The Hong Hien Tu Pagoda in Fréjus: a witness to Franco-Vietnamese history
The Hong Hien Tu Pagoda in Frejus is the oldest pagoda in Europe and France. It embodies a key moment in Franco-Vietnamese history. Built in 1915 at the request of Indochinese soldiers stationed in Frejus, it served as a place of worship for these colonial troops. These soldiers, originally from the former French colonies of Indochina, were based at the Gallieni military camp in Frejus. This strategic site prepared them before their departure for the front during the First World War.
A construction driven by duty (1915-1919)
As early as 1915, Vietnamese soldiers, mainly from colonial troops, felt the need to maintain a link with their religious traditions in a foreign land. Thus, to practice their faith and respect the funeral rites of their ancestors, they requested the construction of a place of worship. In 1917, under the leadership of Colonel Lame, the pagoda was erected in Fréjus, then inaugurated on April 6, 1919 in the presence of Mayor Marius Coullet.
This place quickly became a symbol of devotion and peace for Vietnamese soldiers. It offered them a spiritual refuge in the heart of the war. In addition, the pagoda housed a cemetery where Indochinese soldiers could rest according to their rites. However, this cemetery disappeared over the years, and the bones were transferred to the National Necropolis of Luynes between 1965 and 1967.
A place of memory and worship (1919-1954)
After World War I, Hong Hien Tu Pagoda remained an essential gathering point for the Vietnamese community. In addition, it served as a place of remembrance for those who found peace there. It symbolised the commitment of colonial troops who, exiled in a foreign country, wanted to preserve their dignity and honour their traditions. In addition, this site embodies a time when France and Vietnam crossed paths in blood, both in a military context and in mutual respect for beliefs.
The silence before the rebirth (1954-1980)
After the end of the Indochina War in 1954, the number of visitors to the pagoda gradually decreased. As a result, the place sank into oblivion for several decades. However, in the 1980s, a group of Vietnamese refugees, keen to preserve this heritage, undertook restoration work. Thus, the pagoda was saved from oblivion. Thanks to this restoration, new generations can now discover the history of these Indochinese soldiers who fought for France.
