The Nimes Feria 2026 runs from Thursday 21 to Monday 25 May 2026, with events starting on Wednesday 20 May. Over one million visitors are expected in the old town for 10 bullfighting spectacles at the Roman amphitheatre (tickets from €18 to €105), 20 bodegas open until 3am, and the Pégoulade parade on 21 May with a comic strip theme. New for 2026: the TANGO public transport network is free on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May. Book tickets and accommodation at least 3 months in advance.
Every Whit Weekend, the city of Nimes transforms into the Iberian capital of France. For five days, the ancient streets of the old town vibrate to the sound of bandas, bodegas overflow with sangria and bull-meat stew, and the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world hosts the finest bullfighting programmes on the continent. For 2026, the exceptional return of Morante de la Puebla — his only bullfight in France this year — and the debut of the El Freixo breeding ranch owned by El Juli make this an edition that will go down in history. But the Feria is above all a popular street festival: of the million visitors expected, the vast majority will never set foot inside the arena. If you are planning a longer stay in the region, see our Occitanie guide or our selection of events in France not to miss.
Official Programme: 20 to 25 May 2026
The Nimes Arena — 13,000 Spectators at the Heart of Antiquity
Built around 90–120 AD under Emperor Domitian, the Nimes Arena (133m × 101m, 13,000 seats) is among the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. According to arenesdenimes.com, the 2026 programme begins on Wednesday 20 May with the Children’s Feria (inflatable arena, cape-work initiation, horse-riding) and the opening of the Camargue exhibition at the Museum of Bullfighting Cultures.
| Date | Time | Spectacle | Bullfighters / Ranch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 20 May | 11:00 | Children’s Feria | Inflatable arena, cape-work, VR |
| Thu 21 May | 18:00 | Course Camarguaise — Jean Lafont Trophy | Castella (Biou d’or 2023-2024), Cadenas, Katif |
| Fri 22 May | 11:00 | Novillada without picadors — free entry | — |
| Fri 22 May | 18:00 | Corrida — Ganadería Virgen María | Perera, Ureña, Aarón Palacio |
| Sat 23 May | 11:00 | Novillada Cape d’Or — Ganadería Talavante | Osornio, Victor, Clovis (picador debut) |
| Sat 23 May | 18:00 | Corrida — Ganadería El Freixo (El Juli) | Morante de la Puebla, Talavante, Pérez |
| Sun 24 May | 11:00 | Corrida — Ganadería Robert Margé | Serrano, Adriano, Tibo Garcia, El Rafi, Solera, Solal |
| Sun 24 May | 18:00 | Corrida — Ganadería Santiago Domecq | Castella, Daniel Luque, Emilio de Justo |
| Mon 25 May | 11:00 | Corrida de rejón — Ganadería Fermín Bohorquez | Léa Vicens, Hermoso de Mendoza, Duarte |
| Mon 25 May | 17:30 | Corrida mano a mano — Ganadería Pedraza de Yeltes | Borja Jiménez, Clemente |
Highlights
- Morante de la Puebla — his only bullfight in France for 2026, Saturday 23 May at 18:00
- Ganadería El Freixo (owned by El Juli): historic debut at the arena where El Juli took his alternative in 1998
- French corrida on Sunday 24 at 11:00: 6 French bullfighters including Nimes native Tibo Garcia
- Free novillada on Friday 22 May at 11:00 — ideal for a first-time experience of bullfighting
- Clovis, a 17-year-old novillero from Nimes, makes his picador debut on Saturday 23 at 11:00
The Pégoulade and Street Festivities: The Free Soul of the Feria
The Pégoulade on 21 May — Comic Strip Theme 2026
According to nimes.fr, the 2026 Pégoulade pays tribute to the world of comic strips, featuring 12 illuminated floats and over 400 participants — dancers, associations, performers. The procession starts from Boulevard Amiral Courbet and ends at the Museum of Romanity. In addition, the Carré d’Art (Hall Foster) hosts the exhibition « Rudy Ricciotti, Studies for the Feria 2026 Poster » from 19 May to 14 June, with a meet-the-architect event on Saturday 23 May at 15:30.
Free Events Schedule
- Abrivados (bull-running with horses) — Avenue Jean-Jaurès, Friday 20:00 and Saturday-Sunday 13:00 and 20:00
- Nocturnal Encierros at Caissargues — each night of the weekend at 00:15
- Gipsy Village (La Placette) — concerts, sevillanas, mechanical bull Fri-Mon
- Sevillian Village — free sevillanas classes every evening 18:00–19:00, concerts by Tino Flamenco and Niña de Fuego
- Jousting on the water — Monday 25 May, Canal de la Fontaine, 11:00
- Rocío Parade — Monday 25 May, 10:00, 200 dancers in flamenco dresses, Sevillian mass at Sainte-Perpétue church
- Paella Competition (world semi-final) — Saturday 23 May at 11:00, Avenue Feuchères
The Bodegas: 20 Addresses to Party Until Dawn
The Unique World of the Nimes Bodegas
A Nimes bodega is not a Spanish wine cellar — it is a pop-up festive venue set up in a townhouse, a private courtyard or a commercial space in the historic centre, open exclusively during the Feria. According to Objectif Gard, 20 bodegas are licensed in 2026 — one more than previous years, with the newcomer Rugby Club Nîmois × Le Questel (4 Place Questel), specialising in a 100% home-cooked buffet at €32 per person.
