Would you have guessed that one of the best preserved Ancient Roman theatres is actually in Orange, France and not in Italy?
It’s true! The small city of Orange in France’s Provence region is home to the Roman Theatre of Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and impressive example of Roman architecture and design.
My husband and I visited Orange in 2024 during our Provence road trip. Hearing that the Roman theatre was well rated, and considering it was only a 15 minute drive from our hotel, we decided to pay it a visit.
And I’m so glad we did! Orange France’s theatre was one of the highlights of our time in Provence and definitely one of the best Roman ruins I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot!).
If you’re planning your own Provence trip and have an interest in Ancient Roman history (or just really cool old buildings), definitely put Orange on your itinerary!
Below I’ll share our full experience visiting Orange’s theatre, plus what else to do in Orange, how to get there and the best little chicken shop you must visit for lunch!
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What you need to know about Orange, France’s theatre
The Roman Theatre of Orange or Théâtre Antique d’Orange (or Roman Theater, if you’re using the American spelling) is an ancient 1st Century AD theatre that has now been restored and reopened to the public as both a tourist site and concert venue.
- Address: Rue Madeleine Roch, 84100 Orange
- Opening hours: 9/9:30am to 4:30-7pm (varies by time of year)
- Ticket prices: €11.50/adult as of August 2024 (click here for current prices)
- Getting there: Parking is available across the street or it’s a 15 minute walk from the Orange train station. See driving and train directions later in the post.
- Accessibility: I felt that the ground floor of the theatre was quite flat with wide entrances, but the upper floors are accessed via steep staircases. If accessibility is a concern, please contact the theatre directly for more information.
Our experience at the Roman Theatre in Orange
As we walked up to the Roman Theatre my husband, Colin, kept saying how huge it was. It really was an extremely large building seemingly in the middle of town, with towering walls that circled the whole thing.
Visiting on a February morning, we were able to walk right in and almost had the place to ourselves. I counted about 10 other visitors in there the whole time we were (not including a group of business men who seemed to be measuring the stage for an upcoming concert).
Walking into the theatre was very impressive. Despite thinking it was big from the outside, it felt even grander and more behemoth on the inside.
The giant multi-storey stage had been repaired so we could see columns, mouldings and statues – including one of Emperor Augustus. The marble tiered stands were beautiful and not covered in scaffolding, unlike the theatres we saw in Arles and Nîmes.
We opted for an audio guide which led us around the amphitheatre sharing more about Roman life and the different uses for the theatre over the centuries.
The theatre was built in the 1st Century AD and closed by the church in 391 AD. After that it was pillaged, used as a refuge and war defense, and even used as a prison. It was slowly restored throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries.
We discovered that the name Orange came from the royal family in the Netherlands (known as the House of Orange) who once lived in the city. We heard stories of how the theatre would use masks, costumes and special effects during their shows.
And we learned how the roof once burned down!
Not only could we walk around the stands and look at the stage, but there was also a whole series of hidden rooms behind the stands. These little cave-like rooms were all set up for visitors – filled with info boards, interactive screens and games.
They were really well done! I was impressed by how much work had been put into this theatre and how it was so much more than just “stare at this old place.” They even had an escape game throughout the amphitheatre, that sadly we didn’t play.
After spending quite a while exploring the theatre, we passed a few more points of interest on our way out. In the theatre’s backyard lies some more Roman ruins and a temple.
We spent way longer at the Ancient Roman theatre in Orange than I thought we would and both Colin and I left completely impressed. I would highly recommend a visit!
The theatre also hosts opera shows, events, festivals and concerts, which I think would be so amazing to see in this gorgeous venue.
PS: Need more ancient ruins in your life? Head to nearby Glanum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or check out the stone village in Gordes, Luberon!
What else is there to do in Orange, France?
Honestly, not much! The Roman Theatre is definitely the highlight of a visit to Orange, France.
Included in your ticket for the theatre is the museum across the street. Since it’s included, Colin and I wandered over to check it out.
Apparently there is an audioguide for the museum too, but there was some confusion when we arrived and we ended up exploring without one. Which is too bad, because there is next to no information to read.
So we didn’t learn much, but we did get to check out a few things. There were a few rooms filled with paintings and art, and then one huge room with Roman relics and carvings. I would assume these originally were part of the theatre.
