Roman Provence

Craving Culture?

With 300 sunny days a year, Orange caters to all leisure activities, starting with breathing in the soft, fragrant air of Provence, highlighted by France’s oldest festival, the Chorégies d’Orange, during the summer peak.

Founded in 35 BC, the city is deeply influenced by Gallo-Roman culture. Here, you’ll encounter remarkable Roman monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Antique Theater and the Triumphal Arch—one of the best-preserved in the world.

Request a “Heritage Discovery” map from the Tourist Office, designed to guide you through the city’s historic past!

Craving Nature?

You’re close to our Wine Route, and we recommend a stop at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, just a 15-minute drive away. View here our itinerary.

Saint-Eutrope Hill overlooks Orange and its surrounding countryside up to Mount Ventoux… … offering delightful shaded walks just minutes from downtown. Climb to the top for panoramic views marked by orientation tables.

Gasparin Park, right in the city center, is perfect for a leafy break in the heat of summer.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. This aqueduct is one of the most beautiful Roman constructions and the world’s tallest Roman bridge. Over 1000 people worked for 5 years on its construction! The site is open daily throughout the year. Annually, the Fééries du Pont dazzles with breathtaking shows.

Discovery Pass (Pont du Gard, Museum, Cinema, Play Area, Garrigue Memories, Exhibition)
From €6 to €8.50 per person (free for children under 6)

Aqueduct Pass: Discovery Pass + guided tour of the canal
From €6 to €11.50 per person (free for children under 6)

Heritage Pass: Aqueduct Pass + guided tour of Pont du Gard + Museum
From €6 to €15.50 per person (free for children under 6)

Evening Illuminations (May to September)
From €3 to €5 (free for under 17s)

Parking included, strictly for the clientele of the discovery spaces (Museum, Cinema, Play Area, Garrigue Memories, and Temporary Exhibition).

The history of Nîmes is visible in its monuments. Known as “The French Rome,” the capital of the Gard department has cultivated a remarkable cultural and architectural heritage over more than 2000 years. Start with the oldest monument, the Tour Magne… …offering a unique cityscape. A nearby pine forest provides a cool retreat from the summer heat, leading to the 15-hectare natural site of the Jardins de la Fontaine, far from the city bustle.

The Nîmes Arena awaits you. Numerous cafes surround it—enjoy a drink while admiring the magnificent façade before visiting the world’s best-preserved amphitheater.

Take in the beautiful weather and the typical atmosphere of Nîmes at the Market Place before heading to the Place du Chapitre, a popular local gathering spot.
When the sun is at its zenith Head to Tour Magne, nearby, through a pine forest leading to the Jardins de la Fontaine, a peaceful natural site spanning 15 hectares. The Villaret bakery is perfect for an end-of-day snack. Try the famous crunchy biscuits!

In reward for supporting Julius Caesar against Marseille in 49 BC, Arles was made a Roman colony! The city quickly adorned itself with numerous public monuments typical of major Roman cities. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in art and history. Interestingly, Gucci chose this location for its grandiose Cruise 2018 fashion show.

In Arles, it’s not just about the ancient arenas where wild beasts and gladiators once clashed in glory and cruelty. From this splendid heritage, names dear to Marcel Pagnol like Marius and César remain, as well as a vibrant old city, Arelete, with its cheerful colors. With more Roman monuments than any city outside Rome, it is best explored on foot to truly feel its soul. We recommend wandering through the downtown alleys. Don’t miss the Roman amphitheater and the ancient theater.

At the Place du Forum, capture the moment in front of the terrace of Café Van Gogh: the Dutch painter chose to paint this café’s terrace on a starry summer evening in 1888. Will you recognize the painting?

If you love books… The Actes Sud bookstore at Place Nina Berberova offers over 40,000 titles for all tastes and occasions.
One of France’s largest markets, Provençal and Camargue style, takes place in Arles every Saturday – from 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM, on the boulevards des Lices, Georges-Clemenceau, and Émile-Combes.