Orange is a Provencal city with 30 000 inhabitants, located in the Rhône Valley and close to the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
The city of Orange is ideally located, having a direct access to the highway A7 Lyon-Marseille and highway A9 Orange-Barcelona.
It is also a commercial crossroad, developed at the creation of the Roman Empire. As a matter of fact, the “Via Agrippa” linking “Lugdunum” to “Arelate” crossed the roman city of Arausio. The national road 7 linking Paris to Menton partly follows the old pattern of the “Via Agrippa”, making Orange an essential step on the way to holi- days! Orange is a city full of surprises and experiences especially appreciated by visitors; it contains two monuments classified “world heritage site”.
Come and see the Roman Theatre of Orange, a unique architectural masterpiece. You will also discover a generous Terroir, quality products and a welcoming population.
The city of Princes offers an experience through time and culture. Discover the beauty of the historical center, its rich architecture and past. Orange heritage pro- vides the background to a host of activities and leaves space for the bustle of modern life. Through its shady squares and history-soaked streets, there is a mellow life-style waiting to be enjoyed.
Orange should be savored, like the Cotes du Rhone wines our terroirs produce. SUMMARY
Monuments and UNESCO’s World heritage...... page 1 à 7 Roman Theatre... page 1
Triumphal Arch... page 2
Art and History Museum... page 3 & 4
Cathedral Notre Dame de Nazareth... page 5
Saint Eutrope Hill.. page 6
115 Air Base museum... page 7
Guided Tours...... page 8
Little touristic train and tour buses...... page 9
Main events in Orange...... page 10 à 18
Provencal market...... page 19
Identity...... page 20 & 21
Orange through the centuries...... page 22
Provence by bike...... page 23 & 24
Outdoor activities...... page 25
In the heart of a prestigious region...... page 26
Wine and vineyards...... page 27 & 28
Stay in Orange...... page 29
Come to Orange...... page 30 MONUMENTS UNESCO ET PATRIMOINE
ROMAN THEATRE
Managed by Culture Espaces www.theatre-antique.com 170 000 visitors every year .
New from May 2018 by Culturespaces : Virtual Tour: Discover the Roman Theatre’s construction and witness its inauguration under Augustus 8 years of spectacular work: cleaning, reign at the 1st century. consolidation, securing.
Orange’s Roman theatre, constructed at the beginning of the Christian era, owes its reputation to the exceptional condition of its backdrop wall. Life in the old town revolved around it. The superb acoustics and structure enabled an audience of 9000 to attend performances there.
Its cultural function was forgotten after the chaotic 4th century, and it was built over as a housing area. But in the 19th century it finally returned to its original activity.
The scene wall of the Roman Theatre is 103 meters long and 37 meters high, an impressive structure pro- tected by UNESCO’s world Heritage label. Its cultural function was forgotten after the chaotic 4th century, and it was built over as a housing area. But in the 19th century it finally returned to its original activity.
In 1869, Orange re-launched the Open Air Theatre, attracting the biggest names in drama and opera. In 1971, the “New Chorégies” troupe won international fame for the theatre. Each year since then, the Theatre has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors during its summer season.
The roman Theatre can be visited everyday with an audio guide which retraces the history of the city from the roman era to our days.
The phantoms of the theatre: multimedia animation in four caves. They show performances from different eras: Antiquity, Belle Époque, Orange in 1975 or French Woodstock and Chorégies d’Orange.
Audio guided tour in 9 languages Family-friendly with a play book for kids info
Multilingual group visits:[email protected] Night thematic tours in summer Summer tours with professional guides m ore
1 TRIUMPHAL ARCH
The Arch, dedicated at first to the feats of the Gallic 2nd Legion veterans who founded the Roman colony of Orange early in the first century and then to the Emperor Tiberius, is an outstan- ding monument in the roman provin- cial style. As a ceremonial gateway, it marked the boundary between the world of the dead and the original city.
www.orange-tourisme.fr
Made of building stone, it is 20 meters long, 20 meters high and 8 meters large. During the Middle Age, the Arch was converted into a defense post. It was well preserved thanks to this military function. It is protected by the UNESCO world’s heritage label since 1981.
The monument was renovated in 2009, especially the ornamental sculptures and the stone color.
2017 Embellishment of the Triumphal Arch surroundings
-The Triumphal Arch’s avenue was reorganized, and it now only takes 10 minutes to go from the city center to this monument. There are now large sidewalks. info
- Guided tours are available at the Tourist Office during summer. m ore
2 THE ART AND HISTORY MUSEUM
Installed in 1933 in a 17th century private residence next to the Roman Theatre, the museum displays a collection of works from the Gallo-roman era to the beginning of the XX° century. In a room dedicated to the Antiquity, the museum will show you unique documents: 3 roman cadastres set in marble.
