Discover the Grau du Roi jousts

Take advantage of your stay in the Petite Camargue to discover the regional sport of jousting!

Languedoc jousting: an emblematic sport of southern France

Languedoc jousting is an emblematic sport of southern France. It’s an ancient tradition involving a friendly confrontation between two players, called “jouteurs”. They then compete on flat-bottomed boats called “tintaines”.

Jousters wear helmets and chain mail to protect themselves from blows. They must succeed in knocking their opponent into the water using a wooden spear called a “tintaine”. Languedoc jousting is very popular in the towns of Languedoc-Roussillon, particularly in Sète. They take center stage at the Saint Louis festival.

This sport is a symbol of the cultural identity of the South of France and continues to attract many enthusiasts. Spectators and participants alike proudly perpetuate this age-old tradition.

Languedoc jousting, a tradition that has endured for centuries

Languedoc jousting is a tradition that has endured for centuries. This water sport has been practiced since the Middle Ages in the south of France, particularly in the Languedoc region. Jousting has accompanied the history of this region, in line with conflicts, festivals and social changes.

Even today, Languedoc jousting is practiced with passion and pride by men and women of all ages. They perpetuate this ancestral tradition.

This sporting practice has also evolved over the centuries. Not least thanks to the use of modern materials for boats and spears. While preserving traditional gestures, rituals and values.

Languedoc jousting thus represents a unique cultural and sporting heritage, to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
From your campsite Grau du Roi, take part in the Grau du Roi jousts!

Jousting tournaments in the Camargue all summer long!

Summer jousting tournaments in the Camargue are a must for fans of this ancient nautical sport. Every year, numerous tournaments are organized in the towns and villages of the Camargue. As in Grau du Roi, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes.

These tournaments bring together players from all over the region and beyond, to compete in a festive, friendly atmosphere. Jousting schools usually compete in tournaments.

Jousting in the Camargue has its own specificities, with tintaines wider than those used in other regions. Throwers stand on stilts and teams of rowers propel the boats.

Jousting tournaments in the Camargue are a unique opportunity to discover this tradition. Enjoy moments of sharing with family and friends!
If you’d like to take part in the Grau du Roi jousts, or in any other town, remember to book your camping accommodation in advance!

They mainly take place from July 14 to August 15, and during the local festival in September each year.

Your campsite in the Camargue: activities to discover!

Your camping mer et Camargue offers a wide choice of activities for the whole family.

First of all, you can take advantage of the beach, directly accessible from the campsite, for moments of relaxation and family swimming.

For the more sporty, the campsite offers water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and sea fishing.. The campsite can organize beach volleyball, pétanque and ping pong tournaments..

Children can also enjoy the playgrounds, activities organized by the entertainment team, and heated swimming pools. Nature lovers can discover the treasures of the Camargue, such as its verdant pine forests, on horseback or by bike, through unique, unspoilt landscapes.

History and culture buffs can visit the region’s historic sites, such as the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, located between Nîmes and Montpellier. Or the famous Nîmes arena.

In short, the Camargue offers a multitude of activities for unforgettable vacations with family or friends.