- Destination
Orange
Come and discover the Théâtre Antique, the only one of its kind in the world, and at the same time meet a generous local area, tasty products and a welcoming population.
The opulence of Orange's heritage, both Roman and medieval, is well suited to the activities and entertainment of modern life: thanks to its history, Orange is naturally oriented towards culture. In its shady squares, in its streets full of memories, it's the sweetness of a very present existence that it invites you to savor.
Orange tastes like the wines of the famous Côtes du Rhône, of which it is the beating heart, and has the privilege of being part of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
Pays d'Orange en Provence Tourist Office
All the information you need for your stay in the Pays d'Orange en Provence
Les Grands Rendez-vous
Les Chorégies, Fiesta Latina, Positiv Festival, Java du Cochon, Orange Metalic Festival, Jazz Festival...
Interactive map
All the best addresses in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The world's best-preserved ancient theater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating from the 1st century A.D. The Roman Theatre of Orange, built at the beginning of the Christian era, owes its reputation to the exceptional preservation of its stage wall. It was an essential part of the life of the city.
The building's acoustics and structure enabled over 9,000 spectators to attend performances. Forgotten since the 4th century and transformed for a time into a residential area, it was returned to its primary function in the 19th century.
In 1869, Orange relaunched the Théâtre de plein air, producing the greatest names in dramatic and lyrical art.
In 1971, the new Chorégies gave the venue international prestige. Since then, the theater has welcomed tens of thousands of spectators every year for major summer events.
Orange - Must-haves
The Arc de Triomphe, triumph of Roman imperialism
Monument dating from the 1st century A.D., listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to the glory of the veterans of the 2nd Gallic Legion, founders of the Roman colony of Orange at the beginning of the first century, and then to the Emperor Tiberius, it is an exceptional monument to Provençal Roman art.
An honorary passageway, it marked the boundary between the world of the dead and the ancient city. It is built of large limestone blocks. These blocks, whose provenance is unknown, are laid with dry joints but assembled with iron and lead seals.
This arch is composed of three bays corresponding to vaulted passages: a large arch in the center, flanked by two smaller ones on either side. The whole structure is 19.57 m long, 8.40 m wide and 19.21 m high.
The origin of triumphal arches is generally attributed to a ritual, and more specifically to the gates built at the entrance to Roman cities. This type of construction, specially erected for the occasion, was intended to mark the triumphal return of a general and his army. The Arc de Triomphe d'Orange does not evoke a particular triumph, but symbolizes Rome's supremacy on land and sea. Although it's called an Arc de Triomphe, it would be more accurate to say an Arc Municipal.
Le Musée d’Orange est installé depuis 1933 dans un hôtel particulier du 17e siècle, demeure de Georges Van Cuyl, gentilhomme hollandais chargé par le prince d’Orange de l’armement du château de la colline. Il comporte une section gallo-romaine et une section consacrée à l’histoire d’Orange, de la préhistoire à nos jours. Il recèle de documents exceptionnels : trois cadastres romains gravés sur marbre. Pour connaître l’histoire du célèbre tissu provençal appelé « Indiennes », qui fut imprimé dans la fabrique Wetter à Orange, le 1er étage du musée comporte des toiles peintes du 18e siècle qui en illustrent les différentes étapes.
In 1940, thanks to Edouard Daladier, the town welcomed a collection of works by Albert de Belleroche and English-born Frank Brangwyn. Brangwyn, a devotee
of Art Nouveau, became famous for his monumental decorations of the Rockefeller Center in New York and the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London.
Saint-Florent church
In the 15th century, Orange was home to many monastic orders. An example: Saint-Florent, conventual church of the Cordeliers (Franciscans). The austere 15th-century façade features a porch with casements from the church of Saint-Trophime in Arles. Sold as national property during the French Revolution, it was used as a hayloft, stable and prison, before being returned to worship in 1803. Forty years later, it became a parish church, dedicated to Saint Florent.
Statue of Raimbaud
Count of Orange. In 1096, he took part in the First Crusade (siege of Antioch and Jerusalem). In 1113, he established the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem in Orange.
Originally, the statue of Raimbaud II, Count of Orange, and a monumental fountain stood opposite the Hôtel de Ville. Some of this furniture was destroyed when a parking lot was built, and only the statue was moved up the hill in 1960 (since 1998, it has stood on Place de la République).
The Theatre
Inaugurated in 1885, plans designed by André-Jean Boudoy, an Avignon architect and collaborator of Charles Garnier (Opéra de Paris). Busts of Molière, Corneille and Félicien David symbolize comedy, tragedy and music respectively.
Today, it hosts weddings and monthly gatherings dedicated to jazz and wine lovers.
The Town Hall
17th-century mansion acquired by the town in 1713. A cornice supports a balustrade in relief with a recess that emphasizes the front. At its center: 2 putti carrying 1 rolled leather bearing the town's coat of arms, surmounted by the walls, the town's symbol.
The garland of fruit and flowers expresses prosperity.
The 18th-century belfry (listed as a historic monument in 1907) houses the clock of the former consular house.
1679 on the façade indicates the date of purchase of the mansion from Monsieur de Laurens (family ennobled in 1614) by Frédéric de Langes, seigneur de Lubières, councillor then president of the Orange parliament.1679 on the façade indicates the date of purchase of the mansion from Monsieur de Laurens (family ennobled in 1614) by Frédéric de Langes, seigneur de Lubières, councillor then president of the Orange parliament.
Notre-Dame de Nazareth Cathedral
Elle est consacrée le 26 octobre 1208 à Notre-Dame de Nazareth en présence du Prince d’Orange Guillaume des Baux. Ce premier édifice qui servait aussi de lieu de réunion pour les assemblées générales de la Principauté sera très remanié au cours des siècles. Les différentes reprises architecturales illustrent l’histoire de l’église orangeoise. Après avoir été saccagée par les Huguenots en 1561,
elle est restaurée au début du 17e siècle conformément au plan primitif.
À la fin du 18e, le dernier évêque d’Orange, Monseigneur du Tillet entreprit sa restauration et enrichit son mobilier
(stalles, maître-autel, …). Temple de la déesse Raison sous la Révolution, elle est rendue au culte catholique. Elle fut ornée de fresques et de vitraux au 19e siècle tandis que le porche ouest fut reconstruit en style néo-classique. A panoramic view of the city of Orange
La Colline Saint Eutrope
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Le théâtre des Princes
Find out what's on at the Théâtre des Princes
Practical information
Parking, public toilets, charging stations... All useful addresses