Tour with a multilingual audioguide. Open every day. Combined ticked with the Roman Theatre www.theatre-antique.com
must see
- Decorative marble elements from the Theatre’s wall: Cen- taurs, Amazon warriors.
- Portraits of the Orange-Nassau family, princes of Orange from 1530 to 1702.
- Mosaic of the centaurs from the caves of Ilot Pontillac.
3 The Gasparin Family The Wetter factory In this room, portraits, A testimony of the Pro- furniture and object from vencal fabric history. This the Gasparin family are room gives the visitor displayed. an insight into the life This family’s best-know of an “indienne” textile politicians were Thomas manufacturer, with detai- Augustin, member of the led views of the different convention parliament, steps involved in printing and Adrien de Gasparin, the cotton fabrics which who paved the way for the created the industry’s National Institute of wealth. A small “indien- Agronomical Research. neur” workshop helps you to understand the plank printing technique used for the fabrics made in this factory.
Paintings and drawings: Franck Brangwyn and Albert de Belleroche In 1940, thanks to the Seven paintings from influence of Edouard Albert de Belleroche were Daladier; the city received restored in 2016, inclu- a collection of works by ding “La Femme en vert”, Albert de Belleroche and painted in 1908 measu- Frank Brangwyn, an En- ring more than two me- glishman. ters high.
Franck Brangwyn, specia- lized in Art Nouveau, is fa- mous for his monumental decorations of The House of Lords and the Rockfeller Center in New York.
Count Albert de Belleroche was born in 1864, he en- ters Carolus Duran works- hop in 1882, where he meets John Singer Sergent, portrait painter renown in the capital. He often went in Parisian cafés where he met Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde, Renoir, Toulouse- Lautrec.
4 CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME-DE-NAZARETH
Orange’s cathedral was dedicated to Our Lady of Nazareth on the 26th October 1208, in the presence of Guillaume des Baux, Prince of Orange. The original building, which was also used for meetings of the Principality’s general assemblies, would be considerably altered through the centuries. The different styles employed reflect the history of the Catholic Church in Orange. After being sacked by the Hugue- nots in 1561, it was restored early in the 17th Century following the original plan, similar to that of Saint Paul Trois Chateaux.
Towards the end of the 18th Century, Orange’s last bishop, Monseigneur du Tillet, undertook its restora- tion and added to its furniture (stalls, main, altar, etc). Converted into a temple to the goddess of Reason during the Revolution, it was later returned to the Church. In the 19th Century, it was decorated with fres- cos and stained-glass windows, and the eastern porch was reconstructed in the neo-gothic style. more info
-Restored chapels
-The Vierge’s chapel (painting restored and cleaned) -Saint Eutrope’s chapel:painting decorations
- Musical events thanks to a unique acoustic : La messe des Chorégies La messe des Chorégies Les dimanches musicaux de la Cathédrale (music events on Sunday): Classical, Baroque, religious music.
10 SAINT EUTROPE HILL
The Roman Theatre rests its seats against this hill.
It dominates not only the city but also the Rhone Valley and the countryside leading east to Mont Ventoux, and offers visitors an outstanding panorama.
In its public park, you will find a remains dating back through Orange’s past, including those of the Princes of Nassau’s château (in its time considered one of the most beautiful forts in Europe).
Accessible by foot or light vehicle only.
more info Citadel and Castle Citadel fortified by Maurice de Nassau, Prince of Orange in 1622, it was considered as “one of the most beautiful strongholds in Eu- rope”. It was demolished by order of Louis XIV. Nowadays some remains can be seen: The Rhone’s Tower, old defense walls and moats. They are a testimony of the struggles between United Provinces and the French Kingdom.
-Stroll in the shade of trees
- Evening Open-air dance hall and res- info
taurant
- Geocaching, treasure hunt
- Playgrounds and picnic area m ore
11 THE MUSEUM AT THE 115 AIR Booking BASE AT ORANGE-CARITAT is required
The Museum at the 115 Air Base at Orange-Caritat was first opened to the public on an open day on 24th June 2009. It comprises of 6 rooms and relates the role played by the Air Base in international conflict.
At the start of the visit two entrance halls detail the main historical landmarks from 1928 to the present day, focussing primarily on the inter-war period, the 2nd World War and the post- Cold War period, and the history of the Air Base itself.
