Summary of Attractions in Orange
World-class wine and UNESCO-listed Roman ruins await in the charming city of Orange in Vaucluse. Here, one can marvel at the Theatre, recognized as one of Europe’s most remarkable Roman structures, which remains impressively intact. Nearby, an informative museum complements the experience, while a brief walk from the town center leads to a Triumphal Arch, distinguished by its unique three-arch design.
For wine enthusiasts, the region presents an enticing opportunity to explore numerous domaines, caves, and wineries, particularly in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the world’s most prestigious wine labels. Additionally, the proximity to Avignon, the Luberon, and further Roman monuments enhances the appeal of visiting Orange.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Orange:
1. Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre of Orange stands as one of the great ancient sites in Europe. It possesses the best-preserved Roman theatre in France, and indeed one of the finest in the entire continent. Uniquely, it retains its scaenae frons—the 37-meter-high stone backdrop to the stage, adorned with niches, columns, and a statue of Augustus.
The exterior is equally impressive, characterized by a formidable stone wall topped with corbels and three grand wooden doors leading to the stage. Remarkably, the theatre can still accommodate 9,000 spectators, featuring an expansive stage measuring 61 meters across. Today, it serves as a captivating venue for the Chorégies d’Orange, an opera festival that has been held annually since its restoration in 1969.
2. Triumphal Arch
Approximately half a kilometer north of the theatre along the N7 lies Orange’s other exceptional Roman relic, the Triumphal Arch, constructed during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century. This monument commemorates the Gaulish Legion that established Orange and later celebrated the military triumphs of Germanicus and Tiberius over the Germanic tribes.
What sets this arch apart is its distinctive three-arch design, the oldest of its kind still extant. Take a moment to marvel at the arch’s enduring reliefs, which have remarkably withstood the passage of time despite its role as a gateway in Orange’s medieval fortifications.
3. Le Musée d’Art et d’Histoire d’Orange
Directly across from the theatre is a museum that provides insight into Orange’s ancient and medieval heritage. The entrance is included with the theatre ticket. Housed in a 17th-century “hôtel particulier” constructed for a Dutch nobleman, the Gallo-Roman section captivates visitors with three large marble slabs engraved with land ownership records from 77 AD, documented during Emperor Vespasian’s review.
The museum also showcases reliefs and sculptures unearthed during excavations at the theatre, alongside a remarkable 3rd-century mosaic titled “Aux Amphorettes.”
4. Orange Cathedral
Although the Diocese of Orange was dissolved after the Revolution, rendering Orange Cathedral not strictly a cathedral for over two hundred years, this detail does not detract from the elegant simplicity of this 12th-century Romanesque edifice, which features several neoclassical enhancements on the facade.
The church has experienced a tumultuous history, enduring damage during the French Wars of Religion and serving temporarily as a Huguenot Protestant church. Inside, a poignant painting commemorates the 32 nuns martyred during the Reign of Terror in 1794. The bell tower, originating from the 1300s, houses four bells, the oldest dating to 1338 and the newest, cast in 1871, weighing over a ton.
5. Colline Saint-Eutrope
The highest point in Orange is the 105-meter hill into which the Roman theatre is nestled. This hill possesses an intriguing history, having once been home to the Château of the Princes of Nassau, a grand fortress with 11 bastions, reputedly one of the most stunning fortifications in Europe.
For nearly a century until 1672, the area was governed by the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau and maintained its Protestant status until a siege led by the Count of Grignan on behalf of Louis XIV, during which the fortress was demolished using gunpowder. Although little remains, visitors can still observe evocative remnants of the fortifications, and the hill offers four panoramic viewpoints showcasing city vistas, Mont Ventoux, and the Rhône River.
6. Wine
There are 21 estates and châteaux to explore within the Orange area. This region lies within two of the wine world’s most esteemed AOCs. Châteauneuf-du-Pape emerged in the 1300s when Pope John XXII of Avignon developed this vineyard, and its name has been fiercely safeguarded well before the introduction of appellations in the 1930s.
To qualify, grapes must be hand-picked and sorted. The soil in the terroir is distinguished by large round pebbles set in red clay, which absorb and radiate heat overnight, enabling grapes such as Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault to achieve remarkable ripeness. Furthermore, Orange falls within the expansive Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, whose vineyards primarily cultivate Grenache due to the Mediterranean climate.
7. Musée de la BA 115
Since 1939, the French Air Force has maintained a base five kilometers east of Orange, serving as a significant employer for approximately 200 companies. The museum on the base is open exclusively on Tuesdays and features several rooms that narrate the general history of the French Air Force alongside the specific heritage of this base, its role during the Second World War, the Algerian War, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts.
Visitors can view vintage uniforms, photographs, medals, and official documents sourced from the base’s archives.
