region, with smaller communities in Lyon, Toulouse, and other cities. Tibetans first arrived in France through humanitarian resettlement programmes in the 1970s and 1980s, and the community has grown significantly since, becoming a vibrant hub of cultural, spiritual, and political activity.
Paris hosts the Bureau du Tibet, one of only ten official representative offices of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) worldwide, making France an important centre of Tibetan diplomacy and advocacy in Europe. The Bureau coordinates cultural events, Losar celebrations, March 10th commemorations, and provides services to the Tibetan community across France and neighbouring countries. Weekend Tibetan language classes are held in the Paris area, where children learn to read, write, and speak Tibetan alongside their French education. Tibetan Buddhist dharma centres are active across France, hosting teachings by visiting lamas and supporting the spiritual life of the community. France is also home to several prominent Tibet support organisations that work closely with the Tibetan diaspora to keep the cause of Tibetan freedom and culture on the European political agenda.
Lerab Ling in the Languedoc region is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in the West. Founded by Sogyal Rinpoche, the temple was consecrated in 2008 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and serves as the European seat of the Rigpa Buddhist organization. Set in 700 hectares of forest in southern France, Lerab Ling hosts retreats, traditional Tibetan ceremonies, and major teachings throughout the year. France is also home to Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in the Dordogne, the European seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage.
France hosts a rich calendar of Tibetan events from teachings at Lerab Ling and Dhagpo Kagyu Ling to Losar celebrations in Paris, Tibet advocacy events, and cultural festivals across the country.