The Event

2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat
Festival

The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every 3 to 4 years under the auspices of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission. The festival is an international non-competitive participatory event for breast cancer paddler teams who engage in Dragon Boat activities as post breast cancer diagnosis rehabilitation. For the first time since the establishment of IBCPC in 2010, the festival will take place in France.

Dragon Boat paddling has become a rehabilitation therapy for tens of thousands of women, and men worldwide, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 2026 Festival will welcome 4500 participants from the current 320 IBCPC member teams, from 37 countries across all continents.

The Venue

The 2026 IBCPC Festival will take place on the shores of Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural glacial lake.

Well-being

Wellness on a grand scale. Beauty landscapes, emblematic and gastronomy inspired inspired products make Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes a true, peaceful art de vivre destination.

Aqualac Plage

38,000 m² of open space and reception facilities (showers, catering, toilets, parking). A tailor-made site, not to mention the easy access to water and a breathtaking view of the famous Dent du Chat.

Thermal city

The town of Aix-les-Bains is renowned for its Belle Epoque heritage, water-based well-being through its numerous thermal baths – an age-old tradition inherited from its hot springs – and its water sports activities, highlighted by the Station Nautique label.

The Schedule

provisional

A week of celebrations

Monday 24th August

Participants arrival,
welcome and collection of participants packs,
training sessions.

Tuesday 25th August

Participants arrival,
welcome and collection of participants packs,training sessions

Wednesday 26th August

Training sessions

Thursday 27th August

IBCPC Congress,
Parade of Nations,
Meet & greet evening

Friday 28th August

Opening ceremony,
500m races

Saturday 29th August

200m races,
Sandy Smith Global Finale,
Flower ceremony,
Closing ceremony

Sunday 30th August

Reserve day

2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon BoatFestival