Just 3 kilometers from the historic center of Arles, Fourques is well worth a visit. Located in the south of Terre d'Argence, Fourques is a Provençal village at the gateway to the Camargue.This village exists thanks to the construction of a bridge that connects the Via Domitia to the five municipalities of the Land of Argence…Great idea! This famous Suspension Bridge is the first thing you see when you arrive, and it's a marvel.
The old bridge of Fourques
The Fourques suspension bridge in Terre d'Argence over the Petit Rhône, inaugurated in 1830, is one of the oldest in France! The oldest in France is the Andance bridge between the Drome and the Ardèche, inaugurated in 1827.
The little story of the bridge:
- 1828, Charles X approves the construction of the Bridge over the Petit Rhône at Fourques.
- 1830: inauguration of the bridge.
- 1988: the bridge is listed as a historic monument.
- To this day it is also called the Old Bridge and is a site unavoidable of the Land of Argence !
👉 Did you know?
Between 1830 and the end of the 1950s, this bridge was the only means of passage between Arles and Fourques.
Historical anecdote
And the Trinquetaille Bridge?
Originally, the Trinquetaille bridge was an old bridge located at Arles, which connected the city to the Trinquetaille district, on the right bank of the Rhône. This bridge therefore marked the history of Arles for centuries… Before being destroyed several times by floods and conflicts.
While the Fourques bridge spans the Petit Rhône between Fourques and Arles, it can be called " Trinquetaille bridge "By mistake." This confusion stems from the fact that, for many, this bridge is perceived as the natural extension of the passage that once led to Trinquetaille. Thus, out of habit or for the sake of simplicity, some people have nicknamed it this, although its real name is simply the Fourques bridge !
Activities all year round
The May Day Festival
Since 1984, the Escolo d'Argènço, a maintenance and tradition group from Fourques, has honored the first Sunday of May every year. A young girl is elected to represent the group and her village for an entire year.
You’ll find here:
Procession ofin the streets of the Village
Presentation of the Maïo in the Argence Fourco square “Cieuta Mistralenco”: Charter signing ceremony
Children's feast: traditional dances and games
Bullfighting culture
Who says Fourques, says Camargue race and bullfighting culture! At the gates of the Camargue, Camargue racing is a sport that has been practiced in arenas for generations. It is part of the local identity!
During the summer season, many Camargue races are organized in the arenas with the local herds.
Votive festival
For several days, the herdsmen lead the abrivados, bandidos, and encierros, honoring Camargue bulls and horses. The arenas host Camargue races, and local associations organize balls, concerts, and shows. The streets are transformed into a veritable festival.
The auditorium
The artists give there concerts, plays, conferences and screenings, offering visitors a rich and accessible artistic program.
The Auditorium “Les 2 Rhônes” offers spaces for rent designed to host professional and cultural events of all sizes.
