A new breath for local gatherings
In Poitiers, the initiative to create a social network dedicated to local gatherings meets a real demand from the residents. This project, led by Loïc Courteaux and his associates, emerges in a context where many people are looking to establish connections outside traditional dating apps. In just a few years, the platform has managed to bring together a dynamic community, thus proving the need for a space conducive to social interactions among citizens.
The beginnings of Sortir sur Poitiers
In June 2012, Loïc Courteaux co-founded “Sortir sur Poitiers” in hopes of creating a simple meeting space for a small community of Poitevins eager to gather over a drink or during a picnic. Over the years, this humble initiative has taken on unexpected dimensions, now counting more than 22,000 members on Facebook. This has enabled the organization of various events, ranging from the privatization of the Poitiers ice rink to outdoor gatherings, attracting up to 200 participants on a single occasion.
A growing demand for social connection
Alongside the rise of dating apps, Loïc has observed a growing demand from individuals in their thirties and forties for a framework that allows for meeting. According to him, many people aged 25 to 50 are eager not only to go out and meet new faces but also to recreate an authentic social bond, far from the superficial interactions of current social networks. This awareness led to the creation of Freendzy, a social network designed to meet these specific expectations.
The development of Freendzy
Started in July 2025, the Freendzy project focuses on human connection and on strengthening interactions within the local community. In collaboration with Élodie Fourneau and Kaki Amrandi, Loïc Courteaux is working on a platform that emphasizes natural and spontaneous meetings. While he also manages a job in the construction and energy renovation sector, this new venture represents for him a strong commitment to the social life of Poitevins. Freendzy aims to establish a network where meetings can take place without the pressure of the virtual standards often present on other applications.
The challenges of social connection in the digital age
In an increasingly connected world, where technology seems to replace direct human contact, initiatives such as Freendzy remind us of the importance of physical interactions and belonging to a community. The reflection on the balanced use of digital tools in light of individuals’ emotional needs is at the center of Loïc and his team’s concerns. The creation of this local social network thus responds to a dual necessity: that of truly gathering around common activities and that of rehumanizing social relationships.
A promising future for local gatherings
The aspirations of this social network and the anticipation surrounding it reveal a need for authenticity and real connection in a world where virtual interactions take a predominant place. This development in Poitiers could serve as a model for other cities, making Freendzy a central player in the redevelopment of social life at the local level. The promise of a space dedicated to human meetings confirms that the future of interactions may indeed lie in the local and the human.
