Orange, at the gates to Provence, is a city incredibly rich in history, from its Celtic fortifications to its Roman monuments, all very remarkable.
Liberated from the Saracens by Guillaume d'Orange and de Comtat, the city took on the statute of Principality in 1150 under the Princes of Les Baux, then belonged to the Princes of Nassau from 1530 to 1702. It became Dutch under William of Orange, a Stathouder or governor from the House of Nassau. The principality was seized by Louis XIV in 1703 and annexed to France in 1713. But its history doesn't stop there. For the more complete story, the museum of art and history of Orange welcomes you year-round.
You will be amazed by the quality of the Roman monuments that you will see in Orange, starting with the two most remarkable: the Roman amphitheatre and the Triumphal Arch, both listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You will also find ruins of temples on the Saint Eutrope Hill (named after the patron saint of the city in 460 AD) as well as part of the city walls, the aqueduct and the western wall of the forum.
Panorama on the roofs and the Cathedral of our Lady of Nazareth in Orange
The Roman Theatre of Orange
The Triumphal Arch of Orange
Saint Florent Church in Orange
Theatre in Orange
Statue of Raimbaud II, Count of Orange
Antique façade of the Cathedral of our Lady of Nazareth in Orange
Hôtel Lapise in Orange
Several circuits are suggested by the tourist office and they will guide you along the streets to discover the city's heritage from the Middle Ages to the present day, with the 19th century theatre, the big Protestant church, the château, the town mansions, the sculpture by Injalbert, the 15th century St Florent church, the statue of Raimbaud, Count of Orange, the Town hall, the Notre Dame de Nazareth Cathedral and the Gabet Chapel.
The Festivals and Orange
The city's geographic position lets you fully take advantage of the festivals of the Vaucluse. Enjoy opera during the Chorégies d'Orange - one of the oldest festivals in France; the first one took place in the ancient Roman theatre of Orange in 1869, an exceptional venue due to the preservation of the stage wall that produces a sound of great purity and quality.
Orange is also known for its wines, the Côtes-du-Rhône. You can enjoy them along with the landscapes in the surrounding areas of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Cairanne, Rasteau ... The heritage of the Vaucluse has good taste!
Art of living
Gastronomy, markets of Provence, regional products, Christmas traditions, celebrities of Provence....