Bodegas Not to Miss
- Del Pilar (14 rue de l’Horloge) — the oldest, the historic address of the Feria
- Champagneraie du Lisita (2 bis bvd des Arènes) — steps from the arena, bullfighting atmosphere
- Pepe de Montijo (13 rue Bigot) — institution in the heart of the old town
- La Bodega des Costières (Esplanade Charles de Gaulle) — AOC Costières de Nîmes wines
- RCN × Le Questel (4 Place Questel) — new for 2026, home-cooked buffet
For Aficionados: Bullfighting Programme 2026
The Feria de Pentecôte was founded on 5 March 1952 at the Café de Paris (now Café Napoléon, Boulevard Victor Hugo), on the initiative of five Nimes bullfighting clubs. According to ici.fr, the Ramarony-Sourbet law of 12 April 1951 had legalised bullfighting in cities with an uninterrupted tradition — an essential legal condition for Nimes. Since 2026, the city has rejoined the Union of French Bullfighting Cities.
Morante de la Puebla: the Event of the Season
According to France Bleu Occitanie, the return of Morante de la Puebla just months after his surprise retirement in Madrid in October 2025 is the major event of the 2026 season in France. The Sevillian artist will face bulls from the El Freixo ranch, owned by Julián López « El Juli » — making his debut as a breeder in the very arena where he took his alternative in 1998. A programme loaded with symbolism.
Bullfighting Programme Highlights
- Online booking at arenesdenimes.com or by calling +33 4 66 02 80 86
- Ticket prices: from €18 (novillada) to €105 (front-row barrier for the main corrida)
- « Entre 2 Paséos » sessions at the Museum of Bullfighting Cultures — Sat 23 to Mon 25 May, 15:30 to 16:30
- Three new ranches in 2026: El Freixo, Santiago Domecq, Pedraza de Yeltes
Budget and Accommodation: What the Feria Really Costs
According to Vivre Nimes, the 2025 edition attracted 1,176,566 visitors, and hotels in the city centre reach near 100% occupancy on Friday and Saturday nights. The golden rule for accommodation: book at least 3 to 4 months in advance (ideally from early February for a May Feria). For UK visitors, Whit Weekend (the Late May Bank Holiday weekend) is an ideal time to combine the Feria with a short-break flight from London, Manchester or Bristol to Nimes or Montpellier.
| Expense | Price range | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Flights London–Nimes return | £80–£250 / person | Ryanair/easyJet from London Luton or Bristol; book 2-3 months ahead for best fares |
| Accommodation (3-4 nights) | €150–€400 / room | +30 to 100% vs off-Feria prices; Imperator (prestige), Appart’City Arènes (well located) |
| Bullfight tickets (1 to 3) | €20–€105 / seat | Free novillada Fri 22 May 11:00; Morante corrida: €50–€105 |
| Bodegas, meals, drinks | €30–€80 / day | Free street entertainment; bodega entry: €10–€30 per evening |
| Local transport | €0–€2.60 | Free on Sat 23 and Sun 24 May (full TANGO network); Feria pass €2.60 on other days |
| Park-and-ride | €0 | 5 free P+R car parks (A54, Costières/Parnasse, Laennec, Paloma) with free shuttle buses |
Getting to Nimes and Getting Around During the Feria
From the UK to Nimes: by Air or via Paris
Nimes station is ideally located just a few minutes’ walk from the arena. According to Nimes Métropole, the new mayor Vincent Bouget has introduced the experimental free operation of the entire TANGO network (buses and trams) on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026 — a first. The Feria de Vendanges, another highlight in Nimes, is scheduled for 18 to 20 September 2026. For Spanish ferias, our guide to the Seville April Feria will complement your bullfighting knowledge.
Transport Highlights
- 19 special Feria night bus lines running until 3am–4am
- liO shuttle buses from the wider agglomeration: €2 per journey (Thu-Mon)
- 5 free park-and-ride car parks: A54, Costières/Parnasse, Laennec, Paloma
Dress Code, Safety and Practical Tips for Visitors
The Feria is an open popular festival welcoming everyone. To plan a longer itinerary in the region, see our Provence and Camargue guide. According to gard30.fr, there is no strict dress code, but flamenco dresses for women and the traditional Andalusian short suit for men are very popular. The traditional Nimes outfit combines blue neckerchief + white T-shirt + jeans — a nod to the « toile de Nîmes », the ancestor of denim. One absolute rule: closed shoes are essential (broken glass on the ground, dense crowds).