Furthermore, visitors are invited to learn about the wars in Algeria and Indochina. Finally, there is an information panel dedica- All information displayed on the ted to the Ground-to-air Defence Squadron (EDSA) panels in the Museum is divided into disbanded in 2008. three sections: -National incidents; These two halls are followed by a third relating current conflicts -Military reaction to these incidents; and the activities and missions of the Air Base today. A fourth hall -Consequences for the Air Base. consists of a gift shop and further information about the French Air Force (ALA) as well as military artefacts donated by several families. The planes on display at the entrance to the Museum complete The two final halls of the visit are more interactive with this spectacular visit. computers and a film about the Base, designed to provide visitors with more information and test their knowledge of the topics touched on in the Museum with a quiz. [email protected]
Tel +33 (0)4 90 11 56 00
7 GUIDED TOURS
Orange, roman city
Orange, roman city founded around 35 BC, contains 2 monuments protected by UNESCO World Heritage label: The Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch.
1. TRIUMPHAL ARCH + ROMAN THEATRE 2 hours 45 pers. max 2. TRIUMPHAL ARCH + CITY CENTRE 2 hours 45 pers. max 3. TRIUMPHAL ARCH + ROMAN THEATRE + CITY CENTRE 3 hours 45 pers. max 4. TRIUMPHAL ARCH + ROMAN THEATRE + ROMAN CADASTRES 3 hours 40 pers. max 5. TRIUMPHAL ARCH + ROMAN THEATRE + ROMAN CADASTRES + CITY CENTRE 4 hours 40 pers. max 6. ROMAN THEATRE + CITY CENTRE 2 hours 45 pers. max 7. ROMAN THEATRE + ROMAN CADASTRES 2 hours 40 pers. max 8. ROMAN THEATRE + ROMAN CADASTRES + CITY CENTRE 3 hours 40 pers max 9.PERSONALIZED GUIDED TOURS
BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR IN ORANGE: [email protected]
IN FRENCH AND ENGLISH
From Monday to Saturday Sunday Statutory Holidays 1st May
2 hours 130 € 2 hours 160 € 2 hours 200 € 2 hours 220 € 3 ou 4 hours 170 € 3 or 4 hours 220 € 3 or 4 hours 260 € 3 or 4 hours 310 € Full day 280 € Full day 360 € Full day 430 € Full day 530 €
IN SPANISH, ITALIAN AND GERMAN
From Monday to Saturday Sunday Statutory Holidays 1st May RATES 2018 RATES 2 hours 170 € 2 hours 210 € 2 hours 250 € 2 hours 300 € 3 or 4 hours 200 € 3 or 4 hours 260 € 3 or 4 hours 310 € 3 or 4 hours 370 € 25 Full day 320 € Full day 410 € Full day 500 € Full day 610 €
7 Rates for group tours are subject to booking and in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions of Sale. LITTLE TOURISTIC TRAIN OF ORANGE AND TOUR BUS
RAOUX VOYAGES little touristic train in Orange *For groups by appointment all year long
Group booking: *Not on Thursday: market day and on Saturday morning Tel :+33 (0)6 60 38 02 10 +33 (0)4 90 33 00 03 *Route: Triumphal Arch, Roman Theatre, Saint Eutrope Hill
www.petittraindorange.com *Duration: Around 60 minutes / commentary in French and English [email protected] [email protected]
Maximum capacity *55 persons for adult groups *65 persons for children groups
TRANSDEV SUD EST MOBILITES For tourism professionals, associations, com- panies looking for a tour bus. Cultural tours, sport events, hiking.
CONTACT : Virginie CHAL BLANC – sales department [email protected] GINOUX VOYAGES +33 (0)4 76 00 53 / 06 71 27 99 79 Tour bus renting and travel agency Request for quotation on sudest-mobilites.fr Section “sorties de groupes” 213 cours Pourtoules +33 (0)4 75 35 69 90 www.ginhoux-autocars.com
9 MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE
LES CHORÉGIES D’ORANGE The oldest festival in France
Each summer, the Roman Theatre hosts tens of thousands of visitors for summer events, such as Les Chorégies.
International artists, prestigious place, unique scene This festival is considered one of the oldest open air festival, the first performances began in 1869. They were called “Roman celebrations”, created by three inhabitants of Orange; strong defenders of culture: Anthony Réal, Félix Ripert and Alphonse Bernard.
The keys to the success of the event are a prestigious place, a unique scene and an ideal acoustic. Its name will change to Les Chorégies in the XXth century to give it back its roman origins.
Since 1971, “Les nouvelles Chorégies” became an international scene for opera, it hosts ar- tists and troupes world-famous. French and foreign composers are part of the program, such as : Gounod, Bizet, Verdi, Bellini, Donizetti, Warner, Strauss, Moussorgski… .
Nowadays, “les Chorégies d’Orange” is one of the best festivals in France, thanks to its pro- gram and renowned artists. It has acquired an international reputation.
“The Great Wall”: The Roman Theatre has an exceptional acoustic thanks to the preservation of its wall.
