Top 6 things to do in Orange

When you hear the word “orange”, what does it conjure up in your mind? The fruit? The colour? Did you know that there is a town of the same name in France? Well, today we’d like to tell you all about it! Situated in the Rhône valley and nicknamed the “City of Princes”, Orange is a French commune in the north-western part of the Vaucluse département. If you’re planning to visit one day, there are plenty of things to do there, and for very little money! The town of Orange has such an original and warm name, and has many assets that you will discover throughout your stay. It’s almost 2,000 years of history in one city, barely bigger than an orange (yes, we couldn’t resist the pun ^^). On a more serious note, with a surface area of 74.20 km², here are the top six things to do in the city.

What to do in Orange

1. The Arc de Triomphe

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: We start with the mythical Arc de Triomphe, the city of Orange’s most emblematic monument. Impossible to miss, it stands almost 35 metres high and proudly dominates the main square. Built at the very beginning of the 1st century, its sculpted decoration is a marvel to many a tourist. When you take a stroll through the city, right in the middle of the historic centre, you’ll no doubt want to take a photo or two in front of this monument, now considered part of the city’s identity. Keep your eyes peeled, as each of its faces is majestically adorned with bas-reliefs depicting battle scenes and Roman gods. A mark of the power and passage of the Roman Empire. Do you love art, and even more so ancient history? Then you’ve come to the right place. No wonder the monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. The Ancient Theatre

Category : €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: In the town of Orange, there’s ONE experience you really must try: the ancient theatre. The Romans left their mark on Orange, and it has to be said that they were the very first people to settle here. So it comes as no great surprise that the remains of an ancient Roman theatre were discovered and are now used as an attraction. The building was also constructed in the 1st century, just like the Arc de Triomphe. But as well as the impressive architecture of the site, we’d like you to focus on the tiers of seats, which can hold up to 9,000 people, and which will allow you to rise up to 35 metres to admire the breathtaking view over the city. In days gone by, the Roman theatre was the venue for a variety of events, all designed to entertain the people and royalty: chariot races, gladiator fights, circus shows…

3. The Church of Saint-Florent

Image-Creative-Commons

Category : €/Cultural

Description : If you go down the rue Saint-Florent during your stay, you’re bound to come across the church of the same name. This jewel of Romanesque architecture was built in the 12th century, and since then has won the admiration and respect of its visitors. Its harmoniously sculpted façade is enough to convince us to enter, while a feeling of inner peace settles over us as we sit down. The coloured stained glass windows soothe our souls with the soft light they let in, gently gracing our faces and the scenery around us. Admire the celestial vaults and sculpted capitals, and you’ll see that the craftsmen of the time were already highly skilled and had a certain expertise in terms of architecture. Don’t forget to admire some of the ancient frescoes on the walls, which recount sacred legends and biblical stories.

4. The Town Hall Belfry

Category : €€/Cultural

Description: Head for Place Georges Clemenceau to see the Town Hall Belfry. Still in the historic centre (don’t forget to stop off at a café for a local speciality), the medieval tower of the Belfry is one of the town’s landmark monuments. It’s impossible to turn a deaf ear when the bells, several metres high, ring out across the city. Lovers of art and architecture will be enchanted by the carefully crafted sculptures and the various mullioned windows. The Town Hall Belfry, a listed historic monument, is a bit like a painting that you discover little by little as you look at it and contemplate it. That’s what the visitors appreciated most: discovering little details during the visit, which at first sight were invisible, but nevertheless very present. That’s what art is all about!

5. The Museum of Art and History

Category : €€/Cultural

Description: Every town has at least one museum, where you can find out more about its past, its twists and turns and its highlights. For Orange, that museum would undoubtedly be the Museum of Art and History… A place that will take you on a journey through time, between different eras and civilisations. A return to the past, to better understand the present, isn’t that both magnificent and poetic? A nice little anecdote to keep in mind during your visit: the museum is housed in a former mansion dating from the 18th century. Here you’ll find a whole collection of archaeological objects and ancient paintings recounting the city’s past. A fine testimony to the city’s rich history and culture!

6. A trip to the market

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description : We suggest a ‘soft’ activity to round off your stay in style. Admittedly, it’s not much fun, but it will help you relax… And fill your belly! In fact, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the city and get to know the locals and the delicious food. The various stalls are full of fresh local produce just waiting to be cooked! You can try a few tastings and make your choice from the multitude of foods on offer. And food isn’t the only thing to look out for at the market: you can also explore the local craft industry, which could make an excellent souvenir to pack in your suitcase or rucksack at the end of your stay.