In August 2025, the Feria returns once again, offering five days of entertainment rooted in the heritage of the Alpilles region.
Each summer, the historic streets of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence shift from their usual quiet rhythm to the unmistakable energy of the Feria - a celebration that blends Provençal tradition with community spirit, festive music, and a calendar of events that draws locals and visitors alike. Whether you are curious about the cultural origins of the festival or simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience during your stay in Provence, the Feria offers a vibrant window into Saint-Rémy’s identity. But what exactly takes place during this annual event - and how can you best enjoy it?
What is the Feria de Saint-Rémy-de-Provence?
The Feria is a cornerstone of summer life in Saint-Rémy, inspired by traditional Camarguaise festivities and local farming customs. It typically includes a mix of abrivados (bull runs), equestrian shows, music performances, food stalls, and evening parties. Unlike the more commercialised ferias in larger cities, the Saint-Rémy edition has retained a distinctively local feel, shaped by generations of rural tradition. While the exact 2025 dates are still to be confirmed at the time of writing, the Feria usually takes place around mid-August, often including the Assumption Day holiday on 15 August. Over the course of five days, the town’s central squares and boulevards fill with parades, bulls escorted by Camargue horsemen, brass bands, late-night dancing, and impromptu festivities that last well into the early hours.
A typical day at the Feria | what to expect
While the exact lineup can vary each year, the core structure of a Feria day remains largely the same. Below is a general overview of what a full day might look like during the 2025 festival:
10:30 – Morning abrivado, where bulls are guided through the streets by gardians on horseback. Spectators line the route behind secure barriers.
12:00 – Aperitif concerts begin, usually in the main square, with brass bands or folk groups performing while crowds enjoy their first glass of rosé or pastis.
14:30 – Children's entertainment, such as clown shows, pony rides, or games in the Place Jules Pelissier or the municipal park.
16:00 – Course camarguaise in the Arènes Municipales. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance.
18:00 – Musical parades through the old town, often featuring traditional costumes and folkloric dance troupes.
19:30 – Food stands and open-air dining begin to fill the main square. Expect grilled meats, paella, crêpes, and Provençal snacks.
21:00 – Live music or DJ sets take over the stage in Place de la République. Tables and benches fill quickly.
23:00 until late – Bal populaire, a public street party where locals and visitors dance until the early hours.
Each day brings variations, including themed events such as the grand abrivado (featuring multiple herds and horsemen), and sometimes even night-time bull runs (bandido), which offer a dramatic spectacle lit by torches or streetlamps.
Daily abrivados and Provençal bull culture
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Feria is the daily abrivado, which sees bulls run through the streets flanked by skilled gardians on white Camargue horses. Unlike the Spanish-style bullfighting often associated with ferias elsewhere, this tradition celebrates manade culture, where bulls are herded, not harmed. Visitors line the barriers from early morning, waiting for the rumble of hooves as the bull runs begin. It is both an exciting and symbolic spectacle - representing the relationship between man, animal, and land that still defines the rural life of Provence and the Camargue.
Evening festivities and Feria spirit
From sunset onwards, Saint-Rémy comes alive with music, dancing, and open-air dining. The central Place de la République becomes a hub of activity, where families gather for meals and drinks before the music begins. Tables are packed shoulder-to-shoulder with locals who attend the event religiously each year. Brass bands transition into DJs and cover groups, and by 22:00, the square often turns into a dancefloor. Despite the crowds, the atmosphere remains friendly, familiar, and welcoming.
When and where to go
Most events take place within a short walk from the centre of Saint-Rémy. Key areas include:
Boulevard Marceau and the surrounding boulevards | the usual route for abrivados and street parades.
Place Jules Pelissier | a hub for children’s entertainment and afternoon performances.
Place de la République | the main square where aperitifs, dinners, and concerts take place.
Arènes Municipales | the site of daily course camarguaise and other arena-based activities.
Visiting tips and local etiquette
If attending the Feria for the first time, arrive early to secure a good viewpoint for the bull runs and bring small change for food and drinks, as many stalls remain cash only. Comfortable shoes are advisable, as many roads are closed to cars and covered in straw or dirt for the safety of the horses and bulls. The dress code is relaxed, although many locals wear white with a red or blue scarf - a nod to traditional Feria style. It is important to respect safety barriers and the work of the gardians. Spectators should never attempt to cross the bull run route or interact with the animals.
The Feria is more than just a festival - it is a moment of pride for the town. While Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is often associated with Roman ruins, Van Gogh, and elegant boutiques, the Feria reveals a different side: one rooted in rural tradition, camaraderie, and Provençal humour. For those visiting the region in August, it is worth timing your stay to catch even just one day of the Feria. The atmosphere, the rituals, and the sense of shared history make it a memorable highlight of the Provençal summer calendar. Will you join the crowd for the next morning’s abrivado?
À bientôt,
The Provence Holidays Team