“We are always looking for an echo of our voice. The roman architects did wonders: One can quickly realize this place was made for music, you open your mouth and music comes out leisurely.” Vittorio Grigolo – La Provence (newspaper) 17 of June 2011.
9 FESTIVAL LYRIQUE 10 PROGRAM 2018 La FluteEnchantée,balletbyMauriceBéjart,RomanTheatre Recital KarineDeshayes,mezzosoprano,CourSaintLouis Recital EVA-MARIAWESTBROEK,soprano,CourSaintLouis In case of bad weather, take will place on Wednesday 1st of July at 9:30pm In case of bad weather, take will place on Tuesday 10th of July at 9:45pm In case of bad weather, take will place on Tuesday 17th of July at 9:45pm In case of bad weather, take will place on Sunday 5st of July at 9:30pm In case of bad weather, take will place on Friday 6th of July at 9:45pm Promising artistsconcertofADAMI,CourSaintLouis Recital GeorgePeatan, baryton,CourSaintLouis Recital EdgardoRocha,tenor,CourSaintLouis Fantasia, Disney,cine-concert,RomanTheatre Il barbiere di Siviglia,Rossini,Roman Theatre Il barbierediSiviglia,Rossini,RomanTheatre SATURDAY 4THOF AUGUSTAT9:30PM SATURDAY 4THOFAUGUSTAT6:00PM Nuit Russe,lyricconcert,RomanTheatre THURSDAY 5THOFJULYAT9:45PM THURSDAY 5THOFJULYAT6:00PM FRIDAY 3RDOFAUGUSTAT9:30PM MONDAY 16THOFJULYAT9:45PM MONDAY 16THOFJULYAT6:00PM TUESDAY 31STOFJULYAT9:30PM TUESDAY 31STOFJULYAT6:00PM In case of bad weather, in the “Palais des Princes” In case of bad weather, in the “Palais des Princes” In case of bad weather, in the “Palais des Princes” In case of bad weather, in the “Palais des Princes” MONDAY 9THOFJULYAT9:45PM MONDAY 9THOFJULYAT6:00PM In case of bad weather, in the “Palais des Princes SUNDAY 8THOFJULYAT9:45PM Mefistofele, Boito,RomanTheatre Mefistofele, Boito,RomanTheatre www.choregies.fr Place Silvain Ticket Office More info 11 Wine contest Since 1952, Orange organizes a wine convention and a FEBRUARY wine contest, to this day one of the most ancient and 3 prestigious contest in the Vallée du Rhône.
This event, recognized by EU authorities, gathers around 3000 wines from various Vallée du Rhône’s de- signations. 150 selections boards made of French and international professionals will select and vote for the Ticket Office best wines. Among the designations of the contest: Place Silvain Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhônes Villages, AOC Ven- toux, AOC Luberon, Grignan les Adhémar, Costières de Nîmes, Côtes du Vivarais.
power trophy MARCH Evening event in partnership with Canal Plus, organized by “First Impact” and “Power Boxing”. Several internatio- 17 MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE nal boxers will fight
History market march 31 to Thanks to «Les acteurs de l’Histoire Vivante», this event will april 2 interest all those who appreciate history and historical re- enactment.
This history market hosts in the exhibition hall more than 80 stands from 10 nationalities and covers eras from Prehistory, Celtic and Roman Antiquity, Middle Age, Renaissance, Em- pire, to «belle époque».
There will be animations for the event : Street shows, fights and inn.
convention science-fiction orange APRIL Second edition of the Sci-Fi Convention Orange, orga- 28 & 29 nized by ASFO84.
During two days, you will be able to meet your favorite super heroes, attend to the parades, take pictures with the best cosplayers of the region, buy goodies, derived products from your favorite animes, etc.Various «geek stands» will be present: Action figures, t-shirts, man- gas. Cosplaying contest and animations for young and old alike. 12 11 pop the opera Created by Jean-Louis Grinda, 600 school and highscho- MAY ol pupils from the region gather on the roman theatre’s 25 scene to sing modern songs, operas, hip hop, movie songs, under the artististic direction of Jean-Marie Leau and Victor Jacob/ Stefano Visconti will be choirmaster, Didier Benetti will be conductor.
Farmers Market ON TUESDAY
From June to September, there will be a farmers JUNE TO market on Cours Aristide Briand (next to the Tourist SEPTEMBER
MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE Office) from 5:00pm to the nightfall.
Seasonal products are sold by local farmers only, directly from the field to the customer.
Latinos Music Festival 1 TO 3 New street animation JUNE For 3 days the city center will host animations. All eve- ning latino and salsa concerts will take place in front of the city hall.
