Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Pine Arenas, located in Roquefort in the Landes, are a public building dedicated to bull racing, mainly the Landes race and the Spanish novillada. Inaugurated on 12 August 1951 with a novillida, they replaced temporary wooden stands installed since 1846 on the Place du Pijorin. Their wooden construction, exceptional in size, uses farms of the old amphitheatre. The building, partially covered in 1953, can accommodate between 2,500 and 4,000 spectators. It is listed for historical monuments on April 25, 2007.

The architecture of the arenas is distinguished by its oblong streetdo, typical of the Landes arenas, and a structure mixing wood, cement and red bricks. The plans are designed by Jean Duthil, while the frame is made by three local carpenters (André Aurignac, Jean Cécère, Pierre Dupouy) and volunteers, with a metal frame provided by the company Constructions Métalliques du Sud-Ouest. The monumental entrance, adorned with a balcony, contrasts with the wooden steps and the outdoor courtyards in pine boards.

The Tauromachic tradition in Roquefort dates back to 1770, with shows initially organized on the Place du Pijorin. In 1938, the collapse of a gallery prompted the municipality to build a new building after the Second World War. The current arenas, located on the outskirts of the city centre, become the central location of the annual feria of August, mixing Dutch races and novillidas. They also house the Harmonie des Petites Landes, highlighting their cultural and festive role.

The Pine Arenas symbolize the historic anchor of Tauromachi in the Landes, with architecture adapted to local specificities. Their inscription as a historic monument in 2007 recognizes their heritage value, both for their constructive technique and for their social function. The site remains a major place for employers' parties and regional taurine traditions.

External links