Richerenches Truffle Market
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Orange
Home to some of the world's best Roman ruins
Driving from Lyon south on the Autoroute A7 towards Provence, you may notice the signs for Orange, the first major town in the region.
What attracts the thousands of visitors to Orange are the two monumental Roman structures, the Arc de Triomphe and the Théatre Antique, both of such stature that a turn off the Autoroute will not disappoint. And if you're a Dutch national and a fan of the Royal Family (the House of Orange), a trip here will certainly be on your list.
Events in Orange
There are plenty of events going on in Orange throughout the year. One of the oldest and most well known has to be the Choregies d'Orange, an annual International classic music festival set in the Roman theatre.
Events in Orange
See all Events in Orange-
-
Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
-
Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
-
Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
-
European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
History & Culture in Orange
A prosperous town under the Roman emperor Augustus, in the 5th century it was pillaged by the Visigoths, becoming an independent county in the 11th century, later passing to the house of Nassau.
In 1660 it was captured by the French King Louis XIV, who had its fortifications pulled down, and it was eventually ceded to France in 1713.
Famous for its Roman architecture, the theatre was built around 27BC - 14AD and is the best preserved of its kind. Originally seating around 1,100 people, an imposing statue of Augustus stands about 3.7m tall in the wall's central niche.
There is also a famous arch, one of the largest built by the Romans at about 19m high, it has fine sculptures of victories of Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar. The theatre, the arch and its surroundings were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
Modern day Orange is an agricultural processing centre, tourism and glass manufacturing are also important.
Sights & Attractions in Orange
The most impressive approach to Orange from the north is by way of the N7, which leads directly to the Triumphal Arch on the north side of town (parking nearby). Most historians think that this ornate Roman arch, one of largest and best preserved, was dedicated to Tiberius or is it Julius Caesar, commemorating the military exploits of his legions, some 20 years BC. A few others doubt the attribute. But what is clear is that this arch tells a story. On the facades you can see the chiselled decorations that tell of Gallic slaves captured, with hands tied behind their backs, of military attributes - helmets, flags, javelins - of naval elements - anchors, ropes, tridents - of battles between the Romans and the Gauls. The arch tells you that the legions of Tiberius, or another emperor, were here and don't you forget it. The crowning glory on top, a chariot drawn by four horses, is now sadly missing.
Just south of the old town and close to the tourist office you'll find the Roman theatre, the best preserved theatre of the Roman Empire. Built during the reign of Augustus, it still serves today as a place to enjoy concerts, opera or ballet. Although it has suffered through the ages from natural decay, fires and looters keen on finding building materials for their own architectural designs, the theatre gives a sense of how the productions in Roman times might have been. It seems, however, that the earlier audiences enjoyed better acoustics (with clever awnings stretched over the seating area) and a more ornate backdrop with statues of Roman dignitaries.
Now we are only treated to a statue of Augustus in a niche, assembled from the rubble 1,500 years after a fire destroyed the backdrop in the 4th century. It's not even certain whether the head is that of Augustus, but he looks impressive enough with his Roman salute. Whether the earlier audiences enjoyed more comfortable seating is entirely doubtful.
A private cushion is the first requirement for an enjoyable evening in the theatre. And when the Mistral strikes, you may well want to bring a sweater, blanket, parka, gloves and other warming devices. A hilarious account of an Aida performance during a Mistral can be read in Yvone Lenard's The Magic of Provence. The chapter is appropriately called "A Song in the Wind." During the performance the strong wind picks up and the Spanish diva Victoria de Los Angeles "holds onto her wig with one hand and attempts to control the ballooning skirt with the other while keeping a precarious balance, in great danger of being toppled by the merciless gusts".
For the Dutch, a walk up to the Eutrope hill, which overlooks the village is a must. There they find the dismal remains of a castle that Prince Maurits built in 1622, using the remains of Roman structures as his building blocks. Fortunately he left the theatre, to a degree, in tact. In the 16th century the principality of Orange was passed on to William the Silent, Stadtholder of the Dutch Provinces. For the next hundred years or so the ownership of the territory was much in dispute, torn this way and that by the religious wars between Catholics and Protestants, with the French King being more than annoyed about this Dutch enclave in his territory. Finally, in 1713, the decree of Utrecht decided that Orange was to be part of France, but that the descendants of William the Silent could still call themselves prince or princess of Orange, without land. To this day the primary title of the Queen is Princess of Orange. And when you see a soccer match of the Dutch national team and wonder about all those orange colours, now you know why.
After the visit to the Roman theatre, the Arch and the remains of the considerably smaller Dutch empire, you may wander about the old town. There are agreeable squares with restaurants that offer decently priced and good meals. Orange is worth a half or full-day stay. But be sure to bring your winter clothes when you attend a performance at the theatre.
Sights in Orange
See all Sights in Orange-
Musee du Vin Brotte, Chateauneuf du Pape
Created in 1972 by Jeanne Brotte, this wine museum is unique in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. First a modest museum displaying an impressing collection of old tools it has been renovated in 2002 and 2014 now presenting you with a museography called “In the footstep of the winegrower”.
-
Triumphal Arch, Orange
The "Arc de Triomphe" or Triumphal arch is an impressive Roman structure on the old city limits of Orange.
-
Theatre Antique, Orange
Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the western world.
-
Fort St Andre & Abbaye St Andre, Villeneuve les Avignon
The 14th century Fort St Andre was built by order of the King of France, Philippe le Bel as a mean to keep an eye on the papal city of Avignon. Perched on a hill, this impressive structure contains the ruins of the Abbaye St Andre.
