Feria du Cheval
Great equestrian and bullfighting festival of Camargue in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
About Feria du Cheval
The horse, king of Camargue
Every year in July, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer becomes the capital of horses and equestrian art during the Feria du Cheval. Created over twenty years ago, this festival has become one of the major events of Camargue culture, bringing together all enthusiasts of horses, bulls, and gypsy music — the three pillars of identity for Les Saintes-Maries and Camargue.
Equestrian shows and rejon bullfights
The arenas of Les Saintes-Maries host world-renowned equestrian shows: dressage, vaulting, high school riding, and stunts follow one another under the stars, featuring the most prestigious riders and equestrian artists. The famous Rejon d'Or, a bullfight on horseback, is one of the highlights of the feria, with the participation of renowned rejoneadores such as Guillermo Hermoso de Mendoza and Lea Vicens, facing bulls from the manade in a tradition dating back over fifty editions.
Parades, flamenco nights, and fireworks
Outside the arenas, the Feria du Cheval takes over the streets and squares of the village with parades of gardians in traditional costume, demonstrations of Camargue riding, equestrian competitions, and entertainment for all ages. Flamenco nights and sevillanas dances set the rhythm for the evenings, while the bodegas offer a festive and friendly atmosphere. The July 14th fireworks on the beach and the free show Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue, bringing together between 200 and 250 horses in a magical sound and light show, are the most spectacular moments of the feria.
An event rooted in Camargue tradition
The Feria du Cheval is more than just a show: it is a celebration of Camargue identity, where the white horse, the black bull, the gardian, and gypsy music come together in a single festive spirit. Organized by the town hall of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the feria attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over France and Europe, making this Camargue village a major center for Mediterranean equestrian and bullfighting culture.
Feria du Cheval — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Feria du Cheval in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, from Saturday, July 11 to Tuesday, July 14, in the heart of the Camargue. On the program: equestrian shows in the arenas, 54th Rejon d'Or at the Méjanes estate, parades of gardians and manades, abrivado, entertainment on the Place des Gitans, the grand free equestrian sound and light show « Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue » and the closing fireworks display on the beach.
The 2026 Horse Feria
The 2026 Horse Feria will take place from Saturday, July 11 to Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the capital of the Camargue. For four days, the village becomes the meeting point for equestrian arts: the horse is celebrated as king through shows, parades, Camargue races, and gardian traditions.
The activities unfold both in the heart of the village (Place des Gitans, bodegas, flamenco) and at the Méjanes estate, which hosts the famous Rejon d'Or and bullfighting competitions. The Saintes-Maries arenas offer a grand equestrian show every evening, while the free sound and light show « Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue » brings together over 200 horses. The feria concludes on July 14 with a fireworks display on the beach.
Programme Feria du Cheval 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Opening of activities and bodegas, Place des Gitans
- Afternoon — Conference and ceremony around the Croix de Camargue (Cultural Center)
- 6:00 PM — Grand opening parade (horses and manades)
- 10:30 PM — Free equestrian sound and light show « Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue » (route de Cacharel)
Sunday, July 12, 2026
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM — Domaine de Méjanes: 54th Rejon d'Or, horse presentations and cattle sorting
- 11:00 AM — Free equestrian activities, flamenco and sevillanas, Place des Gitans
Monday, July 13, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Abrivado / cattle parade and equestrian demonstrations, Place des Gitans
- 10:00 PM — Grand equestrian show at the arenas (35 € full price · 15 € for 10-16 year olds)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Last equestrian activities and cattle parade
- 10:00 PM — Closing fireworks display on the beach
Program and times subject to change by the organizer — please refer to the Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Tourist Office.
Highlights Feria du Cheval 2026
- 54th Rejon d'Or at the Méjanes estate
- Free equestrian sound and light show « Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue » (over 200 horses)
- Grand nocturnal equestrian show at the arenas
- Parades of gardians, abrivado, and Camargue traditions
- Closing fireworks display on the beach on July 14
Prices Feria du Cheval 2026
Practical information — Feria du Cheval
Practical Information
Access
The Feria du Cheval takes place in the arenas and streets of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Place des Gitans, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
- By car: Access via the D570 from Arles (38 km). Free parking on the outskirts of the village.
- By bus: Regular Envia line from Arles.
Schedules
- Festivities from Friday to Monday, from 3 PM to midnight.
- Evening equestrian shows at 9:30 PM or 10 PM depending on the day.
Prices
- Arena shows: from 35 euros
- Songe d'une Nuit en Camargue show: free
- Street entertainment: free access
Contact
- Organizer: Town Hall of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
- Website: saintesmaries.com
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Where does it take place — Feria du Cheval
Arenes et centre-ville des Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Place des Gitans, 13460 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer