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Orange
Orange is the
schoolbook example of a Provencal town. It is loaded with
history. Its age is not certain, but certainly well over two
thousand years. Today Orange has cosy little squares, small
streets, nice outdoor cafés, picturesque little restaurants,
many shops, a beautiful theatre and lots more. On Thursdays
there is a large open-air market throughout the downtown streets.
Orange is one of the foremost historical cities of France. As an
old Roman fortified city, it is world-renowned: Orange houses no
less that two world-monuments on Unesco’s list of Human Heritage.
There is the Arc de Triomphe, built just about in the front yard
of Villa de l’Arc (granted: the Arc was there first). The Arc
measures about 60 feet high and wide and is the world’s third
ranking remaining Roman triumphal arc. It was built in 27 BC. It
still stands there, virtually untouched, for you to enjoy. And
then there is the Théâtre Antique, built around 90 AC.
The stage wall still stands erect, some 100 feet high. Only very
few amphitheatres in the world still have that feature. On warm
summer-evenings, opera-performances and concerts are offered in
the Théâtre Antique for 8000 attendees. An experience you won’t
forget for the rest of your life.
But there is a lot more history in Orange. It is the place of
origin of the Dutch Royal family: Van Oranje-Nassau. We’ll
gladly tell you the story over a good glass Vin de
Principauté d’Orange on our terrace.
Orange was the place of many battles in the black medieval
times, and continuous religious battles in the centuries
thereafter. Come and discover Orange’s history for yourself. You
can walk for hours in the historic city and municipal museum, or
you can take a guided tour (also in English).
Back to the Orange of today. Find your favorite café, with its
lovely terrace on the square right in front of the ancient city
hall of Orange. Have a seat and relax in the early morning sun
with a café au lait. Or in the late afternoon sun with a
kir or pastis. Orange is the center of the world-famous
Rhone wines and you can taste that all over town. Watch the
passers-by, enjoy the colors of the Provence and find peace. |
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