To be honest, the museum isn’t exceptional. But it is worth a quick look since it’s included in your ticket price. And maybe you’ll get lucky and receive an audioguide!
The other thing to see in Orange is the Triumphal Arch. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the theatre. We decided to skip it because we were quite hungry, but it looks cool.
Orange is also just a 15 minute drive from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famous wine village. You could make a day out of touring the theatre in the morning and then tasting wine in the afternoon.
In fact, this Roman Heritage and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon does just that! You’ll visit the Orange France theatre, Pont du Gard bridge, and enjoy chocolate and wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape.
(Or if you’re a big wine lover, check out this full day Châteauneuf du Pape tour from Avignon!)
Where to go for lunch in Orange
Speaking of food and drink, I have to recommend this adorable rotisserie chicken shop that we found, La Petite Rôtisserie – Orange.
I had saved a bunch of recommended restaurants in Orange on Google Maps. But because we visited on a weekday in February in a small town, almost every single one was closed.
We had almost given up when we passed this tiny rotisserie shop. We peered in and saw three people sitting at a table, so assumed they were opened. But then learned it was just the owner and two of his friends!
Taking pity on us, he said he did still have some chicken, fries and potatoes if we wanted. We wanted, and took our meal outside so as not to disturb them. They laughed at us Canadians who thought February was patio weather!
Not only were the chicken and potatoes delicious but we received some next level hospitality. As we were getting ready to leave, I asked if I could use the bathroom. The owner apologized and said he didn’t have one (it was a very tiny shop).
But then his friend piped up and said I could use hers since she just lived across the street. I was floored! After double checking that she was sure, I accompanied her to a very cute apartment where I met her cat and got to use the facilities.
Back at the rotisserie, Colin was chatting with the owner. When we left, we thanked them profusely – for feeding us despite not being open and for letting me use the bathroom in their home.
They even gifted us with a magnet, which was awesome, since we collect magnets and hadn’t been able to find an Orange one!
How do you get to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange
The Roman Theatre is located centrally in Orange, a city in the north part of Provence.
Here’s how to get to Orange from nearby cities:
- Avignon to Orange: 30 mins by car, 20 mins by train
- Nîmes to Orange: 50 mins by car, 60-90 mins by train
- Arles to Orange: 60 mins by car, 40 mins by train
- Aix-en-Provence to Orange: 70 mins by car, 2.5-3 hours by train
- Montpellier to Orange: 90 mins by car, 2 hours by train
Once in Orange, you won’t be able to miss the theatre (it’s huge and the town is small). Even better, the City of Orange offers two hours of free parking in the underground lot right next to the Orange amphitheatre. Check signage to ensure this policy is still correct!
Two hours should be plenty of time to explore the theatre, wander through the museum and even enjoy a quick lunch of rotisserie chicken. Of course, you can always pay for additional time if needed.
Where to stay in Orange
We visited Orange on a day trip from Avignon, which worked really well with our Provence itinerary. But you could also choose to stay the night and enjoy more time in this little city!
Here are some top rated Orange hotels to check out:
- Budget stay: L’herbier d’Orange. This simple but colourful hotel could not be in a better location (right next to the theatre) and has a restaurant on site.
- Mid-range stay: Grand Hotel d’Orange. This BW Signature Collection hotel offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool and hot tubs, and you can even include breakfast and dinner in your room rate.
- Splurge stay: Effets Personnels. Enjoy a luxury stay in a historic building with breakfast included. Guests love the secluded garden and beautiful views.
Wrapping up: So is Orange, France’s theatre worth it?
Absolutely! Colin and I had an amazing time visiting the Roman Theatre in Orange. After visiting quite a few Roman sites in Arles and Nîmes, I can say that Orange’s theatre definitely was the standout.
The theatre itself is visually impressive and it feels like you can explore it more up close and personal than you can in some other historic sites.
But more than just a lot to look at, there’s also a lot to learn and a lot to do at the theatre. With the informative audio guide and cool interactive rooms, we spent much longer at the theatre than I thought we would.
Because Orange is so close to some of Provence’s heavy hitters like Avignon, Pont du Gard and Chateauneuf du Pape, it’s an easy half-day trip. You can hit the theatre, museum and my favourite chicken shop in just a couple of hours.
And in my opinion, that’s a couple of hours very well spent!
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