Arènes de Palavas-les-Flots, Bullring in Palavas-les-Flots, France

The Arènes El Cordobés, the bullring of Palavas-les-Flots, were built in solid masonry in 1966 and hold about 4,500 to 4,700 spectators. A pale cylindrical wall pierced by five arched openings supports tiered red seating divided by pale vertical steps, with white walls flanking the stands and a short white staircase climbing the right side.

The arena existed as a wooden bullring before its solid-stone reconstruction, inaugurated in 1966. From the 1950s it hosted formal Spanish-style corridas with picador and estocada alongside Camargue races, later adding corridas de rejón. It is named after the matador El Cordobés and belongs to the town of Palavas.

The arena is named after the Spanish matador El Cordobés, honoured here with corridas, corridas de rejón and flamenco evenings. During the feria de la mer it keeps the Camargue tradition with abrivado and bandido, processions of bulls and horses through the streets. Outside the feria it also hosts concerts, among them the Gipsy Kings.

The venue sits on Avenue de l'Abbé Brocardi in the town center and is easily accessible on foot. Events run throughout the year, so checking the schedule before your visit helps you plan accordingly.

The arena is named El Cordobés after the Spanish matador Manuel Benítez, known by that name, a tribute reflected in the flamenco evenings held here alongside the bullfights. Outside the feria season the same ring has hosted concerts, among them the Gipsy Kings.