On safety: according to the Gard prefecture, 1,600 police officers and gendarmes were deployed in 2025, with 523 emergency interventions recorded. Prevention spaces are set up opposite the Arena and on Place des Antonins (breathalyser kits, earplugs, drink covers, the « Dispositif Angela » anti-harassment scheme). The Feria helpline is +33 4 66 76 73 88.
For children: the Children’s Feria takes place on Wednesday 20 May at the arena, and the Feria’ados youth event is on Saturday 23 May at the Jardins de la Fontaine (14:00–18:00) with street dance, screen printing and a mechanical bull. For visitors with disabilities, the Tourist Office (6 Boulevard des Arènes) holds 4 Tourism & Disability labels and welcomes visitors in 5 languages.
Plan Your Feria: Flights, Car Hire and Activities
Direct flights from London and Bristol with Ryanair/easyJet. Alternatively, Eurostar to Paris then TGV (2h59 Paris–Nimes). Prices rise sharply in the weeks before Whit Weekend.
From £80 returnNomad Insurance: global coverage from $56/4 weeks. Get 10% off via our link. Perfect for a Whit Weekend trip to France.
From $56 / 4 weeksIdeal for exploring the Camargue, Pont du Gard or Provence after the Feria. Book ahead — prices surge during major events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nimes Feria 2026
Does the Nimes Feria 2026 start on 21 or 22 May?
The official programme begins on Thursday 21 May 2026 with the Pégoulade parade at 20:30 and the Course Camarguaise at 18:00 in the arena. Events start as early as Wednesday 20 May (Children’s Feria, Camargue exhibition opening). The programme ends on Monday 25 May. Sources: arenesdenimes.com, nimes.fr.
How much are tickets for the bullfights at the Nimes Feria 2026?
Tickets range from €18 (novillada without picadors) to €105 (front-row barrier seats for the main corrida). The novillada on Friday 22 May at 11:00 is entirely free. The corrida with Morante de la Puebla (Sat 23 May, 18:00) is the most in-demand (€50–€105 depending on seat). Booking at arenesdenimes.com or by phone on +33 4 66 02 80 86.
Is public transport free during the Nimes Feria 2026?
Yes, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026, the entire TANGO network (buses and trams) is free — an experimental measure introduced by the new mayor Vincent Bouget. On other days, a Feria pass is available for €2.60. Five park-and-ride car parks with free shuttles operate throughout the week. Source: nimes-metropole.fr.
Are the street events at the Feria free?
Yes. All events outside the arena are free: Pégoulade, abrivados, Gipsy Village, Sevillian Village, water jousting, encierros, paella competition, orchestras at Place Jules-Guesde, fanfares and bandas in the streets. The vast majority of the million visitors enjoy the Feria without ever entering the arena. Source: feriadenimes.com.
When and how should I book my hotel for the Nimes Feria 2026?
Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance (ideally from early February). In May 2026, city-centre hotels reach near 100% occupancy. Well-located options: Imperator (prestige), Appart’City Nimes Arènes, Marquis de la Baume, Royal Hôtel. Budget option: accommodation on the outskirts with free shuttle buses. Source: vivrenimes.fr.
Do I need to like bullfighting to enjoy the Nimes Feria?
Absolutely not. According to official reports, only 5% of Feria visitors actually attend a bullfight (Chambre Régionale des Comptes report, 2025). The Feria is above all a huge popular street festival: bodegas, music, flamenco dancing, parades, food, water jousting, encierros. The free programme represents the bulk of what is on offer.
Sources
- feriadenimes.com — Official Feria de Pentecôte 2026 Programme — Full programme
- nimes.fr — Feria de Pentecôte 2026 Programme — Official City of Nimes source
- arenesdenimes.com — Feria Pentecôte 2026 Cartels — Official ticketing and bullfighting programme
- vivrenimes.fr — Full arena programme — Spectacle details
- objectifgard.com — Street events programme — Bodegas, concerts, abrivados
- nimes-metropole.fr — Free transport 2026 — Official announcement
- nimes.fr press — 2026 noise measures — 60dB limit, Vincent Bouget
- ici.fr France Bleu — Morante de la Puebla 2026 — Programme and posters
- arenesdenimes.com — El Juli as a breeder in Nimes — Ganadería El Freixo
- objectifgard.com — List of 20 authorised bodegas 2026 — Licensed bodegas
- vivrenimes.fr — Feria 2025 review — 1,176,566 visitors
- gard.gouv.fr — 2025 security review — Safety data
- Wikipedia — Nimes Arena — History and dimensions
- ici.fr — History of the Feria (1952) — Creation of the Feria
Research conducted in May 2026. Please verify information before travelling.
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