Orange is the gateway to Provence, an area of France renowned for its delicious cuisine, picture-perfect towns and proximity to the southern Alps. While it’s a small town, its narrow winding streets, historic sites and welcoming squares seem to pack so much into them, distilling all that is Provençale.
Whether you’re passing through, or just want to unwind in a tranquil place for a few days, you’ll be sure to find something to adore about Orange.
The Roman reign
Orange was once a Roman settlement, something you can see in the town’s mesmerising ancient monuments. From a theatre to a colossal arch, it’s incredible how the town’s Roman ruins have weathered the years and still look so impressive today.
The UNESCO World Heritage Roman Theatre of Orange sits toward the south of the town centre. Your first glimpse will be the huge entrance building, with its numerous built-in arches, from where you can access the main theatre. Once you step inside, you’ll see an imposing main stage with a series of stone seats jutting upward in a neat semi-circle, with a few remaining pillars and even a statue by the stage. Once you finished exploring, head across to the museum which is included in the admission fee.
Another spectacular site is the Triumphal Arch, one of the biggest from the Gallo-Roman era. Built from limestone, it’s a collection of three arches with a sequence of patterned engravings and inscriptions that was originally built as a tribute to Roman superiority.
A walk through the ages
Orange has several other attractions that remain from other periods of its history, and just walking around the streets seems as if you’ve drifted into another era. The 4th-century Cathedral of Notre Dame de Nazareth is a rhapsodic, ancient church with stunning stained-glass windows and Italian frescoes inside.
Towards the south of the city you’ll find Colline St. Eutrope, acres of neatly maintained parkland sitting atop a hill which you can either walk or drive up. Once you’ve ascended, you can sit down, have a bite to eat and savour panoramic views of the town, Mont Vetoux and the Roman Theatre. On your way up the hill, keep an eye out for the former residence of the Prince of Orange, a stunning 12th-century chateau.
A love for lavender
One of Provence’s most iconic sights is the swaying purple of its lavender fields, which fill the air with a sweet perfume between June and August. It’s a feast for the senses, and you can pick up dried bags to take the scent home with you.
You can easily reach the Senanque Abbey in Gordes in under an hour by heading south on the A7, the D900 and the D2. The Cistercian abbey has signature Romanesque styling and it’s a wonderful setting to enjoy the view of lavender and the invigorating country air. You’ll also pass the Lavender Museum on your way there, which is located almost immediately after you turn left onto the D2. Here you can pick up a souvenir or two and view copper distilleries before heading onwards. Car hire at Orange puts pretty Provence on a plate for you.