On Sunday evening, Calypso Rose concert at the Ro- man theatre.
l’antre des livres JUNE 11th edition of the festival organized by “Expressions 9 & 10 littéraires universelles” (ELU) with Elan Sud.. This convention offers readings, meetings with editors, publishers, illustrators, animations around writing and illustrating. Each year, editors from France and French-speaking countries present novels, essays, thrillers, comics, poetry, theatre, etc…
Each editor invites authors to publish their work in the year.
13 Medieval Festival JUNE The Principality of Orange celebrates the return of 16 knights, court ladies and minstrels.
A day full of surprises with street animations, costumed parades, ancient professions demonstrations, farm ani- mals, animations for children…
At the end of the day,pyrotechnic display in the presti- gious Roman Theatre of Orange.
JUNE 20 MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE musiques en fête « Musiques en Fêtes », broadcast live since 2011, was elected favourite show by french people since 2014. Famous operas, operettes, musical comedies, ballets, songs illustrated by spectacular shows on the Theatre wall.
fête de la musique JUNE This music festival takes place in the evening. 21 Animations and music bands are everywhere in the city center. It is the occasion to celebrate music in Orange but also to celebrate the return of summer. Agenda: pop, rock, jazz and classical concerts.
Jazz Festival 25 to For a week, jazz music will sound on Place Clemen- 30 JUNE ceau, turned into an open air music scene.
These concerts are free; you can enjoy them at a café’s terrace.
Famous jazz artists will be present….
13 14 off des Chorégies FROM City of music, which welcomes in summer one of the JULY 5 most prestigious international lyric festival, Orange also organizes concerts on Place Clemenceau. Free concerts during summer evenings.
from chorégies d’orange JULY 5
to Since 1971, the “Nouvelles Chorégies” are an internatio- nal opera and host worldly renowned artists and bands. AUGUST 4 With a new director, Jean Louis Grinda, Les Chorégies d’Orange offers a new lyrical and choregraphic pro-
MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE gram. This year, the operas “Mefistofele” by Arrigo de Boito, directed by Nathalie Stuzmann and “Il barbiere di Siviglia” by Rossini, directed by Giampaolo Bisanti. The best of Russian music in “Nuit Russe” by the best of Russian singers and musicians, directed by Mikhail Tatarnikov, accompanied by Monte Carlo’s Opera Chorus.
Ballet is back on the Roman Theatre’s scene with “The Magic Flute” by Maurice Béjart with the company Béjart Ballet Lausanne. A surprising movie concert: “Fantasia” by Disney accom- panied France National Orchestra directed by Didier Benetti.
Also, 4 evening operas with exceptional voices: Karine Deshayes, Edgardo Rocha, Eva-Maria Westbroek, George Petean as well as young artists from ADAMI.
Thursdays in Orange JULY The success of Thursdays in Orange is now confirmed. AUGUST Locals and tourists are used to go to the city centre every Thursday evening in August to listen to street concerts.
A night handicraft market is set near the Roman Thea- tre, next to inflatable castles for children. Restaurants and cafés install theirs tables and chairs on the pedes- trian streets.
You can enjoy these summer nights in a happy and relaxed atmosphere.
15 provence festival
Provence is the main theme of this festival! The city brings back its local history. Ancestral activities are JULY re-enacted in the streets. Washerwomen wash their 21 clothes in the fountains, horses carry hay and farmers prepare the harvest.
There is also a farm filled with animals, and a display of old agricultural tools. The association “Passion Santons” offers a stand with traditional potteries and figurines, a symbol of Provencal tradition.
A Provencal market displays terroir products. For child- ren, Traditional games, animations and pony rides are available.
MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE fête romaine
downtown in the roman theater SEPTEMBER This event brings Orange SEPTEMBER Hundreds of passionate actors will 8 back to the time of its 8 & 9 flood Orange and its Roman Theatre foundation, when it was to celebrate, for a weekend, the Gallic called “Colonia Firma lulia 2nd Legion Veterans who created the Secundani Arausio”. roman colony of Orange.
More than a hundred dis- This event is one of the most impor- guised comedians settle tant in September. in the streets : Gauls camps, agricultural tradi- The Roman Army, powerful and tions, medicine, games, conqueror, key element of Rome’s horses, pottery and mo- greatness, allowed Romans to domi- saic workshops, imperial nate the Mediterranean world from pavilion, the emperor and the 2nd Century BC until the 5th Cen- his court. tury. This army is the origin of nume- rous cities’ foundation, including It is the occasion for Orange, in 35 BC. children and adults to better their knowledge of On the 9th and 10th of September, the roman world. actors and comedians will introduce you to the daily routine of roman A great parade for the soldiers who founded Arausio (now emperor, on horses, fol- Orange). lowed by his loyal legion- naires and his court. In the unique Roman Theatre of Orange (UNESCO World’s Heritage), The loud echo of “caligae” the Roman legions will re-enacted (Roman leather shoes) can camp routines, combat techniques, be heard in the streets of parades. the city.
