Festival des Caisses à Savon Divattaises
Soapbox derby and music festival in Divatte-sur-Loire
About Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises
An unusual festival in the heart of the Nantes Vineyard
Born in 2022 on the slopes of Perthuis Churin in Barbechat, town of Divatte-sur-Loire, the Festival des Caisses à Savon Divattaises is a unique event in Loire-Atlantique, combining a soapbox derby and a music festival. Supported by the association Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises, it offers each year a day of spectacular competition followed by a festive evening with open-air concerts.
A spectacular 800-meter race
The concept is simple and wild: teams build their own engine-less vehicles and race down an 800-meter track dotted with obstacles in the heart of the Nantes Vineyard. The race, open to all levels, brings together seasoned drivers and enthusiastic amateurs. The tradition of soapbox racing dates back to the United States in 1933, when a soap merchant had the idea of including construction plans for vehicles in his wooden crates. In Europe, this practice appeared at the end of World War II, and France organized its first automobile derby for under-15s in 1950.
A festive program from morning to night
The typical festival day is organized around several highlights:
- 9:00 AM — Site and pits open
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Free practice for drivers
- 1:30 PM — Race start with official announcer
- 6:30 PM — Award ceremony
- 7:30 PM — Music festival opens
- 8:00 PM — Concerts
Over the editions, the musical lineup has grown with renowned artists. The 2024 edition notably featured Magic System, Chef and The Gang (Philippe Etchebest's rock band), and Yofunders. In 2025, Lartiste and Adrien Toma joined the lineup alongside Chef and The Gang.
A growing event
Since its first edition in 2022, which brought together 50 drivers and featured a Fun Radio DJ Set, the festival has continued to grow. The 3rd edition in 2024 attracted over 7,000 spectators who came to cheer on 46 intrepid teams. The race was broadcast live on giant screens using a setup of 6 cameras connected by two kilometers of fiber optic cable. For its 5th edition in 2026, the festival is introducing a major new feature: the kids' race, opening the competition to younger drivers.
Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises — edition 2026
5th anniversary edition of the Festival des Caisses à Savon Divattaises on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Perthuis-Churin site in Barbechat (Divatte-sur-Loire). Big novelty: a kids' race reserved for 12-16 year olds in the morning, followed by the main race and an evening of concerts with Boulevard des Airs, Antoine Garrel, Chris Anderson and Billet d'Humeur.
A 5th Anniversary Edition
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Perthuis-Churin site in Barbechat (Divatte-sur-Loire) hosts the 5th edition of the Festival des Caisses à Savon Divattaises. The anniversary edition confirms the event's growing success, now attracting nearly 6,000 spectators in the heart of the Nantes Vineyard.
New for 2026: the kids' race
The first major novelty of this edition is a race reserved for children aged 12 to 16, organized in the morning (10 am-12 pm). The distance is reduced to 600 meters (compared to 800 meters for adults), with an adapted setup: costumes, speaker, and giant screen broadcast, but enhanced security. About fifteen teams are expected. Technical inspection of the kids' soapboxes is mandatory on the preceding Friday.
The adult race and musical program
In the afternoon, the main race launches its soapboxes down the 800-meter descent dotted with obstacles. The evening continues with an ambitious musical program that this year brings together Boulevard des Airs, Antoine Garrel, Chris Anderson (who will notably lead a giant Madison dance), and Billet d'Humeur.
Ticketing and access
Ticketing is managed via Weezevent from the official website. 1-day pass from €32.99 with reservation. Stable pass and kids' stable pass open since October 1, 2025, spectator race pass and festival pass open since November 1, 2025. A free camping area is available for festival-goers (reservation via ticketing). Dedicated access and parking are provided for People with Disabilities (PSH), with assistance from volunteers to a raised platform facing the two stages.
Programme Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — provisional program
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM — Kids' race (12-16 years old, 600 m) — new for 2026
- 1:30 PM — Start of the main race (800 m downhill) with official speaker
- 6:30 PM — Awards ceremony
- 7:30 PM — Opening of the music festival
- 8:00 PM and evening — Concerts
Confirmed musical program
- Boulevard des Airs — French pop-folk group, headliner
- Antoine Garrel — singer-songwriter, unique universe and intense compositions
- Chris Anderson — will notably lead a giant Madison dance during the evening
- Billet d'Humeur — local band
The precise timings for each concert are not yet published on the official website as of the verification date.
Highlights Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises 2026
- 5th anniversary edition of the festival on June 6, 2026
- New: kids' race for 12-16 year olds (600 m, 10 am-12 pm)
- Musical program: Boulevard des Airs, Antoine Garrel, Chris Anderson, Billet d'Humeur
- Nearly 6,000 spectators expected in the heart of the Nantes Vineyard
- Free camping for festival-goers (by reservation)
- Dedicated access and parking for PRM/PSH (People with Reduced Mobility/People with Disabilities)
Prices Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises 2026
Practical information — Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises
Practical Information
Site Access
The festival takes place at the Site du Perthuis Churin, Rue du Perthuis-Churin, Barbechat, 44450 Divatte-sur-Loire, in Loire-Atlantique, in the heart of the Nantes Vineyard.
- By car: Approximately 25 minutes from Nantes towards Cholet/Vallet. Free parking near the site.
- GPS Address: Perthuis Churin, Barbechat, 44450 Divatte-sur-Loire
Opening Hours
- 9:00 AM: Site and pits open
- 1:30 PM: Race start
- 6:30 PM: Award ceremony
- 7:30 PM: Festival opens
- 8:00 PM: Concerts begin
Ticketing
Tickets available online via the Weezevent platform on the festival's official website.
Food & Drink
Food and drink available on-site throughout the event.
Contact
- Official Website: lescaissesasavondivattaises.fr
- Facebook: Festival des Caisses à Savon Divattaises
- Instagram: @lescaissesasavondivattaises
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Where does it take place — Les Caisses à Savon Divattaises
Site du Perthuis Churin
Site du Perthuis Churin, Rue du Perthuis-Churin, Barbechat, 44450 Divatte-sur-Loire