Traditions and festivals

… In the courtyard of a castle. In June: Movie theatre-Jazz at the tower, a festival of concerts and outdoor movies about Jazz and Blues. Outstanding: movies shown on the Sommières castle’s Bermond tower. 

…Inside stone quarries. In July: Jazz at Junas, a must-see event which takes over Junas. Concerts, courses, and meetings are offered in different sites including the famous “good times” quarries.

… In the medieval town. In January, the “Trad’Hivernales”. A planning of concerts: music and traditional dances in Sommières. 

Evenings that resonate…

Tasty evenings…

… Vineyard evenings. Friendliness times on the theme of wine, shared with experts and amateurs, tourists, and inhabitants. Taste is at the centre of sensations: tastings and meetings with the producers from here. A various summer planning: The Estivales of Sommières (Monday evenings), the Jeudis de Salinelles (Thursday evenings), The Apéros gourmands of Calvisson (Friday evenings), Vinum wine fair with local wines only (mid-August).

At bulls' pace...

Villages festivities and Camarguaises races. The Pays de Sommières, neighbour of the Camargue is impregnated with Bovine culture and traditions. To tame this universe of enthusiasts, there is nothing like villages festivities and Camarguaises races, these are some happy festive times! These popular demonstrations take place in the streets and in the arenas during summer season. 

The “Fé Di Biou”! The passion of bulls

Coming from the dawn of times, it is in the 19th century that bull’s games were developed and codified.  Here, the bull is a special animal which we baptise at birth, which we particularly love, and for whom we sometimes erect a statute. The relationship between the man and the bull is a way of life. This passion is lived throughout the whole year. 

Camargue races in the arena

As you cross the large plane-tree-lined square, known by locals as "L'Esplanade", you'll catch a glimpse of Sommières' famous arena. In summer, they are the setting for the most famous Camargue races and bullfighting festivities. The best thing about them: they're shaded.

The « Gaze », a must-see festivity in Sommières

The Gaze or gase is the swimming crossing of a stream by bulls in company of Gardians on horseback. This custom comes from the travel that the Manadiers used to do. The Gardians had to cross many streams to lead their herd between their meadow and their new pastures. This Gaze takes place every year during the local festivity of Sommières.