Events
A famous photography festival takes place in Arles every year. Every Easter and on the first weekend of September, Arles also holds Spanish style corridas, with a bull-running preceding each fight. The citizens of Arles were noted for their distinctive traditional dress which is now worn publicly at certain festivals and occasions.
-
Easter Feria
Info: The Arena’s Easter Feria opens the bullfighting season in Arles and attracts 500,000 visitors, of which 60,000 buy seats for the fights. In the evening, aficionados continue their celebrations over a glass of sangria at bodegas throughout the city.
When: March
Where: Arles Arena (Amphitheater)
-
International Photography Encounters
Info: One of the must-see events of the summer in France, Arles’ International Photography Encounters presents work by young photographers while also taking a fresh look at some of those who have been unjustly forgotten.
When: July – September
Where: Arles
-
Guardian Celebration
Info: The high-speed Course de Satin horse race in the Arenas opens the Arles festival every year. The cowboys of Camargue gather to compete in this traditional event that dates back to 1529.
When: May
Where: Arles Arena (Amphitheater)
-
Epic Film Festival
Info: The Roman Theater at Arles stages a series of outdoor screenings of Hollywood epics, known locally as Le Festival Peplum. The word refers to a Roman garment, and is best translated as referring to the "sword and sandals" genre of epic movie making.
When: August
Where: Roman Theater