How to celebrate the Fête des Voisins in France this Friday
Millions of neighbours across the country are expected to meet on the 26th edition of this friendly festival
This Fête des Voisins is also a good way for English speakers living in France to make friends and integrate into the local community
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
The 26th edition of the Fête des Voisins takes place this Friday (May 29) - an opportunity for neighbours across France to create or consolidate social connections in their local area.
The friendly festival first began in Paris’ 17th arrondissement but now, some 10 million people gather to celebrate every year.
“La Fête des Voisins 2025 was a huge success! More than ever, it provided an opportunity for warm reunions and moments of camaraderie between neighbours,” said festival founder Atanase Périfan.
The initiative is aimed at helping to combat social isolation - an issue that continues to grow in France.
The association SOS Amitié, which fights against social isolation, revealed that a record-breaking 3,800,000 phone calls were made to its helpline in 2025 (up from 3,700,000 the previous year), according to its Observatoire des souffrances psychiques 2026 report published this month.
This festival is also a good way for English speakers living in France to make friends and integrate into the local community.
You can keep an eye out for posters or social media posts advertising Fête des Voisins events near you - or why not organise your own get-together?
Tips for hosting
First, decide which type of gathering you would like to host - an apéro, a meal, a picnic… sharing food is a personal way of fostering a sense of community, so encourage your neighbours to contribute their own snacks or dishes.
Next, you need to find a location to host the event. Whether you want to use a communal courtyard, a garden, a car park or even set up a table in the street, there are plenty of options.
You should however make sure to contact your local council for permission if you plan on using a public space. A permit is sometimes required and this should be submitted to your town hall ideally around 15 days before the scheduled date.
Note that drinking alcohol in public places can be prohibited if a local authority decides to impose its own restrictions. It is best to double check with the town hall whether this is the case in your area.
Town halls or local associations may be able to lend any equipment for the gathering - trestle tables, marquees or barbecues, for example.
Remember that the festival is about creating links between all age groups, so perhaps you would like to make sure there are some games or activities for younger children.
Finally, you need to let people know about your plans. The Fête des Voisins website offers a downloadable communication kit with printable posters and flyers to help spread the word.
