There’s always plenty to do in the South of France in the fall. Grapes are beginning to be harvested and the first drops of the year’s Beaujolais nouveau are being tasted, both events celebrated with festivals across the region. But did you know there are also two bullfighting festivals in the South of France in September? Held in the cities of Arles and Nimes, which are not far from each other, these festivals are sure to add a bit of the exciting and the extraordinary to your next vacation.
Arles, South of France: Ampitheater
The first such festival is the Feria du Riz, held in Arles, from September 12th to the 14th. Each day begins with a running of the bulls followed by the main events in the majestic Roman amphitheater. Special parades, called abrivados and bandidos, are held to usher the bulls in and out of the arena. Matadors do battle with the bulls one-on-one and on horseback. Live musicians play traditional Spanish music throughout the festival as well. The combination of Spanish traditions, taking place in Roman ruins, surrounded by the beauty of Southern France is indeed a one in a lifetime experience!
After the Feria du Riz, spend some time exploring other sites in the Provincial countryside before making your way to Nimes, a city that dates back to the Bronze Age, for the Feria des Vendanges. Beginning on Thursday September 18th with a nighttime bullfight, or corrida, this festival will host two fights, one during the day and one at night, throughout the rest of the weekend. The events of Friday and Saturday night will feature one matador against six bulls, a spectacle that has to be seen live to be believed!
New York Habitat has some wonderful accommodations to offer near Arles and Nimes. This 2 bedroom apartment in Arles (PR-815) offers everything one could want while staying in the South of France. There are many charming decorative touches, such as wooden wainscoting around the living area, fireplaces in the living room and one bedroom, and tiled floors, combined with modern amenities in the kitchen and bath. Best of all, this apartment is right in the center of town; walk to the Roman amphitheater to catch a fight or watch the running of the bulls from your bedroom window!
South of France Accommodation Beaucaire 4-bedroom rental (PR-107)
oh good so its moving fast
You can also stay in the town of Beaucaire, conveniently located between Arles and Nimes. This 4 bedroom villa in Beaucaire (PR-107) will make you feel right at home. The large property includes an outdoor terrace and in-ground pool. The luxuriously-decorated home, featuring tiled floors and French doors throughout, is far better than any hotel room. The large kitchen is perfect for preparing your own French meals at home with food bought from the local market. The master bathroom feels like a spa with its marble and separate large tub and shower. This property is the perfect place to relax after all the day’s action.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary for your next vacation to the South of France, these bullfighting festivals in Arles and Nimes might be just what you’re looking for. Mixing Spanish traditions with the sights, sounds, and foods of Southern France is sure to be a memorable experience….especially with a fabulous vacation rental from New York Habitat!
Have you ever been to a bullfight? Share your experiences with us in our comments section.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- “Les rencontres d’Arles” : discover Camargue and photography
- Hidden Gem: Five-bedroom accommodation in Beaucaire in the South of France
- Accommodations in Arles, Camargue - Blue Coast, France
- Top Summer Music Festivals in the South of France: Le Festival de Radio France et Montpellier Languedoc-Roussillon
August 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
I never been to a bullfight. But I have been in South of France into a “Vachette Game”. In this game the female bull will NOT be killed like during a regular Corrida bullfight. In the “Vachette Game” boys have to put some rings into the horn of the animal. It is very funny and absolutely not as dramatic as a Corrida Game. It is a very nice way to spend an evening with your family if you are in the South of France. Usually the game takes place in the arena of aold town like Nimes, Arles etc…
December 19th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I was in Arles around that time this year and did not even know that there were bull fights, otherwise I would have gone to watch one. I did get to experience one in Spain though, and it was fun, so the next time I am in South of France I will be sure to find time to go to a Spanish bull fight!