Caillou Costaud Festival
Soapbox race, concerts and festive activities in the streets of Pierrefort
About Caillou Costaud
The Caillou Costaud Festival is a festive and family-friendly event that takes over the steep streets of Pierrefort in the Cantal region every summer. Created in 2019 by AAPP (Association pour l'Animation du Pays de Pierrefort), it offers a spectacular soapbox race, eclectic concerts, a market of local artisans and producers, participatory workshops, and an open-air ball over two days. Driven by passionate volunteers, the festival cultivates a friendly, eco-responsible spirit open to all audiences.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Caillou Costaud at the best price.
Sponsored link
A festival born in the steep streets of Pierrefort
Perched at over 900 meters above sea level in the south of Cantal, the small town of Pierrefort has been the stage for an unusual festival since 2019. The Caillou Costaud Festival, created on the initiative of AAPP (Association pour l'Animation du Pays de Pierrefort), takes advantage of the village's steep topography to organize a legendary soapbox race. Every summer, the streets and alleys of this charming town are transformed into a giant playground, welcoming a multigenerational, cosmopolitan, and joyful audience.
The soapbox race: the flagship event
The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the soapbox race, which uses Pierrefort's natural slopes to offer a spectacle that is both funny and impressive. On Saturday, after a morning course reconnaissance, the teams set off at 2 p.m. to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd. The most inventive, fastest, and most spectacular vehicles are rewarded at an awards ceremony in the late afternoon. This participatory and open event perfectly embodies the festival's spirit: creativity, good humor, and resourcefulness.
Concerts and activities for all ages
Beyond the race, the Caillou Costaud Festival offers an eclectic musical program that runs from Saturday evening to Sunday. Concerts take over the upper village, offering varied atmospheres ranging from reggae to Latin groove, from crazy brass bands to wild DJ sets, as well as chanson and folk. Sunday is resolutely family-oriented, with activities such as face painting, temporary tattoos, old and new games, climbing, slacklining, kite making, and circus workshops.
A large market of local artisans and producers allows visitors to discover the region's know-how, while workshops on environmental awareness and demonstrations complete the program. The catering, entirely prepared by volunteers using local products, reflects the festival's local roots.
A community and committed spirit
The Caillou Costaud Festival is driven by a team of determined volunteers who bring the Pierrefort region to life throughout the year. Camping is free, parking is easily accessible, and prices remain deliberately affordable with free admission for children under 14. The festival is committed to an eco-responsible approach, favoring short supply chains, local producers, and environmental awareness.
In just a few editions, Caillou Costaud has become a must-attend summer event in Cantal, proving that a human-sized festival, rooted in its territory and driven by the passion of its organizers, can shine far beyond its mountains.
Caillou Costaud — edition 2026
8th edition of the Caillou Costaud Festival in Pierrefort on July 11th and 12th, 2026. Two days of festivities with the famous soapbox race, concerts, a market of artisans and producers, activities for all ages, and an open-air ball.
Caillou Costaud #8: See you on July 11th and 12th, 2026
The Caillou Costaud Festival returns for its 8th edition on July 11th and 12th, 2026 in the streets of Pierrefort. Building on the success of previous editions, the festival promises another two days of festivities combining sport, music, crafts, and conviviality in the heart of Cantal.
The program will, as every year, revolve around the soapbox race on Saturday, followed by evening concerts at the upper village site. Sunday will be dedicated to family activities, the market of local artisans and producers, participatory workshops, and demonstrations. The festival will conclude with an open-air ball.
The musical lineup and details of the activities will be announced in the months leading up to the event on the festival's official website and social media.
Programme Caillou Costaud 2026
2026 Program (to be confirmed)
Saturday, July 11th
- Morning: Soapbox race course reconnaissance
- Afternoon: Soapbox race
- Late afternoon: Awards ceremony
- Evening: Concerts at the upper village site
Sunday, July 12th
- Artisan and local producer market
- Family activities and activities for all ages
- Participatory and environmental awareness workshops
- Demonstrations
- Concerts
- Open-air ball
Highlights Caillou Costaud 2026
- 8th edition of the festival in the steep streets of Pierrefort
- Spectacular soapbox race
- Eclectic open-air concerts
- Market of artisans and producers from Cantal
- Family activities: games, workshops, climbing, circus
- Free camping and local catering
- Open-air ball to close the festival
Prices Caillou Costaud 2026
Practical information — Caillou Costaud
Practical Information
Access
The Caillou Costaud Festival takes place in the streets of the village of Pierrefort, 15230 Pierrefort, in the Cantal department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
- By car: From Saint-Flour (30 km), take the D921 towards Pierrefort. From Aurillac (60 km), follow the D990 then the D921. Free parking near the village.
- By train: Nearest station in Saint-Flour - Chaudes-Aigues (Clermont-Ferrand - Béziers line).
Ticketing
Tickets are available in advance online on HelloAsso and Billetweb, as well as on-site on the day of the festival. Reduced prices in advance.
- Adult: from €23 in advance
- 14-18 years old: from €14 in advance
- Child (under 14): Free
Camping and accommodation
Free camping is available for festival-goers on-site, with access to toilets and showers. Tents and equipped motorhomes are accepted.
Food and drink
Food and drink are provided on-site by volunteers using local products. Producers' and artisans' stalls are present throughout the festival.
Good to know
- The festival is accessible to all audiences, including families with children.
- Remember to bring suitable footwear: the village is steep!
- Altitude: approximately 930 m. Bring warm clothes for the evenings.
- Contact: [email protected]
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Caillou Costaud at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Caillou Costaud
Bourg de Pierrefort
Le Bourg, 15230 Pierrefort