One of the most famous festivities in Provence are festivities around bullfighting centred around the Camargue bull (raço di biou) and its native geographical region, Camargue. They both form an integral part of the Provencal identity.
One such tradition is the toro-piscine or bull-piscine, akin to the Camargue races, which adds to the vibrant tapestry of bullfighting. It’s a game of skill, agility, and strategy, where participants engage in intricate manoeuvres and clever dodges, all while ensuring the safety of the animal, which is not harmed during the event.
These beloved spectacles unfold from March to November in village arenas, captivating audiences with their blend of excitement and tradition
The Toro-piscine
During summer, the taurine club Paul Ricard of Pélissanne organised plenty of toro-piscine. The aim of the game is to attract the small cow in a pool in the centre of the bullring.
Indulge in games, laughter, and good humour – a pure enjoyment with no limits!
The Camarguaise race
Emerging from the informal games once organised by the residents of the mas, the free race or cocarde race, evolving into what is now known as the Camargue race, underwent a gradual process of codification and transformation into a full-fledged spectacle. Transitioning from a simple pastime, Camargue racing attained official sport status in 1975, and today, it holds significant cultural importance in the villages of Alleins and Pélissanne.
In this Camargue tradition, raseteurs (dressed in white), endeavour to seize the coveted adornments—cockades, tassels, and strings—affixed to the forehead of the majestic bioù, the Camargue bull. Each race features six or seven bulls, with the finest cocardier bulls participating in multiple races, ascending to celebrity status as true “stars” of the event.
The Camarguaise race is a unique event specific to this part of France. It’s a popular activity that attracts a large public.
