Orange is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. It is about 21 km (13 mi) north of Avignon, on the departmental border with Gard, which follows the Rhône and also constitutes the regional border with Occitania. Orange is the second-most populated city in Vaucluse, after Avignon.
Roman Orange was founded in 35 BC by veterans of the second legion as Arausio (after the local Celtic water god), or Colonia Julia Firma Secundanorum Arausio in full, “the Julian colony of Arausio established by the soldiers of the second legion.” The name was originally unrelated to that of the orange fruit, but was later conflated with it.
Since 1981, several Orange monuments have been included in the UNESCO world monuments directory under the title: “Ancient Theater and its surroundings” and “Arc de Triomphe d’Orange” according to criteria (III) and (VI).
Tourism and main attractions
Many monuments in Orange are also classified or registered as historic monuments. Ilot Pontillac, rue Pontillac, is one of the examples of an architectural ensemble combining various historical monuments from very distinct periods and uses.
Roman remains
There are numerous Roman remains in the town, including the ancient ramparts or the ancient theater of Orange which dates from the 1st century and was built on the foothills of Saint-Eutrope hill. The exceptional state of conservation of its stage wall makes it a major attraction and offers choregies a unique performance venue in France. There is also the triumphal arch of Orange which, located at the entrance to the city, is also from the 1st century, the wall of the ancient forum located rue Pontillac or the Roman gymnasium.
Civil heritage
The civil architectural heritage of this ancient principality is quite rich, as were some of its inhabitants over the centuries.
In addition to the castle of the Princes of Orange, there are several private mansions and bourgeois houses such as the Jonc and Monier-Vinard d’Orange hotels, the house 4, rue de Tourre-d’Orange, the medieval house of Orange known as Romanesque house, or the current town hall.
We can also note architectural elements as varied as the hospital center located on Cours Pourtoules, the Cours Aristide-Briand which dates from the end of the 18th century, the municipal theater or a public fountain from the 18th century.
Religious heritage
For Catholic heritage, there is the Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth cathedral but also the Saint-Florent church and the Gabet chapel.
For Protestant heritage, these are mainly two temples. In 1566, the governor of Orange authorized the city’s Protestants to build a temple in the Saint-Martin district, after which it was named.
Culture
In 1869, the Roman theatre was restored and has been the site of a music festival. The festival, given the name Chorégies d’Orange in 1902, has been held annually ever since, and is now famous as an international opera festival.
In 1971, the “New Chorégies” were started and became an overnight, international success. Many top international opera singers have performed in the theatre, such as Barbara Hendricks, Plácido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, Roberto Alagna, René Pape and Inva Mula. Operas such as Tosca, Aida, Faust, and Carmine Karm Conte have been staged here, many with a sumptuous staging and also receiving outstanding acclaim.
The Roman theatre is one of three heritage sites at which the Roman wall remains.
Shortest distances by car
From Paris: 6 hr 2 min (663 km) via A6 and A7
From Marseille: 1 hr 10 min (115 km) via A7
From Nice: 2 hr 35 min (274 km) via A8 and A7
From Lyon: 2 hr 9 min (202 km) via A7
From Toulouse: 3 hr 5 min (341 km) via A61 and A9
From Monaco: 2 hr 54 min (297 km) via A8 and A7
From Andorra: 5 hr 1 min (467 km) via A9
From Madrid: 10 hr 7 min (1,046 km) via A-2 and A9
From Moscow: 34 hr (3,180 km) via E30/M1
From Belgrade: 15 hr 31 min (1,586 km) via E70 and A4
From Istanbul: 26 hr (2,535 km) via A4
From Bern: 4 hr 46 min (506 km) via A1
Main information
Area: 74 km2
Population: 28 949
Coordinates: 44°08′18″N 4°48′35″E
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Visa: Schengen
Time: Central European UTC +1
See here France travel guide
See here Spain travel guide
See here Pyrenees travel guide
See here Andorra travel guide
