Orange

The Roman Theatre of Orange

A 1st century A.D. monument, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman Theatre of Orange was built at the beginning of the Christian era and owes its reputation to the exceptional state of preservation of its stage. An essential place in the life of the city, it was already famous at the time for its perfect acoustics and the structure of the building, which could seat more than 9,000 spectators .

Forgotten since the 4th century and transformed into a residential area for a time, it returned to its primary function in the 19th century. Indeed, in 1869, Orange relaunched the Théâtre de plein air, bringing the greatest names in drama and opera to the stage.

In 1971, the new Chorégies gave this venue international prestige. Since then, the theatre has welcomed tens of thousands of spectators every year for major summer events.

Triumphal Arch

Dating back to the 1st century A.D. and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an exceptional monument of Roman Provençal art: at the time of its construction, it was dedicated to the glory of the veterans of the 2nd Gallic Legion, founders of the Roman colony of Orange at the beginning of the 1st century. Only later was the Emperor Tiberius celebrated.

It is built of large limestone blocks, laid with dry mortar but assembled with iron and lead seals. This arch consists of three bays corresponding to vaulted passages: a large arch in the centre, flanked by two smaller ones on each side. The whole forms a structure 19.57 metres long by 8.40 metres wide and 19.21 metres high.

Usually, this type of construction commemorated and celebrated the triumphant return of a general and his army. But the Triumphal Arch of Orange does not evoke a particular event but symbolises the supremacy of Rome at sea as well as on land.

Orange Museum of Art and History

Since 1933, the Orange Museum has been housed in a private 17th century palace, the home of Georges Van Cuyl, a Dutch gentleman commissioned by the Prince of Orange to restore the castle on the hill.

It includes a Gallo-Roman section and a section devoted to the history of Orange, with a time span from prehistory to the present day. It contains exceptional documents: three Roman land registers engraved on marble. To learn about the history of the famous Provençal fabric called Indiennes, printed in the Wetter factory in Orange, you will have to admire the 18th century painted canvases illustrating the different stages on the 1st floor of this museum.

Thanks to Edouard Daladier, the city welcomed in 1940, a collection of works by Albert de Belleroche and Frank Brangwyn, of English origin. The latter, a follower of Art Nouveau, owes his fame to the monumental decorations of the Rockefeller Center in New York and the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London.

Orange Cathedral

It was consecrated on 26 October 1208 to Our Lady of Nazareth, in the presence of Prince Guillaume des Baux of Orange. This first building, which also served as a meeting place for the Principality’s general assemblies, was heavily remodelled over the centuries. The various architectural revivals illustrate the history of the church.

After being sacked by Huguenots in 1561, the cathedral was restored at the beginning of the 17th century according to the original plan. At the end of the 18th century, the last bishop of Orange, Monsignor du Tillet, undertook its definitive restoration and enriched its furniture.

A temple to the goddess Reason during the Revolution, it was only later returned to Catholic worship and decorated in the 19th century with frescoes and stained glass windows, while the west portico was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style.

Church of St Florent

In the 15th century, several monastic orders coexisted in Orange. Saint-Florent, for example, is a convent church of the Cordeliers (Franciscans).

The porch with leaves, which comes from the church of Saint-Trophime in Arles, is part of an austere façade (15th century). Sold as national property during the Revolution, it was used as a barn, stable, prison and returned to worship in 1803. Forty years later, it was erected as a parish and dedicated to Saint Florent.

Orange City Hall

This 17th-century private residence was acquired by the municipality in 1713. A cornice supports a balustrade in relief with an indentation that emphasises the front. In the centre stand 2 putti carrying 1 rolled leather, where the city’s coat of arms appears surmounted by the walls, the symbol of the city. The garland of fruit and flowers expresses prosperity.

The bell tower, classified as a historical monument in 1907, is from the 18th century and houses the clock of the former consular house.

The Saint-Europe Hille

In the heart of the city, the Saint-Europe Hill dominates the city centre at a height of 105 metres. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site has many places to visit.

In the park, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the statue of the Virgin, a figure built in 1857, or the former residence of the Princes of Orange.

Aerospace Museum of Orange

Located in the industrial area of the city of Orange, the Aeronautical Museum is a must-see for military aviation enthusiasts.

You can admire more than thirty flying devices, including the Mirage 2000, the Hawker Hunter, the FIAT G91 or the Mig-21.