Things To Do in Orange

The carefully restored Théâtre Antique, rue Madeleine Roch (www.theatre-antique.com; tel. www.theatre-antique.com daily Nov–Feb 9:45am–4:30pm; Mar and Oct until 5:30pm; Apr, May, and Sept 9.15am–6pm; June–Aug 9.15am–7pm), dates from the days of Augustus. Built into the side of a hill, it once held 9,000 spectators in tiered seats. It stands at nearly 105m (344 ft.) long and 37m (121 ft.) high. Admission (which includes a free audioguide) is 11.50€ adults, 9.50€ students and children 8 to 17, and free for children 7 and under.

Across the street, at the site of a ruined temple, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire d'Orange, pl. du Théâtre-Antique (tel. 04-90-51-17-60), displays paintings, friezes, and artifacts from local archaeological digs. A ticket to the theater also admits you to the museum, and hours are the same.

The imposing Arc de Triomphe, av. de lark-de-Triomphe, comprises a trio of arches held up by Corinthian columns embellished with military and maritime emblems. Also built during the reign of Augustus, it was once part of the original town’s fortified walls.

The hilltop park on the Colline St-Eutrope, accessible by stairs behind the theater, offers a panoramic view of Orange and the surrounding landscape.