Dive into Dans les bras du Rhône, a unique festival celebrating the richness of the river through walks, shows and meetings with experts. Discover the biodiversity, history and regional issues of the Rhône between Donzère, Avignon, Arles and the Camargue. Zoom in and practical links to join the arms of the Rhône.

In the arms of the Rhône…

An event for young and old to explore the river from every angle!

The Dans les bras du Rhône event, organised by the Centre Permanent d’Initiatives pour l’Environnement Rhône Pays d’Arles (CPIERA), is an annual celebration highlighting the many facets of the Rhône river. Launched around ten years ago, this initiative aims to raise public awareness of the environmental, historical and cultural importance of this key waterway in France.

The 2025 edition, which runs from 3 to 13 October, marks the ^9th edition of this festival and coincides with the Fête de la Science.

This event offers a series of free events, tailored to different audiences, across 21 communes and three départements (Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Vaucluse).

The programme is rich and varied, including nature outings, lectures, shows, workshops and film debates. Topics such as biodiversity, the impact of human activity on the river and energy issues are at the heart of the discussions. Experts such as historians, scientists and nature guides share their knowledge with the public on walks, cycle rides and kayak trips.

Highlights include kayak tours of the Rhône and guided walks revealing the river’s hidden wildlife and stories, particularly in the Camargue and Avignon.

Special attention is paid to children and families, with fun and educational workshops on the flora and fauna of the Rhône. Shows such as Les secrets du Rhône illustrate, through historical frescoes, the profound link between the river and the territories it flows through. The festival seeks to establish a shared culture of the river, while encouraging reflection on current environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and the risk of flooding.

The festival is also being extended to the Middle and Upper Rhône regions, enabling awareness-raising to be extended to the whole of the Rhône basin. This reflects an ambition to raise collective awareness of the need to protect and enhance the river, from Switzerland to the Camargue.

Communes in the arms of the Rhône

Villes et villages au fil du fleuve invites you to follow the course of the Rhône River and its days:

• DONZÈRE
• PONT-SAINT-ESPRIT
• MONDRAGON
• BAGNOLS-SUR-CESE
• CADEROUSSE
• ROGUEMAURE
• VILLENEUVE-LES-AVIGNON
• AVIGNON
• BARBENTANE
• ARAMON
• COMPS
• VALLABREGUES
• BEAUCAIRE
• TARASCON
• MAS-BLANC-DES-ALPILLES
• BELLEGARDE
• FOURQUES
• ARLES
• SAINT-GILLES
• SAINTES-MARIES-DE-LA-MER
• PORT-SAINT-LOUIS-DU-RHONE

River and thread

This year’s theme focuses on regional and global issues in all their diversity (biodiversity, rivers and water, agriculture and food, citizenship), with cross-cutting events accessible to all types of audiences, including :

• Professionalmeetings to discuss current affairs and technical, political and scientific issues relating to the river;
• Educationalprojects dedicated to the Rhône River
• Evening conferences and screenings with public debates
• Outings, bike rides and guided cruises on a wide range of subjects linked to the river: biodiversity, the history of navigation on the Rhône, flood risk, etc.

The events take place between Donzère and the Camargue in the downstream Rhône, from tributaries to riverbanks, from riverbanks to the Rhône delta, with the help of a host of stakeholders, associations, scientists and river enthusiasts.

The entertainment programme

Details and presentation of the events, exhibitions and conferences taking place during the Dans les bras du Rhône days:

How can you take part?

Registration is compulsory, free and open during the festival period; the full programme is available on the CPIE Rhône Pays d’Arles website:

On line

To find out more about this annual event in the arms of the Rhône, you can also visit the official page and the event sections:

Travel link