Every summer, France comes alive with a nationwide initiative: “Quartiers d’Été” (Summer Neighbourhoods). This program brings communities together through free, family-friendly cultural activities. Thanks to the efforts of local social centers, underserved communities are offered the opportunity to engage in summer festivities, fostering social ties and promoting active citizenship along the way. This article outlines how Bellidée, Speak Up’s French partner, actively promoted inclusion, creativity and citizen engagement as part of this initiative.
Community, Culture, and Connection
Every summer in France, the national program “Quartiers d’Été” (Summer Neighbourhoods) invites local associations to engage residents by animating public spaces. These offer accessible leisure and cultural activities, especially in underserved or priority urban areas. Supported by the Hauts-de-France Region, the initiative aims to promote inclusion, community wellbeing, and active citizenship through festive, free and family-friendly events.
Bellidée, a social center in Saint-Martin-Boulogne, has joined forces with the social centers of Ostrohove, Marlborough and Centre. Together, they see this as a unique opportunity to strengthen the social fabric of their neighbourhoods. This year, their “Happy Summer” program focused on joy, curiosity, and collective experiences rooted in local life. Through this lens, they have managed to turn cultural and historical events into fun activities for all ages to engage in!
Why this matters
For many families, summer can be a time of social isolation, especially when mobility or financial resources are limited. Quartiers d’Été helps make culture, discovery, and celebration possible close to home, such as in local parks, streets, and courtyards. These events encourage:
- Shared memories across generations,
- Pride in local heritage and identity,
- Moments of learning and fun outside of traditional institutions,
- The active participation of residents in shaping their neighbourhood.
The 2025 Happy Summer events
Bellidée co-organized a total of five events this summer, which were all completely free, open to all, and held directly in the neighborhoods. The specificity of the 2025 “Happy Summer” edition is its co-creation with local volunteers and families — not just for them, but with them. Each activity was designed to reflect the values Bellidée stands for: accessibility, creativity, and community engagement.
Citizen Banquet: the summer opened with a big outdoor meal where residents were invited to share homemade dishes, enjoy music, and meet new faces. It was a moment of unity and conviviality that set the tone for the season — read our previous article to hear more!
A journey through time: in Marlborough, an exhibition of old photographs of Saint-Martin-Boulogne was combined with a refreshment area, outdoor games, and friendly competitions. The goal: reconnect with local history and spark intergenerational conversations.
The Saint-Martin Express: inspired by the TV show Pékin Express, this event invited families to form teams and take part in an urban race across different neighborhoods, discovering hidden spots, solving clues, and completing small challenges.
Ostrohov’Kart: held in the Ostrohove district, this lively afternoon featured a soapbox race, a Mario Kart gaming zone, photo and video exhibits, and creative workshops where children could draw and design their own car.
Heritage days: to close the season, locals were invited to explore a historic castle in Saint-Martin-Boulogne. This gave residents an opportunity to reflect on local identity, share memories, and experience cultural heritage as something living and accessible.
Bellidée’s “Happy Summer” program shows how local collaborative efforts can create joyful, inclusive spaces that strengthen community ties and promote active citizenship.
Inspired to act? Follow the Quartiers d’Été example and bring your neighbourhood together!