Ferias and bullfights in France
Ferias and bullfights in France are cultural events rich in history and tradition, attracting thousands of visitors every year. These festivals, which take place mainly in the south of the country, combine elements of music, dance, cuisine and, of course, the famous bullfights. In this article, we'll explore in detail everything about férias and bullfights in France, from their origins to their current impact.
What are the Férias and Corridas?
The férias are traditional festivals celebrating bullfighting culture and regional folklore. They usually last several days and include bullfights, dance performances, music, parades and various social activities. Bullfights are bullfighting spectacles in which bullfighters confront bulls in an arena.
The History of the Férias and Bullfights in France
The ferias and bullfights have their roots in the ancient Mediterranean tradition of bullfighting. Brought to France by the Spanish over the centuries, these practices have taken particularly strong hold in southern regions such as Provence, Languedoc, and the Basque Country. The first bullfights in France date back to the 19th century, and they have since evolved to include local elements and regional variations.
The different types of Férias
Traditional Férias
Traditional ferias observe the region's ancient rites and customs. They include parades in period costumes, folk dances, and bullfights conducted according to the classic rules of bullfighting.
Modern Férias
Modern ferias incorporate contemporary elements such as concerts featuring contemporary music, sporting events, and activities for young people. They are designed to attract a more diverse audience while preserving the festive spirit.
Regional variations
Each region brings its own particularities to the fore during férias. For example, the Course Camarguaise in Provence is a form of bullfighting in which the aim is to seize attributes placed between the bull's horns without injuring it.
Agenda 2026 férias and bullfights
April
- Arles - April 3 to 6 (Easter Feria)
- Classun - from April 9 (local festivals)
- Saint-Yaguen - April 18
- Saint-Geours-d'Auribat - from April 24
- Sainte-Colombe - from April 24
👉 From April onwards petits villages launch the season with local festivals + bandas
May
- Condom - May 8 to 10 (Bandas)
- Vic-Fezensac - May 22 to 25
- Nîmes - May 20 to 25
🔸 Villages :
- Lencouacq - from May 7
- Vielle-Saint-Girons - from May 7
- Lesperon - from May 13
- Gastes - from May 13
- Labatut - from May 14
👉 This is typically the month when each weekend = a village in celebration
June
- Istres - June 19 to 21
- Aire-sur-l'Adour - June 19 to 21
- Saint-Sever - June 26 to 30
🔸 Important villages :
- Sanguinet - June (St-Sauveur)
- Sainte-Eulalie-en-Born - June 12 to 14
- Pod - early June
July
- Bayonne - July 15 to 19
- Mont-de-Marsan - July 22 to 26
- Orthez - July 24 to 27
🔸 Small towns / villages :
- Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse - July 30 to August 2
- Marboz - July 24 to 27
👉 July = non-stop tour of férias throughout the South-West
August
- Dax - August 12 to 16
- Béziers - August 12 to 16
🔸 Many small férias :
- Hagetmau - August 1-2 (Feria del Novillo)
- Soustons - August 6 to 9
- Parentis-en-Born - August 7 to 11
- Mimizan - August
- Ychoux - August
- Riscle - early August
👉 August = dozens of simultaneous festivals in the Landes region
September
- Bayonne - September 4 to 6
- Dax - September 11 to 13
- Nîmes - September 17 to 20
🔸 Villages :
- Biscarrosse - September 4 to 6
- Luë - summer / september
List of the main férias in France
Easter fair in Arles: Scheduled from April 18 to 21, 2025, this feria marks the start of the bullfighting season in France, with bullfights and cultural events.
Whitsun Feria in Nîmes: Taking place from June 6 to 9, 2025, this feria is one of the largest in France, featuring bullfights, concerts, and entertainment throughout the city.
Bayonne Festival: Scheduled for July 9–13, 2025, this feria is one of the largest in France, attracting hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers.
Fêtes de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan: From July 16 to 20, 2025, this feria offers bullfighting, concerts and other entertainment.
Feria de Dax: Taking place from August 13 to 17, 2025, this feria is renowned for its festive atmosphere and bullfighting traditions.
