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In a context where territories must be more and more involved in their own development and have to face complex environmental, economic and social challenges, the ability to cooperate, especially of the inhabitants, is seen as essential. Island areas are often perceived as places of solidarity, where the collective would take a significant place. However, some particularities related to insularity could, on the other hand, contribute to antagonisms in territories hosting populations of various origins. The Authors’study aims to investigate the specificities and the modalities of this insular type of “living-together”. The discussion is based on a case study of associations – the preferred legal tool for collective action – in the Ponant islands. The values of freedom, conviviality and solidarity are expressed more through collaboration, especially informal collaboration, than through real territorial cooperation. However, new dynamics are emerging in recent years and could lead to changes in local governance.