Help Launch a New Vipassana Center in Southern France

We are pleased to announce the development of a new Vipassana meditation center in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Nestled in the Comminges region, the property in Labroquère offers a serene, natural setting. Close to the historic site of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and surrounded by preserved countryside, the area also enjoys good access to nearby towns such as Toulouse, Montpellier, Bayonne and Bordeaux.

The property was originally developed in the 1970s as a holiday camp, it covers 21 hectares (over 50 acres) and includes five buildings totaling 1,800 m² (approximately 19,400 square feet). Some facilities can be used after small renovations, while others will require more extensive work to meet modern standards.

Meeting the Need for More Courses in France

The increasing demand for courses in France has outgrown the capacity of Dhamma Mahi. Although off-center courses organized in the Southeast and Southwest have helped, they remain insufficient.

With your support and the volition of the Dhamma community, the team in France aims to offer initial courses starting summer 2026. Meanwhile, the off-center courses in Luchon and Devesset will continue as planned in 2025.

Project Timeline

This provisional schedule will be updated over time.

• January to September 2025: Following acceptance of the offer, the preliminary purchase agreement will be drawn up this spring. Ownership will be formalised in early September. During this period, the local team will review financial feasibility, and conduct technical assessments and cost studies for renovation.

• September 2025 to summer 2026: Preliminary studies and initial renovations will begin. Work will include roof waterproofing, and bringing facilities up to ERP (Public Building) standards to allow for initial course activity.

• "Belle saison" 2026: Courses previously held in Luchon will be transferred to Domaine de Lugaran. Initially, about 100 meditators and servers can be accommodated. As insulation improvements will be ongoing, courses will only be held between April and October during the first few years.

• Autumn 2026 to 2029: The months when no courses are scheduled, additional renovation will be carried out to improve insulation and complete facilities. Studies for long-term development will also take place.

• From 2029 to 2032: Once insulation is complete, courses can be held year-round. Depending on available human and financial resources, capacity may grow to 150 participants. New construction may include meditation halls, teacher accommodations, meditation cells, and service facilities.

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