15 16 International Cuban Festival OCTOBER
Organized by “Passion Timba” and “FIC”, this festival, 27 & 28 every year more important, offers for the 4th year a gathering of Latin dance enthusiasts from every corner of the world.
4 days are dedicated to salsa dance and Cuban and afro-American music.
More than 40 hours of dance class, working groups animated by dance teachers, conferences, dance contests, shows, Djs and concerts with internationally known artists.
MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE International Tournament : Petanque OCTOBER 26 This week of Petanque is organized by “Pétangueules” at TO Hall des Expositions, turned for the occasion in a cove- NOVEMBER 4 red boulodrome.
This year, 512 teams will play.
Olive oil market OCTOBER Orange organises its first olive oil and Terroir products 28 market. Local winemakers will offer tasting of their pro- duction.
salon du mieux-être NOVEMBER 17 & 18 In 2017, the convention hosted more than 1800 visitors.
For 9 years, this convention has been an essential event about well-being.
Conferences, workshops, relaxation space. Many the- rapists will be present, they will offer animations and meetings.
17 “Santonniers” Convention DECEMBER 10th edition of the event, with more than 21000 visi- 8 & 9 tors expected.
“Santons” (Pottery and traditional Provencal figurines) are the symbol of Provence. The association “Passion Santons Provence” achieved to make this convention one of the greatest events about Santons in the world.
It gathers 65 Santons makers, craftmen and creators. In addition there are conferences, workshops, dancing, singing, music and activities for children.
MAIN EVENTS IN ORANGE Christmas in Orange DECEMBER For Christmas, Orange lights up, with more than 350 patterns and millions of lights from the factory “Bla- chère illumination” in Apt on the main streets and squares.
During these celebrations, there will be a show for children, the arrival of Santa in the Roman Theatre, and fireworks shot from the theater’s roof.
To animate this period, there will also be Christmas concerts, parades, chorales, workshops, games, anima- tions for children.
Orange carries on the tradition of Christmas markets, with more than 40 stands: santons, nougat, chocolate, honey, gingerbread, jewels, gloves and scarf…mulled wine and roast chestnuts will perfume the market.
17 18 PROVENCAL MARKET
Weekly market, every Thursday morning in the city center
Orange’s Market exists since 1428 by order of Prince Louis II de Châlon-d’Arvay, it was a cattle market but it evolved.
Today more than 300 stands offer local products, handicraft, and fabrics.
Fruits and vegetables market from Monday to Saturday all year long, on holidays from 5:30pm to 8pm. (Quartier Passadoire)
“Farmers market“ from June to September 2018, every Tuesday at 5:00pm on Cours Aristide Briand. su mm er
Zoom on our craftmen Zoom on our producers REGAL TENDANCE LA FERME AUX HIRONDELLES DOMAINE DE RUSSAMP Chocolatier, traditionally made Fruits (watermelons and melons) Cheese factory. Goat farm. Italian ice creams, chocolate and and vegetables, cereals, wine Processing milk into cream cakes collections Impasse 385 CD 11, cheese or dry cheese. Rue Madeleine Roch, 84100 ORANGE. rte d’Uchaux, 84100 ORANGE Qu. Russamp, Chemin de Bédar- Tel : +33(0)4 32 80 24 74 , Tel : +33(0)6 07 23 66 18 rides, 84100 ORANGE [email protected], regaltendance. Tel : +33(0)4 90 29 50 82 com. CABANIS SAINT BARDON LES VERGERS D’AURIAC Baker, ice cream maker and choco- Strawberry seller (from April to Seasonal fruit and juice seller latier. June) Route de Roquemaure, 84100 8 bis rue du Mazeau, Chemin de Meyne Ouest, Chemin Saint ORANGE 84100 ORANGE Bardon, 84100 Orange Tel : +33(0)4 90 83 71 97, Tel : +33(0)4 90 34 03 33 Tel : +33(0)6 09 77 48 12 [email protected] [email protected] www.vergersdauriac.fr JEAN-PIERRE MAGNAN FERME DES 4 SAISONS JAS BIO Farm products: fruits, vegetables, Cabinet-maker. Furniture and An organic cooperative: vege- goat cheese, poultry, olive oil, instruments making. tables, meat, cheese, bread, truffles and honey. 8 bis rue du Mazeau, 84100 ORANGE wine, honey.. 85 avenue Delattre de Tassigny Tel : +33(0)4 90 34 25 62, Zone des Pradines, route de Sérignan 84100 ORANGE [email protected], 84100 ORANGE Tel : +33(0)4 90 34 07 09 tambourin-galoubet.monsite-orange.fr Tel : +33(0)4 90 66 89 19
19 IDENTITY The name of the town throughout the centuries
Various theories surround the origin of the name of this town and to this very day it still remains a puzzle. Suggestions of the origin of the name from various Celtic, Roman and French languages and dialects are as follows: Arausion, Arausio, Arausica, Aurïaca, Auriaca, Aurenga, Orenge, and Orange.
