Throughout the year, votive festivals are held in the villages. Originally, the “voto” festival period was a resting moment during the heavy work on the fields or the first harvest. The Course Camarguaise was created from the rustic games played by farm attendants and gardians and is often a part of these celebrations. The razeteurs, all dressed in white, must be very skillful to pick up the 3 attributes attached to the horns of the animal (cockade, tassels and strings) and should not forget to run fast… Thrills guaranteed!
The Abrivado and the Bandido are also part of the bull racing traditions. The bulls are brought galloping from the grazelands across town to the arenas flanked by the gardians on horseback. The spectators try to divert the bulls from their destination, giving the gardians the opportunity to show their riding and bull guiding skill.
You can find the event calendar on the Fédération Française de la Course Camarguaise website.
Gardian for a day
If this world intrigues you, know that many manades open their doors to visitors for a life-size experience that you can live with family or friends. The breeders of bulls and horses invite you to discover their daily work and their way of life.
During your visit you will be able to attend (depending on their program):
- Visit of the manade
- Livestock sorting and ferrade
- Horse show
- Lunch or dinner in the traditional manade
The Domaine de Méjanes can be visited by train (30 min circuit). You can also take a horse or pony ride in the heart of the sansouïres. Do not hesitate to consult the agenda of the domain to choose one of the animations proposed throughout the year.
To extend the experience, you can have your meal in one of the 2 restaurants, stop at the shop or even sleep in one of the trailers on the estate.
The Domaine de Méjanes is labeled “Valeurs Parc”, awarded for their commitment to the preservation and promotion of natural and cultural resources of the territory.
