Fête de Réchésy

The Fête de Réchésy: conviviality on the Franco-Swiss border

Réchésy (90370) is a commune in the Territoire de Belfort with 776 inhabitants, covering 12.6 km² in the canton of Réchésy. Its geographical location is particularly unique: the commune directly borders Switzerland, giving it a unique border village identity in the department. Administered by Mayor André Kleiber from the town hall at 3 Place de la Mairie, Réchésy belongs to the Communauté de communes du Sud Territoire.

This border position has historically marked the economic and social life of the village, with many cross-border workers crossing the border daily to reach their jobs in Switzerland. The summer festival is thus one of the few times when the community comes together to celebrate its belonging to the Territoire de Belfort and to France.

Le Mille Clubs and local associative life

Réchésy benefits from an active community center, Le Mille Clubs, located at 10 Rue de Courcelles and open on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This living space offers games, shared meals, and helps maintain social cohesion in this village where the cross-border diaspora can sometimes loosen community ties.

The Festival Committee works in coordination with Le Mille Clubs and other local associations to organize the summer festival, ensuring a festive and accessible program for all residents.

Program of the summer festival

The Fête de Réchésy is generally held in the summer, on the central square or near the multi-purpose hall located on Route de Courcelles:

• Children's entertainment: inflatable games, traditional games, sports activities, and creative workshops
• Petanque tournament: highly popular in border villages, sometimes with teams from neighboring Swiss communes
• Refreshments and catering: grills, sausages-fries, sandwiches, and drinks at affordable associative prices
• Communal meal: a moment of sharing around a friendly meal prepared by volunteers
• Musical evening: concert or DJ to liven up the end of the afternoon and early evening

Réchésy, a border village between two worlds

The commune of Réchésy embodies in its own way the uniqueness of the Territoire de Belfort: this department, enclosed between Alsace, the Doubs, the Haute-Saône, and Switzerland, has forged its own identity over the centuries. Réchésy is its southernmost expression, where France ends and the Swiss Confederation begins.

This border position has shaped lifestyles, mentalities, and traditions. The village festival is thus tinged with this dual belonging, an openness to the Swiss neighbor while proudly celebrating belonging to the French community of the Territoire de Belfort.

Sports facilities, a gathering place

The commune has football and petanque fields located on Route de Courcelles, which complement the multi-purpose hall to offer residents spaces for leisure and meeting. These facilities play an important role in associative life and are naturally at the heart of the summer festivities.