Béziers Feria: Scheduled to take place from August 14 to 17, 2025, this feria will feature bullfights and a variety of festive events.
Rice Fair in Arles: Scheduled from September 12 to 14, 2025, this feria celebrates Camargue culture with bullfights and traditional entertainment.
Agenda 2025 for ferias and bullfights in France
March - April 2025
- March 14 Spring festivals in Vielle-Tursan
- March 21 Spring festivals in Saint-Loubouer
- April 3 - April 6 Feria de Saint-Martin-de-Crau
- April 5 Novillada Piquée at Saint-Perdon
- April 6 : 10th bullfight of the Peña Gamardaise in Gamarde-les-Bains
- April 13 Spring Novillada in Garlin
- April 18 Bahus-Soubiran festivals
- April 25 St. Mark's Day festivities in Retjons
May - June 2025
- May 30 - June 1ᵉʳ Feria Rugby y Toros in Captieux
- June 6 Pentecost festivities in Sainte-Foy
- June 13 - 15 : Istres Feria
- June 15 : Corrida at Aire-sur-l'Adour
- June 21 : Corrida in La Brède
- June 22 Corrida at Saint-Sever
- June 28 : Corrida in Mimizan
July 2025
- July 5 Novillada in Castelnau-Rivière-Basse and bullfight in Eauze
- July 9 - 13 Fêtes de Bayonne
- July 11 : Corrida in Bayonne
- July 16 - 20 Fêtes de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan
- July 26 - 27 Novillada and bullfight in Garlin and Orthez
August 2025
- August 2 Corrida and novillada at Riscle
- August 3 Novillada in Hagetmau
- August 5 : Corrida in Villeneuve-de-Marsan
- August 7 - 10 Fêtes de Soustons
- August 8 - 12 Feria Sen Bertomiu in Parentis-en-Born
- August 13 - 17 Feria de Dax
- August 15 Novillada and bullfighting in Roquefort
- August 24 Novillada in Maubourguet and Rion-des-Landes
- August 29 - 31 Corridas and novilladas in Bayonne
September - November 2025
- September 7 Novillada in Seissan
- September 12 - 14 Toros y Salsa in Dax
- September 13 - 14 : Corrida in Dax
- September 21 Novillada in Vieux-Boucau (to be confirmed)
- October 13 Festival taurin à Saint-Sever
- November 9 Novillada in Rion-des-Landes
Emblematic towns and places
Nîmes
Nîmes is famous for its Whitsun and Harvest férias. Its Roman arenas provide a majestic backdrop for bullfights.
Arles
Arles hosts the Feria de Pâques and the Feria du Riz, with bullfighting events in its historic arena.
Bayonne
The Bayonne Feria is one of the biggest parties from Basque Countryattracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Dax
Dax, famous for its Saint-Vincent festivities, offers an authentic experience with its Landes races and bullfights.
Mont-de-Marsan
The Feria de la Madeleine in Mont-de-Marsan is another not-to-be-missed festival with a strong bullfighting tradition.
Activities during Férias and Corridas
Parades
Colorful parades are a key feature of férias, with floats, bands and dancers in traditional costumes.
Corridas
Bullfights are the highlight of férias, where bullfighters demonstrate their courage and skill against the bulls.
Music and Dance
Concerts and flamenco dance performances liven up the evenings, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
Cooking and Gastronomy
The ferias are also an opportunity to sample local specialties such as paella, tapas, and regional wines.
Games and Social Activities
Children's games, sports competitions and cultural workshops are often organized to keep the whole family entertained.
France's best-known Férias
Feria de Nîmes
The Feria de Nîmes is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals, featuring top-notch bullfights and a festive atmosphere.
Visit Feria de Nîmes is a colorful celebration that brings the city to life twice a year: on Pentecost and the third weekend in September. It’s a must-see event that combines bullfighting traditions, music, dance, and cuisine.
