France’s oldest lumberjack contest puts axe skills to the test

No Comment Video. France’s oldest lumberjack contest puts axe skills to the test Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 11/08/2026 - 16:37 GMT+2 France’s 73rd lumberjacking championship in Chamrousse saw 60 competitors race axes through logs, preserving Alpine forestry traditions for 2,000 spectators. Around 60 competitors gathered in Chamrousse on Sunday 9 August for France’s 73rd competitive lumberjacking championship, racing to cut through logs by hand with axes in a test of speed, accuracy and endurance. Timekeepers stopped the clock as each section finally broke free, with the fastest run of the day recorded at 4.49 seconds. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The championship has been held at the Alpine resort south-east of Grenoble since 1953, preserving a tradition closely tied to the region’s forestry history. Between rounds, competitors prepare identical logs and sharpen their axes, while some wear chainmail guards to protect their legs from accidental blows. Eight-time French champion Pierre Puybaret, who also holds the world record in single-buck sawing, was among the competitors. Organiser Pascal Gaidet said the event started as a friendly contest between local lumberjacks before growing to attract participants from neighbouring regions. With recent editions drawing around 2,000 spectators, the competition keeps a traditional logging skill alive even as chainsaws and mechanical harvesters have transformed modern forestry. France french alps lumberjacks Competition unusual Forests Top stories Now playing Next France’s oldest lumberjack contest puts axe skills to the test Now playing Next Russia launches massive overnight barrage on Ukraine, leaving nine dead Now playing Next Deadly earthquake in Colombia hits Manizales, damaging cathedral and homes Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | August 11th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Syria sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes Now playing Next Zelenskyy: Russia fired North Korean missiles in overnight strike Now playing Next Rescuers search rubble in Cali as Colombia’s strongest quake in decades hits Now playing Next Road rage: Which countries have the most aggressive drivers? Now playing Next Colombia declares state of emergency after earthquake kills 111 Now playing Next Spain solar eclipse: Expert advice on the best viewing spots Now playing Next Europe in flames: Wildfire contained near Athens, evacuations in Spain Now playing Next 'Chess player' Iran says Hormuz stays shut until US pays up Now playing Next Grape harvest in Hungary's Villány wine region down 30% due to drought Now playing Next Critical minerals production expands as global demand rises Now playing Next Gabala Music Festival: More than just music and art Now playing Next Why do our eyes skip and reread words? AI may reveal how we read efficiently ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Spain’s Huelva blaze threatens homes, 800 evacuated amid severe drought No Comment Competitors squeal like pigs at French village championship No Comment Firefighters battle wildfire in eastern Spain's Castellón No Comment Hundreds join Copenhagen kayak parade in support of Greenland Health news Ebola death toll in DR Congo outbreak rises to more than 2,000, officials say Travel News Ithaca expects tourism surge after the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey blockbuster Colombia At least 169 killed and more than 600 injured in Colombia's biggest earthquake in years Russia Russia bars its only anti-war party from September elections Earth News Coral trafficking ring exposed on Aegean island: What is red coral used for and how big is the threat? Health news Trump signs order calling for fewer childhood vaccines, going against medical groups’ advice China Hundreds more flights cancelled as Tropical Storm Dolphin causes flooding in eastern China Earth News A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle: Iceland prepares for total solar eclipse ADVERTISEMENT Europe News Europe battles the flames: Wildfire contained near Athens and evacuations in Spain Europe News Drought forces water restrictions across nearly 70% of France, government says Europe News Ceuta leader wants migrant detention centre after mass influx from Morocco Europe in Motion Road rage: Which countries have the most aggressive drivers? Colombia State of emergency declared as 111 confirmed dead in major earthquake in Colombia Iran 'Chess player' Iran says Hormuz stays shut until US pays up Culture news Inside the Italian prison where inmates find freedom through theatre Sport UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF target embattled Infantino in damning open letter ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT