In the Paris region, a quirky, free bathtub race takes over the Ourcq Canal.

Calling all Sunday DIYers, you’ll need plenty of ingenuity to keep your bathtub afloat! For 15 years now, a particularly quirky sporting event has taken place—a bathtub race on the Ourcq Canal near the town of Pavillons-sous-Bois. This year, the rendezvous is set on the quays for July 5, 2026, with the aim of propelling your original craft as fast as possible over 150 meters, not forgetting your life jacket, because you’re not guaranteed to stay dry!

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For this freerace, all you have to do is choose the partner who will accompany you on this crazy adventure and build your bathtub, complete with PVC pipes to help it float. If you don't have your own bathtub, the association organizing the event can lend you one, which you can customize! There's plenty of entertainment (inflatable games, pedal go-karts, wooden games, face-painting, angling) all day long for those who want to stay dry, while competitors take part in elimination rounds and then the grand bathtub final at 5:30pm.

Don't forget to register on the APJC website, and find out how to make your bathtub float, as certification and tests will be carried out beforehand, to make sure you don't sink! All floaters must present a 25-meter swimming certificate in order to take part.

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This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.