Immerse yourself in Camargue culture
For several days, Nîmes vibrates to the rhythm of the férias. The streets are decked out in red and white, the traditional colors of the festival. The arenas, the beating heart of the feria, host numerous bullfights and other bull shows.
The must-sees at the Feria de Nimes
Bullfighting: The Nîmes bullring is a mythical venue for bullfighting aficionados. Bullfights are at the heart of the feria, offering a unique and exciting spectacle.
Abrivados: These bull runs through the streets of the town are one of the highlights of the feria. Young people run in front of the bulls, in a festive and sometimes crazy atmosphere.
Bandas: The lively music of the bandas gives rhythm to the streets of Nîmes. Their repertoire, essentially made up of traditional pieces, invites you to dance and be merry.
Bodegas: These typical establishments are the heart of the party. Here you can sample local specialities, dance and meet new people.
The pegoulade: This carnival parade is a moment of pure madness. Participants, dressed up in costumes and often on floats, parade through the streets of Nîmes, creating a festive, unbridled atmosphere.
A festive and friendly atmosphere
The Feria de Nîmes is, above all, a time for sharing and camaraderie. A festive spirit reigns supreme, and both Nîmes residents and tourists happily mingle with the crowd.
Whitsun Feria
The festival takes place over the Whitsun weekend, attracting thousands of visitors for bullfighting shows and a variety of entertainment.
Ferias de Nimes dates
- Pentecost: This edition is generally longer and busier. The exact dates change every year, but it's always around Whitsun.
- Third weekend in September: This edition, known as the Feria des Vendanges, is shorter but just as festive.
Feria de Bayonne or Bayonne festivals
The Feria de Bayonne is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and numerous events, including bullfights and concerts.
Fêtes de Bayonne, is much more than just a festival; it’s an event that sets the pace for city life and draws thousands of people every year. For five days, Bayonne transforms into a true festival capital, where traditions, music, dance, and good cheer come together.
A rich and festive history
Established in 1932 and inspired by the festivities in Pamplona, the Bayonne Festival quickly gained popularity. Every year, in the height of summer, the city comes alive to the rhythm of Basque music and festive songs.
Holiday must-haves
Traditional dress: White and red—the colors of the festival! Participants proudly wear their traditional outfits, consisting of a white T-shirt, a red scarf, and a Basque sash.
Music and dance: The bandas liven up the streets of Bayonne with their lively traditional tunes. As for the dancers, they go wild in the squares, taking the crowd along in their wake.
Bodegas : These traditional establishments offer local specialties and a festive atmosphere. The bodegas are the heart of the holiday season, where people gather with friends to enjoy each other’s company.
Encierros : Less well known than those in Pamplona, Bayonne's encierros are just as popular with thrill-seekers. Youngsters run ahead of the bulls in the city streets.
A unique atmosphere
The Bayonne Festival is, above all, a unique atmosphere where generations come together and a spirit of camaraderie reigns. There, you’ll meet locals and tourists from all over the world, all united by the joy of celebrating.
Bayonne festival dates
The Bayonne Festival is usually held on the first weekend of August. However, in recent years, the dates have been moved up slightly to better manage the crowds. The 2024 Bayonne Festival took place from wednesday july 10 to sunday july 14.
Want to learn more?
To learn everything about the program, dates, and admission details, visit the official website of the Fêtes de Bayonne: https://fetes.bayonne.fr/
Feria de Dax
The Feria de Dax is famous for its Landes races, a unique form of bullfighting in which participants dodge the bulls.
The Dax Feria is a major event in south-western France, attracting thousands of people every year in search of festivity and tradition. For five days, the town of Dax is transformed into a huge open-air dancefloor, dominated by the colors of white and red.
A little history
The Dax Festivals, just like those in Bayonne, are deeply rooted in local traditions. They originated as patron saint festivals and have evolved over the centuries into what they are today: a unique blend of bullfighting culture, music, dance, and a festive atmosphere.
The must-sees at the Feria de Dax
Traditional dress: Just like in Bayonne, white and red are a must. Partygoers proudly wear their outfits, consisting of a white T-shirt, a red scarf, and a Basque sash.
