The Votive Festival
In autumn, when golden lights illuminate the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, the town comes alive to celebrate one of its most emblematic events : the Votive Festival. Every October, this deeply rooted tradition in the hearts of the locals brings together families, friends and visitors around a shared love for Camargue culture.
Next votive festival : from 3 to 11 October and from 16 to 18 October 2026
Every October, Aigues-Mortes passionately celebrates its Camargue tradition through its Votive Festival, one of the highlights of the year for both residents and visitors.
A full week of festivities, followed by a lively weekend : 12 days of celebration where bulls and horses are at the heart of the atmosphere.
► Start of the day : the pastures and the gardians
The day begins in the pastures outside the ramparts, where the gardians sort the bulls on horseback. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a convivial breakfast in the fields with friends, families, and visitors before the festivities move into the town.
► Throughout the festivities :
- Abrivados : the bulls are brought to the plan, supervised by gardians on horseback
- Bull runs in the plan : arena set up at the foot of the South Rampart
- Bandidos : the bulls are taken back to the pastures, supervised by gardians on horseback
- Fairground : set up in car parks P1 and P2, along the North Rampart
- Boules competition
- Musical entertainment
The plan is a temporary arena made up of wooden stands called “theatres”. Please note : these stands belong to families from Aigues-Mortes. You may ask for permission to access them. One stand, however, is specially reserved for visitors.
Parking
All parking areas in Aigues-Mortes are free during the festival. Car parks P1, P2 and P9 are closed.
The Comité des Fêtes des Ventres Bleus accepts no responsibility for any accidents occurring during the Votive Festival events.
Highlights from the votive festival
