Nîmes, France: Bullfighting, French-style

Nîmes' Arena, which is still in use, is considered the best conserved from ancient Rome. It's another example of fine Roman engineering and propaganda. The arena still hosts colorful pageantry and macho-men still face dangerous beasts, à la Provençale style — meaning the bull dies of old age, not via the sword. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit http://www.ricksteves.com.

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[NFL9475]

This form of bullfighting is really fun to watch. The star is the bull! The only one who can be hurt here is the man, on the field or... in the stands!! Sometimes, the bulls jump into the stands... really fun!!!

[USAsoldier1955]

This is actually not "bullfighting" (which all decent people oppose), but bull dodging!

It is probably a continuation of ancient Minoan bull jumping....long before the Romans came to southern Gaul.

Vive Le Taureau! ;)

[MrMattieboy123]

Given the chance, I believe a cow would eat both you and your family, We are where we are on the food chain, and I am thankful to be a carnivore.

[asay2neeyah]

France has not the only bullfights without blood, as you can see in Spain we have this show, called Recortes. Maybe you can find solorecortes in the web and compare.

[carsiotto]

Awesome! I could watch this and not feel guilty

[zer0lis]

I've traveled to Nimes. Lovely place!

[Deusrexmachina]

Weeeeeeeeee, vivre la France!! xD xD xD

[Elspethknighterrant]

@InchesNPK if you cann afford a PC you can afford a ticket to see once such an awesome place.cheapskate..

[archolman]

Course landaise, or cow-dancing, is the other humane French variation on the theme.

[TheKittyCatPerson]

@tanrat7 the french kill bulls too, i was in this same arena and they had real bullfighting

[PrimateDynasty]

sassies! NO BLOOD!!

[MsGnorts]

@NFL9475 I think they are called "recortadores" and indeed it is a civilized way in which to taunt a bull. Sadly, in southern France they also hace the other type of bullfighting, the uncivilized and prehistoric one to which a bunch of idiots go to have "fun".