Bandas : The lively music of the bandas gives rhythm to the streets of Dax. Their repertoire, essentially made up of traditional tunes, gets the crowds up and dancing.
Arena: Bullfighting is an integral part of the Dax Feria. The arena hosts numerous bullfights that attract bullfighting enthusiasts.
Bodegas : These typical establishments are the heart of the party. Here you can sample local specialities, dance and meet new people.
A festive and friendly atmosphere
The Feria de Dax is, above all, a time for sharing and camaraderie. A festive spirit reigns supreme, and both Dax residents and tourists happily mingle with the crowd.
Want to learn more?
For the detailed schedule of the upcoming Feria, please visit the event’s official website: https://www.daxlaferia.fr/
Feria de Dax dates
The Fêtes de Dax 2024 take place August 14 to 18. So it was a highlight of the summer for all lovers of Landes traditions and festivities!
The Most Famous Corridas
Camargue Racing
The Course Camarguaise is a traditional show in the Camargue region, where raseteurs attempt to seize cocardes placed on bulls.
Course Landaise
Course Landaise is a form of bullfighting that originated in the Landes region of France, where spacers and jumpers demonstrate their agility and bravery.
Spanish Corrida
The classic Spanish bullfight, with its brave bullfighters and bulls, remains a central feature of French férias.
Culture and Traditions of Férias and Corridas
The ferias and bullfights are deeply rooted in the local culture. Traditional clothing, such as white shirts and red scarves, is commonly worn. Music and dance, particularly flamenco and bandas, play a crucial role in livening up the festivities.
Férias and Corridas: Controversies and Opinions
Feria festivals and bullfights spark heated debates. Supporters view them as an essential cultural tradition, while opponents condemn them as acts of cruelty toward animals. These differing viewpoints influence the laws and regulations governing these practices.
Economic impact of Férias and Corridas
The ferias and bullfights generate significant economic benefits. They attract tourists, boost the local economy, and create temporary jobs. Local businesses also benefit from the influx of visitors.
Gastronomy at Férias and Corridas
Gastronomy is an essential aspect of férias. Visitors can enjoy typical dishes such as paella, tapas, Iberian ham, and taste local wines. Markets and food stalls offer a variety of regional delights.
Rules and Safety
It's crucial to observe safety rules and regulations during férias and bullfights. Organizers put in place measures to ensure the safety of participants and spectators, such as protective barriers and medical services.
Family Férias
The férias offer a wide range of family-friendly activities, including children's games, shows and workshops. Specially designed areas allow families to enjoy the festivities in complete safety.
How to get to Ferias and Corridas in France
It’s easy to get to the ferias and bullfights thanks to the various transportation options available. Visitors can take trains, buses, rental cars, and sometimes even local flights. It’s recommended to plan your trip in advance to avoid any unexpected issues.
Festivals associated with ferias and bullfights
Many festivals are associated with férias, offering enriching cultural experiences. For example, the Feria des Vendanges in Nîmes coincides with wine-growing celebrations, while the Feria de Pâques in Arles includes religious events.
Ferias and bullfights in France - FAQ
Are ferias and bullfights legal in France?
Yes, they are legal but regulated. Some regions have specific restrictions.
When is the best time to attend a feria?
The ferias take place throughout the year, but the most popular ones are held between spring and summer.
Can children attend ferias and bullfights in France?
Yes, many férias offer child-friendly activities.
What to wear to the férias
It's common to wear white clothes with a red scarf, but comfortable clothes are also recommended.
Are férias safe?
The organizers are putting safety measures in place, but it's important to follow instructions and remain vigilant.
Can I take part in bullfighting events?
Only professionals can take part in the bullfights, but spectators can enjoy the many other events.
Ferias and bullfights in France - Conclusion
Ferias and bullfights in France are cultural events unique events that combine tradition, celebration, and entertainment. They offer a total immersion in regional folklore and attract visitors from all walks of life. Despite the controversies, they remain a vital part of the cultural identity of the South of France. By planning your visit carefully, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience at the heart of French ferias and bullfights.