-
The Fortress, Mornas
This fortress dominates the town of Mornas below, rising up from the 137 metre tall cliffs.
-
Tour Philippe le Bel, Villeneuve les Avignon
This impressive tower was built in the early 13th century and served to defend the bridges over the Rhone in Villeneuve les Avignon.
Dining in Orange
You'll find a great selection of restaurants, cafés and delis in Orange. Some feature in the Michelin guide, but if you're not looking for fine dining you'll find plenty of choice to suits your tastes and budget.
Restaurants in Orange
See all Restaurants in Orange-
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
-
Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
-
Les Florets Restaurant, Gigondas
Strategically located on the roads to Mont-Ventoux, the restaurant offers delicacies and delights.
-
L'Intemporel Restaurant, Bollene
Using Provençal produce and international ingredients, this restaurant serves world cuisine and local specialities in interesting and creative combinations.
-
La Table de Sorgues Restaurant, Isle sur la Sorgue
The restaurant is located in Provence, close to Avignon and even closer to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, therefore in a region covered with vineyards.
-
Cafe Restaurant du Cercle, Jonquieres
Cafe Restaurant du Cercle has a large dining room with children's play area and outdoor space on the terrace in the shade of a large plane tree.
Nightlife in Orange
You can take in a show at the Roman theatre as well as the Theatre du Sablier in the centre of Orange. If you're just looking for a place to drink, there are plenty of bars and cafés to choose from.
Bars & Clubs in Orange
See all Bars & Clubs in Orange-
Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
-
Ajmi Jazz Club
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
-
La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
-
Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
-
21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
-
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
Things to do in Orange
Things To Do in Orange
See all Things To Do in Orange-
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
-
Outdoor Swimming Pool, Jonquieres
There are three pools in the outdoor area at Jonquieres, a baby & toddler wading pool, a 25m pool, and a diving pool with boards at one metre and three metres.
-
Centre Equestre d'Avignon Horse riding
Le Centre Equestre d'Avignon offers a wide range of activities for riders of all ages and abilities
-
Caneton swimming pool, Sorgues
There are two swimming pools here - an indoor one for winter and outdoor one for summer.
-
Skydive Pujaut Activity Company, Pujaut
This company offers several forms of discovery and progress to practise free fall. Whether you want to make your first parachute jump or move up the discipline, you will find all the necessary information and guidance.
-
Orange Golf Course, Orange
Very close to the wonderful Roman town of Orange, Golf Orange offers a 9-hole golf course that everyone can enjoy. Lessons are also available.
Watersports in Orange
Watersports in Orange
See all Watersports in Orange-
Exo 84 Watersports, Lamotte-du-Rhône
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
-
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
Villas in Orange
Villas in Orange
See all Villas in Orange-
La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
La Colline Villa
24 Jan 2026, 7 Nights, 1-9 people, Self-cateredFrom €2,969 -
La Borie Villa, Menerbes
Lovely single-storey holiday house with large heated pool, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom for 4 people. In a landscaped, fenced garden (6.035m²), overlooking a field of olive trees, an authentic Borie and in a Luberion atmosphere. The house gives you an at home feeling! Tasteful decorated with all modern comfort.
-
Le Paon Blanc Villa, Laudun-l'Ardoise
Not far from the village Laudun l’Ardoise and 25km from Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, you can discover this unique holiday house, with a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
-
Mas Glamour Villa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Located a few minutes from the village centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will be able to take full advantage of the restaurants and shops of the village whilst having a haven of peace to relax in.
-
Paradou Villa, Paradou
Beautiful 250m2 modern villa just a stone’s throw away from the center of Maussane-les-Alpilles.
-
Happy Days / Les Jours Heureux Villa, Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
Come and enjoy a lovely holiday in the Luberon for 6 people in Saint Saturnin les Apt, a village that kept his authenticity.
Holidays Rentals in Orange
Holiday Rentals in Orange
See all Holiday Rentals in Orange-
La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
La Colline Villa
24 Jan 2026, 7 Nights, 1-9 people, Self-cateredFrom €2,969 -
Bastide Du Vallon Villa, Saint-Etienne-du-Gres
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
-
La Bucolique Villa, Murs
In a unique and preserved setting, this magnificent farmhouse in the countryside offers 200m² of living space on 10,000m2 of beautifully wooded land.
-
La Grande Bergerie Villa, Bonnieux
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
-
Le Mas Du Haut Cabedan Villa, Cavaillon
Authentic farmhouse of 320m² to rent for your holidays and located on a large plot of land with a beautiful heated swimming pool.
-
Provence Country Club Studio Apartment
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
Hotels in Orange
There are a good selection of hotels in and around Orange, as well as a lot of charming B&B's and apartments for rent.
Hotels in Orange
See all Hotels in Orange-
Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
-
Le Phebus Hotel & Spa, Joucas (nr Gordes)
A beautiful hotel situated between the lovely villages of Roussillon and Gordes. The charming old stone farmhouse hides 24 elegant bedrooms and suites, some of which have private pools.
-
Chateau de Massillan Hotel, Uchaux
Chateau de Massillan is a small luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant located in Uchaux.
-
Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
-
Europe Hotel
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
-
La Mirande Hotel
La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.
How to get to Orange
Transfers for Provence
See all Transfers for Provence-
Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
-
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
-
Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
-
Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
-
Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
-
Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Property For Sale in Orange
Property for Sale in Orange
See all Property for Sale in Orange-
-
-
Villa for Sale
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale
€3,200,000 -
-
-
Villa for Sale
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Villa for Sale
€9,800,000