Arausion: A word of Celtic origin, meaning the ‘town near the river’. Arausio: From ‘Colonia Firma Iulia Secundanorum Arausione’, the Roman name for the town. The discovery of an inscription in Nîmes in 1830 revealed the complete name of the town as used by the Romans.
Aurenga: A name of Romance origin. Nationality Location
The Roman town was founded in about 40-30 Situated on the alluvial plane of the Rhône BC by veterans of the Second Gallic Legion and and with two tributaries of the Rhône became an earldom under the Emperor Charle- running through it (the Meyne through the magne. Subsequently the Middle-age Town of centre of the town and the Aygues to the Orange was named as capital of its principality north of it) the town has always developed in the 12th century. Thereafter the houses of around Mount Saint-Eutrope. Because of its Baux (1178-1393), Châlon (1393-1530), Nassau location along the Rhône corridor and on (1530-1702) and Conti (1702-1731) reigned in the path of Agrippa, Orange has also been succession. The principality finally ceased to an important thoroughfare since ancient exist in 1731 as the result of an exchange in times. which the principality became part of the Princi- pality of Dauphiné.
Population (in 2015) Birthplace 30627 inhabitants The original town was situated 5 km south of the Gallo-Roman town, on Lampourdier Hill where impor- tant Iron Age ruins from the 6th century BC have been discovered.
Excavation works on Mount Saint- Eutrope, which looms over the pre- sent town, have only revealed very slight traces of occupation from prehistoric times and during the 1st century BC. The Orange coat of Arms
‘An upper half comprising of a blue horn with knotted cord on a gold back- ground, with a bottom half depicting an orange branch bearing 3 golden fruits and green leaves on an azure background’.
The upper part of this splendid coat of arms shows a horn typical of the ones used by princes of the House of Baux that ruled Orange from the last quarter of the 12th Century. The French word ‘cornet’ (‘horn’) bears a strong resemblance to the phrase ‘court nez’ (or ‘snub nose’), a motif commonly associated with 793 AD is an Guillaume au court nez (otherwise known as Guillaume au Cornet), a character in important year in the famous French epic poems the ‘Chansons de Geste’. the history of the town as it marks the The three oranges come from the transformation of the city’s name: Araisio, seizure of Orange by Arausio, Aurasio, Anrensis, Aurengis, Orengis, Orenges, Orenge, and finally Guillaume au Cornet Orange. from the Saracens. A relative and courtier This usually comprises of a crown with an oak branch to the right and an olive of the great French branch to the left. emperor Charle- magne, Guillaume later became the Count of Orange.
« I will preserve Châlon » (Je maintiendrai Châlon)
When René of Nassau succeeded his uncle Philibert de Châlon (who died in 1530) he took the coat of arms of Châlon with its heraldic motto “I will preserve Châlon” (‘Je matiendrai Châlon’).
This saying has since been used on many an occasion in the abbreviated form “I will preserve” (‘Je matiendrai’), as it appears on the Orange coat of arms. ORANGE THROUGH THE CENTURIES
The prehistoric site of Orange (most probably an It was at the beginning of the 17th century, calm oppidum, or settlement in the administrative area of having been restored to the town, that aristocrats and ancient Rome) has not yet been excavated. Before the gentry began to construct grand stately homes such arrival of the Romans the territory belonged to the as the houses of Joseph de la Pise, Louis de Langes Tricastins, an indigenous Celtic tribe belonging to a and Georges Van Cuyl (the latter of which is now the much larger group known as the Cavares. Museum of Art and History). In 1620 Maurice of Nassau undertook vast fortifications to the town and castle. Arising out of the Roman invasion, the settlement of Later the war between France and Holland was to have Arausio was founded by veterans of the Second Gallic great consequences on the town’s buildings, and the Legion around 40-30 BC. castle was raised to the ground in 1673 by order of Louis XIV. There is only very limited information on Orange in the Merovingian and Carolingianperiods. However it In the 18th century (specifically between 1711 and is known that a bishopric was established during the 1713) Protestants were banished from the Principality period of Barbarian invasion, from which two famous by Louis XIV, and were exiled to Switzerland and Prus- names can be cited: Saint Eutrope, Bishop of Orange, sia. The Great Plague of 1720 saw the death of 550 and William of Gellone, Count of Orange, courtier and people and in 1731 the Principality was left without relative of the great Emperor Charlemagne and, at the a prince, so the territory was annexed to the Dau- end of his life, a Benedictine monk who retired to the phiné. Towards the middle of the century the opening Monastery at Gellone. of a fabric-printing factory by the Wetter brothers brought prosperity and wealth to the town. Bastions In the 12th century the Town of Orange became capi- and defence walls were