Sports events Hérault

La Saint-Louis is a 4-day festival of parades (representing all the districts) through the streets to the rhythm of the peñas, square-ball tournaments, tributes to railway workers and concerts at the Théâtre de la Mer. On the last day of the festivities, Sétois and jousters gather in the Place de la Mairie, nicknamed the "Place du Poufre", to enjoy macaroonade (and build up their strength!), before the Languedoc jousting tournaments that bring the weekend to a close. If you're looking for an authentic, convivial experience, come and see us in August!

In 1629, the jousting tournaments offered a unique spectacle to Cardinal de Richelieu during his visit to Frontignan. This local tradition lives on today, particularly during the Tournament de la Ville on July 14th. Dressed in white, spear and bulwark in hand, the jousters compete to the sound of drums and the Languedoc oboe, in nautical battles in a festive atmosphere. Come and join the crowd on the banks of the canal to applaud them!

The origin of the Camargue race dates back to the 15th century, but it was at the end of the 19th century that it really developed, many small arenas were then built to bring man and bull into conflict. But this is not about fighting or killing, but rather passes full of skill and elegance, a race for honour. This honour is materialized by attributes fixed on the forehead and between the horns of the bull, formerly flowers, scarves, tricolor cockades or motto in the colors of the manade and sometimes even sausage or victuals. Today, there are six of them, two strings around the horns, an acorn on each, a cockade on the forehead and a forehead behind the animal's forehead. Equipped with a hook, the razor must grab these brands, for which rewards are offered.

Languedocian jousts havetheir roots in Frontignan. They have been evidenced as early as 1627 on Etang d'Ingril. The cardinal of Richelieu, at the time of his visit to Frontignan in 1629, attended the unique show of a tournament of Languedocian jousts. Since then, this local tradition has remained intact. The City's tournament is an opportunity to discover this sport that is very attractive. Two men, the knights of the tintaine, fight in duel. Perched on the tintaine of their boat, with a spear, they must, by striking the shiel of their opponent, bring down this one into water.

Be a spectator at another Languedoc jousting tournament, this time in Marseillan! This traditional sport, which has its roots in Frontignan dating back to 1627, has remained intact and is practiced in eight towns in the Hérault and one in the Gard. The fight begins as soon as the oboes and drums sound the charge, and you can then watch, in a traditional musical atmosphere, as the jousters clash, all dressed in white, on their blue and red boats.

In summer, the port of Mèze is abuzz with the excitement of the Languedoc jousting tournaments organized by two local societies: the Nouvelle Lance Mézoise and the Jeune Lance Sportive Mézoise. The four categories (junior, senior, medium and heavy) compete on the water to the delight of spectators! Enjoy these traditional sporting competitions on a restaurant terrace or on the quayside, with an ice cream in hand!

Every summer, the thermal waters of Balaruc-les-Bains play host to Languedoc jousting tournaments, notably during its annual festival. As in neighboring towns, the tournaments take place in the port. Armed with their spears and bulwarks, the jousters try to knock their opponents into the water, under the wide-eyed gaze of the children and the amused eyes of the older ones. These are not-to-be-missed events when you visit Balaruc and the surrounding area!

As part of Total Festum, the Tambourine League is organizing workshops based on the sports and traditions of the Occitanie region. The program includes initiations to Balle au Tambourin, wooden games, traditional dances, CIRDÒC play trails, rugby, Camargue racing... But also a festive evening with musical initiations, Occitan songs and lively on-site catering.

Every year, in September, the Prévost beach in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone becomes the capital of kitesurfing. The amateurs and competitors of the discipline meet there for intensive days of exhibition. Born in La Grande-Motte, the activity is anchored on the territory and is part of the DNA of the department of Herault. The event is an opportunity to discover this water sport to the curious and to highlight the skills of practitioners. On this occasion, a 3,000 m² village offers a wide range of fun and festive activities to the public.

Every summer, a dozen competitions are organized by the Société Nautique des Jouteurs Agathois and the Pavois Agathois. Whether at the foot of St. Etienne's Cathedral or close to the coast, these competitions are a great way to discover the regional tradition in a jovial and festive way. Some of the tournaments, in various categories, are linked to major events such as the Fête des Pêcheurs tournament or the regional Tournament des Écoles de Joute.