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
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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.
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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.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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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
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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”.
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Theatre Antique, Orange
Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the western world.
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Chartreuse du Val de Benediction, Villeneuve les Avignon
This Carthusian monastery heralds back to the 14th century when it was built for Pope Innocent VI. The monastery consisted of a church and three cloisters which made it the largest monastery in France.
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Pope John XXII's castle, Chateauneuf du Pape
This castle was originally built at the request of pope John XII who was elected in 1316, with the castle starting to be built in 1317.
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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.
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Triumphal Arch, Orange
The "Arc de Triomphe" or Triumphal arch is an impressive Roman structure on the old city limits of Orange.
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
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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.
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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.
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Le Parvis Restaurant, Orange
This restaurant, in the heart of Orange, offers traditional Provençal recipes with contemporary twists, mixing sweet and savoury or incorporating exotic spices.
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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.
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Le Verger des Papes, Chateauneuf du Pape
Philippe and Jean-Pierre Estevenin offer inventive colourful and tasty food - the best of Provencal cuisine.
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Le Mesclun Restaurant, Seguret
Discover Le Mesclun restaurant with its cosy interior, private dining rooms and a terrace overlooking the vineyard.
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.
Things to do in Orange
Things To Do in Orange
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Karting de Monteux, Monteux
Karting circuit for beginners or the experienced. Kids can start from age 7 (or 1m 30cm), or small kids can use a bi-kite with an adult. Modified karts are available for disabled customers.
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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.
Cycling in Orange
Cycling Routes in Provence
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Via Venaissia from Jonquieres
Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
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Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards and towns
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
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Cycling in the Cotes du Rhone from Sainte-Cecile-des-Vignes
This short and relatively easy circuit goes through a number of pretty little villages and past a multitude of vineyards, streams and creeks, crossing the Aygues river twice along the way.
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Cycling through the Comtadin Vineyards
This 35km loop takes you through the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, as well as past strawberry fields, olive groves and fruit orchards. It is a wonderfully scenic ride with the opportunity to do some tasting along the way!
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Le Tour du Massif d'Uchaux
This circular route offers a variety of scenery and landscapes, with gently rolling hills to ensure a bit of downhill after any short climbs.
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Cycling the canals of Carpentras
Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
Hiking in Orange
Walking Routes in Provence
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Vineyard Walks
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
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Les Rochers des Rams
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
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St Michel de Frigolet Walk
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
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La Fontaine de Saint-Gens
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
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Combe de Malaval Hike
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
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Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Watersports in Orange
Watersports in Orange
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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.
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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.
Villas in Orange
Villas in Orange
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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.
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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
10 Jan 2026, 7 Nights, 1-9 people, Self-cateredFrom €3,004 -
Le Mas Douceur De Vivre Villa, Bonnieux
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
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La Maison Sambuc Villa, Lacoste
Beautiful 18th century village house with all comforts, in the heart of the village of Lacoste.
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Le Mas Des Jardins Toscans Villa, Bonnieux
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
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Bastide De Lumière Villa
Magnificent Provençal stone farmhouse for rent in Goult, in the heart of the vineyards in the Luberon, with heated swimming pool, for an ideal holiday.
Holidays Rentals in Orange
Holiday Rentals in Orange
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Le Mas Des Cigales Villa, Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Beautiful Provençal farmhouse to rent for your holiday.
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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
10 Jan 2026, 7 Nights, 1-9 people, Self-cateredFrom €3,004 -
La Villa Des Chênes Blancs Villa, Oppede
Villa in Provence to rent for your holidays in Oppède, in the heart of the Luberon.
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Le Rêve de Mimi Villa, Oppede
Villa for rent in Provence in Oppède in the heart of Luberon, for your holidays with family or friends.
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For Me Formidable Villa, Roussillon
Charming house, for rent in Roussillon, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool. It is the perfect place for an unforgettable stay in Provence.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
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B Design & Spa Hotel, Maussane les Alpilles
A family run spa retreat in the heart of Provence offering visitors the chance to savor the best in French cuisine.
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Auberge de Cassagne Spa Hotel
The Auberge de Cassagne consists of a converted family home, the Château de Cassagne (1850), plus it's outbuildings which have been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation close to the historic city of Avignon.
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
How to get to Orange
Transfers for Provence
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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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.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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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.
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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.
