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Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange, France

From series “The Most Interesting UNESCO Sites in France”
Year: 1 century B.C. .

The city of Orange is famous all over the world for its ancient sights. A large ancient Roman theater has been preserved here. It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. The theater is used for musical concerts and theatrical performances after a large-scale reconstruction. It is also a permanent venue for the annual summer festival. It's called "Les Chorégies d'Orange".

As the researchers managed to find out, the theater was built during the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus, in the 1st century BC. Initially, it was distinguished by an incredibly beautiful design. The theater never ceases to amaze with its majestic appearance even after thousands of years. Louis XIV first visited the theater in the 17th century. The ancient monument impressed him very much. Louis XIV called the stage of the theater the most beautiful stage in France. It is most interesting to visit the ancient attraction in the summer. The annual opera festival takes place here at this time.

It usually falls in the second half of July. This festival is an outstanding attraction. It was first held in 1869. "Les Chorégies d'Orange" is considered the oldest festival in France today. The festival received its current name in 1902. It has been held continuously since this year. The ancient theater stage has hosted the greatest performers from all over the world over the years of the festival's existence. Sarah Bernhardt performed here in 1903.

Performances by Placido Domingo, Barbara Hendricks, Ruggero Raimondi, Ferruccio Furlanetto, and Montserrat Caballe took place on the ancient stage in various periods. The ancient arena was chosen as the venue for the festival not by chance. It is distinguished by its unique acoustics. Guests of Orange can visit the unique attraction as part of organized excursions. They are held regularly on days when no cultural events take place in the theater. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the most hidden corners of the ancient Roman arena during this tour. Guests will also be able to step on its stage and experience the range of feelings that opera performers who perform in the theater experience. Next - Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay


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  Basilica and hill of Vezelay, France   Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, France  
Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, France Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, France

Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange - interactive map


Nearest airports:
 »  Orange-Caritat Air Base Airport XOG - in 4 km
 »  Caumont Airport AVN - in 26 km
 »  Garons Airport FNI - in 52 km
 »  Vals-Lanas Airport OBS - in 57 km
 »  Istres Le Tube Airport QIE - in 68 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange

Appartement Aristide

Located in 0 km from Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange
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Rooms: 1
The air-conditioned room has a four-poster bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. A homemade, continental breakfast is served daily in the … More: photo, rates and booking
Justin de Provence

Located in 1 km from Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange
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Rooms: 5
The rooms at Justin de Provence have garden and terrace views and en suite facilities with free toiletries. Air-conditioning, individual heating, and … More: photo, rates and booking
Gite de l'Aigues

Located in 2 km from Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange
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Rooms: 1
Gite de l'Aigues is made up of 4 bedrooms and a living room. It is air-conditioned and features a TV with cable channels. A washing machine, ironing … More: photo, rates and booking
Mas du Puits d'Amour

Located in 3 km from Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange
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Rooms: 2
Decorated in a colonial style, the air-conditioned guest rooms all both have a four-poster bed. Free Wi-Fi access is provided, and the en suite … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Amphitheatre in Orange
0 km - Amphitheatre in Orange
The main historical symbol of the French city of Orange is an ancient theater, which is distinguished by a special exquisite design. It was built in the first century AD, during the reign of Emperor Augustine. The majestic arena came to desolation already in year 391. …
Avignon historic center
23 km - Avignon historic center
The city of Avignon is famous all over the world for its amazing historical sights. The entire area of its historic district is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site today. Historical monuments of various periods have been preserved here. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame …
Pont du Gard
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Several aqueducts built during the Roman Empire have survived in the world. The highest of them is in France. It's called the Pont du Gard. This ancient bridge is 275 meters long and 47 meters high. The bridge passes over the Gardon River. It is located in a very …
Pont d Arc
41 km - Pont d Arc
The remarkable natural Pont d’Arc Bridge is located in the French town of the same name. The geological rock formation was formed by the rapid flow of the Ardeche river, which for centuries has washed a beautiful arch of imposing dimensions in a solid rock. The width …
Arenes de Nimes
48 km - Arenes de Nimes
One of the largest amphitheaters in the world is located in the French city of Nimes. The magnificent exterior facade of the amphitheater is decorated with 120 arches. The length of the elliptical arena of the theater is 133 meters, and the width is 101 meters. The …
Amphitheater in Arles
52 km - Amphitheater in Arles
In Arles is a huge and incredibly beautiful antique amphitheater. It was built in 90 AD and is distinguished by its impressive size. Originally, the theater was designed for 20000 spectators. Such a large amphitheater was built not accidentally, it was used for …

Top destination around Ancient theater and Arc de Triomphe in Orange - Avignon

Fans of theatrical art should definitely visit the Avignon Opera House, that was built in 1847. Previously, a smaller theatre in Italian style was located in its place, but in 1846 it was completely destroyed during the fire. Today the beautiful theatre regularly hosts opera performances, classical concerts and theatrical shows, as well as many other interesting cultural events.
Avignon is one of the few cities of Provence, in which part of the ancient fortifications has been beautifully preserved. The most famous and visited are the old Porte de l'Oulle, that were built in the 14th century. In 1783 the gates were completely destroyed, to be rebuilt three years later, but at a new place. These gates are not the only ones that have survived to our days, and interesting tours around all surrounding fortifications are held for tourists regularly.

Tourists with children in Avignon will be interested to visit the Rékien Museum, which holds an interesting natural science exposition. In the vicinity of the city there are several well-known archaeological areas, where researchers have discovered curious finds. During the tour, visitors of the museum will be able to find out about which animals inhabited our planet millions of years ago, as well as which representatives of the flora and fauna can be found around Avignon now.
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