Forum de rentrée 2026 in Phnom Penh: the French and francophone community gathers on September 12

For the fifth year running, the Forum de rentrée brings together several hundred families, newcomers and long-time residents in Phnom Penh, all looking to get informed, connect, and ease into the 2026-2027 season. Save the date: Saturday, September 12, from 9am to 2pm, in the gardens of the Institut Français du Cambodge.

Under the trees of the Institut Français, the row of booths stays busy all morning as families, schools and associations take the time to connect, at a previous edition of the Forum de rentrée

The event has become, over the years, one of the highlights of the back-to-school season for Cambodia's French and francophone community. Organised on a volunteer basis by the collective Français au Cambodge – Plus Forts Ensemble!, with the support of the Institut Français du Cambodge (IFC), the Forum de rentrée celebrates its 5th edition this year — proof of a success that hasn't faded since it began.

An annual gathering that has become a must

Edition after edition, the Forum has built a loyal following: between 250 and 300 visitors turn out every year, whether they've just landed in Phnom Penh or have called Cambodia home for years. The formula's success lies in its simplicity: one venue, one friendly morning, and the chance to meet, in a single place, most of the people and organisations that make up francophone life here — schools, associations, health professionals, artisans, administrative services and more. For families who have just arrived, it's often the perfect opportunity to get answers to all their everyday practical questions and start the year off on the right foot.

In front of the Cambodian Country Club's climbing wall, visitors of all ages stop to chat with volunteers and pick up all the information on the sports activities on offer for families

A refreshed programme for 2026

This 5th edition will once again offer a route designed for the whole family, built around several themed areas:

●        Service activities: settling in and everyday practical matters

●        Schooling: education and academic support

●        Kids' activities: leisure, music, sports and creative workshops

●        Medical & Health: healthcare professionals, prevention and wellbeing

●        French and francophone associations: mutual support, networks and solidarity

●        Afterwork & Sports: sports and leisure activities for adults

●        Morning entertainment: administrative help workshops, live music and demonstrations

Guided by an instructor, a young visitor gives archery a try: sports and creative workshops for children are among the most popular activities at the Forum every year

New for this 2026 edition: the arrival of the Bouquinerie Solidaire, offering a selection of second-hand books in support of local charitable causes — a great way to hunt for good reads while giving back. On the food and drink side, catering will be handled exclusively by Le Bistro de l'Institut, followed by a musical closing in the IFC gardens to wind down the morning. Visitors will also enjoy free access to the Institut Français media library, along with entertainment and dedicated spaces for children throughout the event.

A forum open to exhibitors too

The organising committee has also opened its call for applications to anyone wishing to host a booth: service providers, artisans and freelancers, financial and professional services, associations and NGOs, as well as schools and early-childhood organisations. The event, it should be noted, is also open to Cambodian and English-speaking organisations wishing to meet the francophone and international public. Registration fees range from $10 for associations to a maximum of $40 for service providers and VIP booths, with a registration deadline of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, subject to space availability.

👉 Access the booth registration form

Practical information

●        Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

●        Time: 9am – 2pm

●        Venue: Institut Français du Cambodge (IFC), 218 Street 184, Phnom Penh

●        Admission: free, open to all

Why not miss this one

Whether you've just arrived in Phnom Penh or have been settled here for years, the Forum de rentrée remains one of the rare moments when the whole of Cambodia's French and francophone community gets the chance to meet, connect and build new ties. It's also the perfect time to discover associations you didn't know about, get ready for the kids' school year, run into other families from your neighbourhood, or simply enjoy a pleasant morning in the gardens of the Institut Français. Cambodge Mag warmly encourages its readers to save Saturday, September 12: free admission, a friendly atmosphere, and good encounters guaranteed.