7th National Frugality Conference

The 7th Happy & Creative Frugality Gathering is coming to Mulhouse from 15 to 18 October 2026! 🥨

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Mulhouse!

15–18 October 2026 — DMC District / MoToCo, Mulhouse

4 days. 600 to 700 participants. A former textile mill transformed into a living urban planning laboratory.

The National Happy Frugality Gathering is back for its 7th edition — and this time, it is taking place in Mulhouse, Alsace.

Why you should come

• A unique venue: the former DMC textile mill, a landmark at the heart of a district undergoing major transformation.
• A nationwide network: architects, elected officials, craftspeople, artists and citizens — bringing together the entire Happy Frugality movement.
• An opening lecture with Peter Wehrli, in partnership with the European House of Architecture.
• Cross-border themed tours across three countries to gather ideas, knowledge and expertise.
• An unforgettable Saturday night: the Bal Torché, combining live music, dancing and cob-making.
• Accessible pricing for every budget: from €30.

📅 4 days, one programme

• Thu. 15/10 at 6:30 pm – at La Filature SN in Mulhouse: Architecture and Landscape Lecture
  Opening of the Gathering, followed by a lecture by architect Peter Wehrli of the Swiss Winterthur-based practice RWPA, exploring the theme of architecture and landscape. The lecture is organised in partnership with the European House of Architecture – Upper Rhine as part of the Architecture Days.
• Fri. 16/10, 9 am to 10 pm – themed tours, followed by a return to MOTOCO for a conference on utopia
  – Themed and cross-border tours or a demonstration construction site at Motoco — departures between 9 and 10 am from Motoco or the railway station, depending on the tour
  – Conference and round-table discussions on the theme of utopia
  – Shared regional buffet
• Sat. 17/10 – 9 am to midnight at MOTOCO
  – A day of collaborative workshops bringing together different perspectives to “dream up a neighbourhood together” — a living urban planning laboratory
  – A public, walk-through presentation of the results to elected officials and civil society
  – In the evening, a huge Bal Torché: live music, dancing and cob-making
• Sun. 18/10 – Closing of the event, association plenary session, review of ongoing initiatives, final discussions and future perspectives. (Morning)

🎟️ Fair and inclusive pricing

From €30 to €300 for 3 days, meals included — with a sliding scale based on what each person can afford to contribute. Able to give a little more? A solidarity rate of €200 or €300 helps make it possible for others to attend for €30.

Registration here