Carnaval de Cachan
The popular festival of the city of great schools
About Carnaval de Cachan
The Carnaval de Cachan: The ENS City Festival
The Carnaval de Cachan is a beloved popular festival that brings the Cachan community together every spring. Known for hosting the Brittany campus of ENS Paris-Saclay and for its educational dynamism, Cachan expresses another facet of its personality in its carnival: festive, creative, and popular.
A Festive Parade in the City Center
The Carnaval de Cachan parade winds through the main streets of the city, from the vicinity of the town hall or Place Louis Georgeon, to the squares and esplanades of the city center where the final gathering takes place. The procession includes decorated floats by associations and schools, brass bands with cheerful horns, batucadas, dance troupes, and costumed participants.
Cachan's proximity to Arcueil sometimes creates festive synergies between the two municipalities, with associations and groups participating in the carnivals of both cities. The border between Cachan and Arcueil is indeed porous in daily life, the main street connecting the two city centers being shared between the two municipalities.
Diversity and Creativity
Cachan is a cosmopolitan city, and its carnival reflects this. Associations from various Cachan communities bring their costumes and music to the parade, creating a festive and colorful mix. The student community and teachers' families also contribute to the carnival's creative richness, bringing original costumes and unexpected entertainment.
Children and Families
The Carnaval de Cachan is above all a festival for families. Nursery and primary schools participate massively in the parade with their costumed groups. Face painting workshops, puppet shows, and outdoor games are organized for the youngest. The city ensures that the event is accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Friendly Finale
The day concludes with a festive gathering featuring music, entertainment, and the traditional burning of the Winter Man. Refreshment stands run by associations and food stalls allow the enjoyment of the festival to continue in a spirit of shared conviviality.
Carnaval de Cachan — edition 2026
The Cachan Carnival returns on Saturday, April 11, 2026 with the theme of "the parade of the blue planet". Several hundred Cachan residents, young and old, gather for a large colorful and festive parade through the streets of the city, up to Parc Raspail. Free admission.
The Cachan Carnival 2026: the parade of the blue planet
The traditional Cachan Carnival returns on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The 2026 edition is themed "the parade of the blue planet": oceans, nature, and animals are in the spotlight, with fish, marine creatures, and endangered species highlighted by floats and costumed groups.
A grand parade in three processions
Three simultaneous departures are planned, each preceded by a makeup stand and workshops:
- 2:30 PM — square Lamartine (makeup and workshops from 1:30 PM)
- 3:00 PM — place Édouard-Herriot (makeup and workshops from 2:00 PM)
- 3:30 PM — esplanade du théâtre Jacques Carat (makeup and workshops from 2:30 PM)
The three processions converge towards Parc Raspail around 4:00 PM, where the celebration continues with snacks, music, bubble machines, and games for children.
The carnival weekend extends to Sunday
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 3:30 PM, the Jardin Panoramique hosts the traditional "fish hunt": children search for colorful paper fish to exchange for sweets, with games and competitions, organized by the Coteau neighborhood council in partnership with the City of Cachan.
Both the parade and the fish hunt are free and require no registration. Traffic and parking are prohibited along the parade route during the event.
Programme Carnaval de Cachan 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026 — Grand parade "the parade of the blue planet"
- 1:30 PM — Square Lamartine: opening of the makeup stand and workshops
- 2:00 PM — Place Édouard-Herriot: opening of the makeup stand and workshops
- 2:30 PM — Square Lamartine: departure of the first procession; esplanade du théâtre Jacques Carat: opening of the makeup stand and workshops
- 3:00 PM — Place Édouard-Herriot: departure of the second procession
- 3:30 PM — Esplanade du théâtre Jacques Carat: departure of the third procession
- 4:00 PM — Parc Raspail: arrival of the processions and end of celebration (snacks, music, bubble machines, games)
Sunday, April 12, 2026 — Fish hunt
- 3:30 PM — Jardin Panoramique: paper fish hunt, games and competitions for children (organized by the Coteau neighborhood council)
Highlights Carnaval de Cachan 2026
- 2026 Theme: "the parade of the blue planet" (oceans, nature, animals)
- Three processions departing from Square Lamartine, Place Édouard-Herriot, and Esplanade du théâtre Jacques Carat
- Festive arrival at Parc Raspail: snacks, music, bubble machines, games
- Fish hunt on Sunday, April 12 at Jardin Panoramique
- Free admission, no registration required
Prices Carnaval de Cachan 2026
Practical information — Carnaval de Cachan
Practical Information
Dates and Times
The Carnaval de Cachan is generally held in March or April, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Departure around 2:30 PM.
Location
Parade through the streets of Cachan, starting from the vicinity of the town hall or Place Louis Georgeon. The route is announced by the city.
Access
By RER: RER B, Arcueil–Cachan station.
By bus: Several lines serve Cachan.
Admission
Free admission for all activities.
Contact
Mairie de Cachan
Website: cachan.fr
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Where does it take place — Carnaval de Cachan
Centre-ville de Cachan
Place Louis Georgeon, 94230 Cachan