Rice is not just a grain; it has shaped the Camargue region by making the land fertile. Rice cultivation is essential to the Camargue. The supply of fresh water from the Rhône helps maintain the ecological balance between saline environments and freshwater soils, which is essential for the diversity of flora and fauna.
The ambassador is the daughter of rice farmers. Appointed for a two-year term, she represents Camargue’s rice farming industry.
The Parades:
Throughout the year, neighborhoods, villages, associations, and families work hard and enthusiastically prepare their floats for the parades—colorful processions that also remain true to the traditions of the Arles region, to which everyone feels a strong attachment.
Celebrate rice in Arles!
The festivities begin with the ambassador’s arrival via the Rhône River, aboard a lateen-sailed boat, at the Quai Saint-Pierre. Escorted by the gardians, she rides on horseback to Saint-Pierre Church for the blessing of the sheaf of new rice she brings.
Join the first nighttime parade of floats, accompanied by music, from the Trinquetaille neighborhood to Victor-Hugo Boulevard via Boulevard des Lices.
Enjoy a second lap, after which the winning float is announced.
The following Saturday, the Rice Ambassador sets off for the Camargue. Join her at the Sambuc for a day of festivities.
The 2026 program:
Friday, the 18th
6:30 p.m.: Arrival of the Rice Ambassador via the Rhône River at Quai Saint-Pierre, Trinquetaille.
Carried by a rowboat, the Rice Ambassador arrives at the pier, where she is welcomed by the authorities, the Queen of Arles and her Ladies-in-Waiting, and traditional
performance groups. In a procession, surrounded by her guards, the Ambassador proceeds to Saint-Pierre Church.
7:00 p.m.: Presentation of the sheaf of first-harvest rice to the Rice Brotherhood — courtyard of Saint-Pierre Church in Trinquetaille
Blessing ceremony for the new rice—Saint-Pierre Church
Saturday, the 19th
9:00 p.m.: 42nd Grand Night Parade of the First Harvest of Rice. Parade from Trinquetaille to Boulevard Émile Combes, via Rue Gambetta and Boulevard des Lices (round trip).
Sunday, the 20th
10:00 a.m.: 42nd Grand Parade of the First Harvest of Rice
Same route as on Saturday. At the end of the parade, announcement of the first-place float.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Festival of Associations in the Arles Region—Boulevard des Lices
Info: Arles Associations & 04 90 93 53 75 / www.arles.asso.fr
Saturday, October 26: Rice Festival at Sambuc
5:00 PM Welcome ceremony for the Rice Ambassador—Place Denis CHANUT
Procession to the church for the offering of the first rice sheaf
5:30 p.m. Singing by children from the Sambuc school at the church
6:30 p.m. Cocktails
Saturday, October 3
6:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony for the Rice First Fruits Parade—by invitation only
