France > France regions > Provence > Vaucluse > Orange
Orange
The town of Orange is found towards the north-east of the Vaucluse department of Provence, and is north of Avignon.
It is for the roman ruins that Orange is best known and most visited - and rightly so, because the Roman theatre and the Arc de Triomphe are among the best examples of Roman buildings to be seen anywhere.
The Theatre at Orange comprises a perfect semi-circle of seating, which housed up to 10,000 people, facing the stage and the enormous decorated wall behind the stage - the statue in the middle of the wall is of the Emperor Augustus, and the wall and theatre have numerous other details to note and features and carvings to admire.
It is known that the theatre as we see it today once formed part of a larger complex, with further buildings outside the 'Great Wall' forming part of the ensemble.
The Theatre is still used today for theatrical and musical events - be sure to go if there is something interesting on during your visit if you really want to feel a contact with the Romans who sat in these same seats 2000 years ago.
The Arc de Triomphe is an ornate and impressive celebration of Julius Caesar conquering the gauls in the first century BC, and the carvings that cover the monument relate the tale of the conquest.
The rest of Orange is also worth passing some time in - the old town around the town hall especially merits exploring.
Note: Orange is at the centre of the well-known Cotes-du-Rhone wine region.
Orange: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Plan a visit to Orange, France
Hotels Orange
Holiday rentals / travel
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Map of Orange, France |
Places to visit - Orange
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Orange.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Orange are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Avignon Historic city and World Heritage Site at 21 km
- Villeneuve-lez-Avignon Town near Avignon at 19 km
Tourist Classifications for Orange
- Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Orange when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
