Le Canon Français: Banqueting, the New Face of the Far Right

For several months now, the banquets organised by the group known as Le Canon français (French Canon) have been enjoying growing success across the country. Sometimes drawing several hundred, or even several thousand participants, these events celebrate a certain idea of French-style conviviality: long tables, local produce, regional wines, and unpretentious socialising. But their joie de vivre and the love of good food are not to everyone’s taste.

Le Canon français was born from the initiative of young, locally rooted entrepreneurs eager to promote French gastronomic traditions and a form of social interaction they believe is fading away. Their goal is simple: to recreate tangible moments of sharing, far removed from digital interactions and forms of socialising deemed disembodied—from remote work to dating apps.

The success of these banquets stems primarily from their deeply accessible and embodied nature. In a society marked by the fragmentation of social ties and the omnipresence of digital technology, these events offer a tangible experience: coming together in person, sharing a meal, and interacting without a screen in between. In this regard, they address a need widely identified by sociologists: that of rebuilding community ties in an environment perceived as increasingly fragmented.

Furthermore, these gatherings promote a certain vision of French local traditions. The concept is simple: on huge tables set in a casual, informal style, generous piles of hearty regional products—of which France is so rich—are heaped high, prepared in classic, crowd-pleasing recipes. From tartiflette to cassoulet, there’s something for every palate—provided you’re not too concerned about your waistline. Dishes and bottles are shared, and the musical entertainment gives equal prominence to traditional songs and French pop. Thanks to the guests, who proudly bear the name canonniers, the French-style meal—listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage—once again becomes a central moment in social life. For its promoters, it’s about defending a living heritage, rooted in local communities and daily customs.