8. Musée Aéronautique d’Orange
After exploring the air force base, you might be eager to see aircraft up close, and this museum offers a comprehensive collection of fighters, bombers, helicopters, and various other aircraft located just south of the base. Operated by “Les Amis de la 5eme Escadre,” an association of former members and supporters of a fighter unit that existed from 1945 to 1995, this museum delights aviation enthusiasts with its extensive assortment of French-made Dassault Mirages and Mystères.
Additionally, the collection includes foreign aircraft such as de Havilland Vampires and Hawker Hunters, as well as interesting naval planes like the Breguet Alizé and F-8 Crusader, recognized for their “variable incidence” wings.
9. Orange Market
Every Thursday, the central streets and squares of the city come alive as 300 regular stallholders establish one of Provence’s beloved outdoor markets. Here, visitors can find an array of flowers, local delicacies, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
A particularly rewarding experience is browsing the stalls showcasing regional fruits and vegetables. Depending on the season, superb selections include grapes, eggplant, green beans, and apricots, all sourced from the nearby countryside. For souvenirs, Orange offers olive oil labeled as “huile d’Olive de Provence AOC” or a bottle of the region’s famous sweet muscat wine.
10. Bike Rides
The area surrounding Orange presents idyllic terrain for cycling, featuring landscapes that showcase Provence in its finest form. Options include vineyards, the banks of the Rhône, sunflower fields, orchards, and wheat farms.
All routes are well-marked, significantly reducing the likelihood of getting lost. One can consider a 15.7-kilometer circular route from Orange to Carderousse, offering scenic views of Mont Ventoux. Alternatively, a more extensive looped trail, “De la Pierre aux Galets,” winds through the Orange and Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards, with the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail visible to the east.
11. Châteauneuf du Pape
At the pinnacle of this internationally renowned wine village lie the jagged remnants of the Château des Papes. Constructed in the 1300s for Pope John XXII, who also established the vineyards, this castle served as a summer retreat. Although now only two walls remain standing from the Donjon, remnants of the gothic vaulting are visible, making it an intriguing relic of the Avignon Papacy.
However, the primary draw for many tourists comprises the village’s caves, vineyards, and châteaux, where visitors can indulge in one of France’s most cherished wine labels. For additional context, the Muséé du vin Brotte features displays of wine presses and ancient agricultural tools dating back to the 1300s.
12. Avignon
The local history is intricately linked with the Avignon Papacy, making the half-hour journey to the city worthwhile. In the 14th century, Avignon served as the headquarters of Western Christianity, and the Palace of the Popes was both a residence and governing center—a remarkable landmark featuring vast scale and beauty.
As the world’s largest Gothic building, it offers an abundance of sights, including exquisite frescoes in Clément VI’s private study and the Saint-Martial chapel. The older parts of the city teem with Renaissance architecture, showcasing its prominence during the 15th and 16th centuries. Additionally, the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet, a celebrated 12th-century bridge, epitomizes medieval design, despite being partially destroyed by the Rhône in the 17th century.
13. Luberon
If the majestic mountains to the east of Orange ignite your sense of adventure, they are a mere 35 kilometers away at the edge of the Luberon Regional Park. This area is globally acknowledged for its picturesque medieval villages, rugged limestone hills, ochre-hued rocks, expansive lavender fields, and olive groves.
For itinerary considerations, one can travel from one charming hilltop village to another—Bonnieux, Gordes, Roussillon, and Isle-sur-Sorgue can all be explored in a single day.
14. Uzès
While Uzès lack a prominent monument, the short drive west from Orange offers the charm of its historical streets. These roads are rich in history, as Uzès was a bishopric until the 18th century, boasting a considerable number of listed buildings—40 in total. This classification designates Uzès as a French “ville d’art et d’histoire.” Strolling through the winding cobblestone streets with a map from the tourist office will help highlight Renaissance and 17th-century mansions.
Lastly, be sure to visit Le Duché, the opulent residence of the Dukes of Uzès during the Renaissance.
15. Regional Roman Heritage
If Orange’s Roman monuments have intrigued you regarding Gallo-Roman history, you will be pleased to know that Arles and Nîmes offer even more to explore, both of which can be reached in less than an hour.
In Nîmes, you will encounter a remarkable amphitheater, which remains well-preserved to this day, serving as a venue for bullfights and concerts. The Maison Carrée is a temple dedicated to Lucius Caesar and Gaius Caesar, which, aside from some weathering on its columns, looks remarkably modern.
Arles boasts another impressive amphitheater so expansive that it was converted into a small town with over 200 residences during the medieval period. Lastly, do not miss the spectacular Pont du Gard, an astonishing 48-meter-high segment of the Nîmes aqueduct spanning a steep valley above the Gardon River.
