Orange France

Come experience Orange France through the eyes of Linda, one of our readers. Orange is just north of Avignon in the Rhone Valley, the southeastern geographical area of France known as  Provence:

Orange is often an over looked destination, not shining as brightly as Arles or Aix-en-Provence, but it definitely has much to offer. This was an important city in Roman times and because of that, you get a little taste of ancient Rome right in the heart of Provence!

If you arrive at the train station you are only a 15-minute nice level walk to the Roman Theater. If arriving by car, follow Centre-Ville signs, then Theatre Antique signs, parking as close to the Roman Theater’s huge wall as possible.

Roman History in Orange France

The Roman Theater is one of the best-preserved in existence and the only one in Europe with its acoustic wall still standing. It is small enough to get a real feel for what happened here. By renting an audio-guide you can learn more. Sitting in the middle of the arena and listening to the audio-guide, I could envision the great plays watched in the past (over 2000 years ago) by an audience of 10,000!

Roman Theatre, Orange France

After you enter, you will see a huge dig-the site of the Temple to the Cult of the Emperor. Climb the steep stairs to the top of the theater to appreciate the acoustics. Orange residents enjoyed grand spectacles with high-tech sound, lighting effects (thunder, rain) all without amplification! The seating was one of “class” .  Merchants, tradesmen and other money men merited the prime seats and slaves, beggars, prostitutes were in the nosebleed seats.

Another interesting stop is the Roman “Arc de Triomphe” – the real Roman arch is in Rome’s Forum.  However, this arch is actually a municipal arch erected to commemorate a general (names Germanicus) who protected the town. The 60-foot-tall arch is on a traffic circle, north of city center on avenue Arc de Triomphe.

 The rest of this town is charming to explore. Take the time to stop in a café and shop the market area for fun items to bring back home. Orange offers a pleasant day spent in Provence!

Linda Schooley, Travel Consultant for www.letsgotravel.cc, www.facebook.com/LetsGoGal2