I don't care for the idea of bullfighting but I've heard about Course Camarguaise, a game with bulls that is supposed to be very different. Do they play it all over France and where can I see it?
You can see this game, in which players compete to snatch rosettes and ornaments from the horns of little, lively Camargue bulls, from May through October throughout the region.
In 2006, at the arena of Les-Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, traditionally the capital of the Camargue, the regional park authorities are staging free Course Camarguaise, featuring bulls and gardians (French cowboys) from local ranches, most Wednesday afternoons until October 31. It all culminates in a kind of free-for-all on the town's beaches on November 11 when 200 gardians will demonstrate their skill by racing 1,000 Camargue horses, followed by 11 separate Abrivados -- bull runs -- through the town.
Where else to see French-style rodeo in 2006
Autumn is the time to visit this area. Prices are somewhat lower and the crowds have gone. Course Camarguaise events are part of many local heritage and harvest festivals. For some of the best:
- Bellegarde Arena - October 7, 8, 14, 22
- Nimes October 8
- St. Remy-de-Provence as part of the Heritage Festival, September 24 through the first week in October.