À Tout Bout d'Champ

À Tout Bout d'Champ: When the Sarthe Countryside Rocks

The story of the À Tout Bout d'Champ festival is that of a shared dream among friends. In the summer of 2016, a group of friends from Chantenay-Villedieu — a small village in Sarthe with about 800 inhabitants — decided over a drink that their area was missing a festival. Without further ado, they created the association Le Comité de la Bonne Humeur, organized lotteries, garage sales, and parties to finance their project. In 2019, the first edition took place and attracted 2,000 people: success was immediate.

A Human-Sized Festival Becomes a Phenomenon

Since this first edition, À Tout Bout d'Champ has experienced spectacular growth. The festival regularly sells out several weeks before the event, attracting up to 14,000 visitors over two days. Yet, the spirit remains the same: “We don't want to become a big machine, the goal is conviviality,” repeats the association's president. This philosophy is reflected in every detail — from the stage to the refreshment stand, everything is designed to create a moment of authentic sharing.

An Eclectic and Ambitious Program

The festival offers a program that mixes national headliners and regional discoveries. From the reggae of Dub Inc to the energetic rock of Superbus, from the electro of Møme to the committed chanson of Boulevard des Airs, each edition boldly crosses musical genres. The selection of the local group that wins the public vote adds a participatory and locally rooted touch.

An Eco-Responsible Commitment

The À Tout Bout d'Champ festival is committed to an eco-responsible approach with a cashless payment system, reusable cups, selective sorting, and special attention to accessibility. A FALC (Facile À Lire et à Comprendre - Easy to Read and Understand) guide is available to ensure all audiences are welcomed. More than 400 volunteers mobilize each year to bring this event to life, embodying the cultural vitality of rural Sarthe.