Arènes Francis San Juan
The arènes Francis San Juan is a sports venue in Lunel featuring a circular design surrounded by stone seating that accommodates roughly 4,500 spectators. A modern roof with a delicate, lace-like pattern designed by architect Jacques Ferrier provides shelter and gives the arena its distinctive appearance.
The original arènes were built in 1861 from wood but were rebuilt in 1911 with stronger materials to create a more permanent structure. The most recent major renovation took place in 2018, when the modern roof was added while preserving key historical elements such as the sand track and exterior walls.
The arena is closely tied to the local tradition of Camarguaise bullfighting, where spectators from the region and beyond gather to experience this unique form of sport and celebration. Events here reflect regional identity and draw visitors eager to participate in this living cultural practice.
The venue sits just a short walk from Lunel's town center and is easy to reach, with several free parking lots nearby for visitors. The grounds are accessible for people with mobility needs and feature two elevators plus specially reserved seating for visitors with disabilities.
The distinctive roof element was designed by architect Jacques Ferrier and features a delicate, lace-like pattern that stands out visibly from the outside. This modern architectural detail creates a surprising contrast with the older structures and forms a visual bridge between the venue's past and present.
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