Arles, a UNESCO-listed city in the Camargue region of southern France, celebrates its bull-running tradition with two major ferias each year. The Easter Feria (Feria de Pâques) marks the start of the season in spring, while the Feria du Riz in September honours the local rice harvest. Both events take place at the Roman Amphitheatre and spill into the surrounding streets, where encierros (street bull runs) and impromptu parties define the atmosphere. Check the official Arles tourism site for confirmed dates and programs, as they vary annually.
What Is a Feria? Understanding the Tradition
A feria is a festive bullfighting fair rooted in the culture of southern France and Spain, where it typically features corridas, street encierros, music, and traditional dress. In Arles, ferias are deeply tied to the Camargue's identity, where black bulls and white horses have been bred for centuries. The events celebrate not just bullfighting but also the region's agricultural and equestrian heritage, with processions of gardians (Camargue cowboys) and traditional Arlésiennes costumes. For a broader view of similar celebrations across the country, see our guide to festivals in France.
Easter Feria: Arles' Spring Celebration
The Easter Feria, or Feria de Pâques, takes place over the Easter weekend, with dates shifting each year based on the religious calendar. It is one of the two great highlights of Arles' bullfighting season, alongside the September Rice Feria. The event typically includes a full program of corridas, Camargue racing, and street parties, but the exact schedule is confirmed only closer to the date by the city's tourism office. For that reason, it's wise to check the latest program when planning your visit rather than relying on past editions.
Feria du Riz: The September Rice Festival
The Feria du Riz takes place each September in Arles, typically over a weekend in the middle of the month. It is named for the Camargue rice harvest, a crop that has been grown locally since the Middle Ages and remains central to the region's economy. The festival is billed as the other highlight of the Arles bullfighting season, offering a mix of bullfights, street events, and Camargue culture. Because dates and programs change year to year, confirm the current edition with the Arles tourism office before booking travel.
Feria du Riz 2026 Edition Highlights
The 2026 Feria du Riz took place from September 11 to 13 at the Roman Amphitheatre, as outlined on the official Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur tourism site. The program included a Goyesque-themed corrida with bullfighters in period costumes and arena decor designed by a guest artist—a tradition that has featured names like Christian Lacroix and Lucien Clergue in past editions. Each year, the artist changes, so future editions may differ, but the Goyesque concept remains a signature of the event. The same source lists a Camargue race, a novillada without picadors, and a regular corrida on the weekend's program.
Camargue Culture: Bulls, Horses, and Rice
The Feria du Riz is inseparable from the Camargue's unique identity. This wetland region between the two branches of the Rhône is home to black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos—and a rice-growing tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, as noted by a travel feature from Perfectly Provence. Some 200 rice producers operate in the area, accounting for about five percent of Europe's rice output. The festival celebrates this crop with tastings and culinary displays, alongside the equestrian displays of the region's gardians.
Street Encierro: Running with Bulls in Arles
A hallmark of both ferias is the encierro, or street bull-running, where young people run ahead of bulls released into fenced-off streets. A first-hand account from France Today describes the scene: wire barriers line the route, bulls charge from trucks, and participants scramble over the fences to safety. These runs are a rite of passage for local youth and a spectator spectacle that draws crowds. While the encierro is not formally ticketed, safety rules and barriers make it a managed event, so visitors should follow guidance from local authorities.
Practical Planning: Getting to Arles and Getting Around
Arles is easily reached by train from major French cities, with direct TGV services from Paris and connections from Marseille and Avignon. The nearest airport is Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes, about 25 minutes away by car, while Marseille Provence is about an hour's drive. During ferias, the city center becomes crowded and traffic is restricted, so arriving by train or parking on the outskirts is often the most practical option. For detailed logistics and base-planning tips, consult the Arles Festival Travel Guide.
Where to Stay for Feria Trips
Accommodation in Arles fills up quickly during both ferias, so booking well in advance is essential. Staying within walking distance of the Roman Amphitheatre lets you step out directly into the festivities, but it comes at a premium and can be noisy. For a quieter option, consider the surrounding villages or the Camargue countryside, where you can also experience the region's natural beauty. Always confirm your booking's cancellation policy, as feria dates can shift slightly with the liturgical calendar.
Arles Beyond the Ferias: Roman Arenas and Van Gogh
Arles offers far more than its ferias. The city is famed for its Roman Amphitheatre, also known as the Arènes d'Arles, which hosts not only bullfights but also concerts and events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the Roman Theatre, the Alyscamps necropolis, and the many sites linked to Vincent van Gogh, who painted over 200 works during his stay in the city, as noted in a travel feature from Perfectly Provence. For contemporary art, the Luma Arles tower, designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 2021, adds a modern contrast to the ancient streets.
Plan Your Visit
Choosing between the Easter Feria and the Feria du Riz depends on your schedule and what you want to experience. The Easter edition is steeped in springtime tradition, while the September Rice Feria adds a layer of harvest celebration and visual artistry. Both offer the same core elements: bullfights in the Roman Amphitheatre, street encierros, and an unmistakable Provençal party spirit. Whichever you pick, confirm the exact dates and program with the Arles tourism office, as they change from year to year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Easter feria and the Feria du Riz in Arles?
The Easter feria occurs in spring and marks the start of the bullfighting season, while the Feria du Riz takes place in September and celebrates the rice harvest. Both feature similar events—corridas, encierros, and street parties—but the September edition has a distinct agricultural theme and often includes a Goyesque-style corrida with artistic decor.
When is the Feria du Riz in Arles?
The Feria du Riz is held in September each year, typically over a weekend. Exact dates vary annually and are announced by the Arles tourism office and event organizers. Past editions, such as the one held in September 2026, serve as examples, but always verify the current year's schedule.
What happens at the Arles feria?
During the feria, you can attend bullfights at the Roman Amphitheatre, watch street bull runs (encierros), and join the festive atmosphere in the town square. There are also traditional processions, music, and local food stalls offering Camargue specialties.
Where is the Feria du Riz held?
The main bullfights take place at the Roman Amphitheatre at 1 Rond-point des Arènes in Arles, while street events and encierros unfold in the surrounding streets and squares.
What is a feria in France?
A feria is a festive bullfighting fair celebrated in southern France and Spain, combining bullfights, street parties, and cultural events. In Arles, the ferias are deeply rooted in Camargue traditions of bull breeding and horsemanship.