pulled down to make way for tal of its Principality and was accorded the right to tree-lined avenues. In 1774 the last Bishop of Orange, mint by Emperor Frederic I of Barbarossa. Monseigneur du Tillet, set about the restoration of the Cathedral. During the troubled period around the Revo- The Catherdral of Our Lady of Nazareth was construc- lution, a tribunal ordered 332 people to be executed. ted at the beginning of the 13th century in 1208. Finally in 1793 Orange was made part of the Vaucluse Later, in 1282, a franchise charter was granted by department. Bertrand of Baux, resulting in the creation of a munici- pal council. It was in this century that members of the From the 19th century onwards Orange regained its newly formed Dominican and Franciscan orders esta- calm and prosperity. It is in the course of this century blished themselves in Orange. that Orange implemented its policy for the develop- ment of military infrastructure. Art, culture and the The 14th century was marked by the year 1348, as the clearing and restoration of historical monuments were Black Death wiped out almost half the population of other important projects in this period. The Roman Orange. In 1365 an imperial university was founded Theatre resumed its original function for the first time on the authorisation of Emperor Charles IV offering in centuries and once again became the venue for courses in Law, Linguistics, Logic, Medicine and Philo- open-air productions after its first Roman Festival on sophy. 21st August 1869. Following a Papal bull of 6th August Towards the end of its existence, the quality of the 1877 the Archbishop of Avignon also assumed the role University’s teaching was heavily criticised and people of Bishop of Orange. talked of diplomas diluted with “Eau d’Orange”. It is, however, worth noting that the founder of the British In the 20th century military presence in the town Museum in London, Hans Sloane, after starting his increased, most notably with the creation of the Caritat medical training in Paris concluded them in Orange, Air Base, its inauguration in 1939 by Edouard Daladier where he received his medical diploma on 28th July and the installation of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment 1683. of the Foreign Legion in 1967. Two other industries established themselves in the course of the century: During the 15th century the town developed a policy tourism and wine-making. of fortification in order to better defend itself. Orange has two monuments on the UNESCO World In the 16th century Protestants and Catholics fought Heritage list and has the privilege of being situated at bitterly against one another, capturing and plundering the centre of the Côtes du Rhône wine region. the town in alternate succession.
22
LA PROVENCE À VÉLO
La Provence à vélo is a slow and soft way to discover the touristic heritage through many small roads and charming, bucolic landscapes. This great variety of landscapes goes from “Châteauneuf du Pape” vineyards, “plaine du Comtat”, the lavender fields of “Plateau de Sault”, perched villages in “Luberon” to rivers of “Pays de Sorgues”.
The French department of Vaucluse has created a network of marked itineraries dedicated to touristic cycling.
More than 1550km on small quiet roads, away from major roads.
A network with more than 280 professionals who agreed to a common charter “Acceuil à Vélo” will wel- come you on our territory.
3 CYCLING TOURS START AT THE TOURIST OFFICE OF ORANGE: from orange to caderousse Difficulty: Family Bike: Hybrid or e-bike level Distance: 15.8 km to 29.9 - Duration: 2h to 4h Cool and pastoral cycling tour through the agricultural lands of Orange and Caderousse, with the Mont Ventoux in the background. Wheat fields alternate with fields of sunflower and summer melons. Take a refreshing pause at the Caderousse swimming and fishing lake, or visit the village with its 19th century breakwater and rich historical heritage.
from orange’s antic stones to châteauneuf-du-pape’s pebbles Difficulty: Hard Bike: Hybrid or e-bike Distance: 32.2 Duration: 2h Leaving from Orange, this cycling tour offers you a great view of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux. You will cycle through the vineyards of Orange, Courthezon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a landscape of valleys and contrasts.
from orange to serignan du comtat Difficulty: Family Bike: Hybrid or e-bike Distance: 26km Duration: 2h Cycling itinerary through wheat fields and past typical Orange country houses. Discover the village of Piolenc with its mythical N7 road. Vineyards alternate with olive and oak trees, with the Mont Ventoux and Dentelles de Montmirail in the background. Visit the village of Sérignan du Comtat: beautiful Provencal houses with golden stones from the same quarry as the stones used for the Roman Theatre. Visit the house of entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre and disco- ver the places where he lived. 23 From Orange, it is easy to travel to the other villages: Jonquières, Courthézon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Bédarrides, “Ile de l’Oiselet” in Sorgues. The “Plaine de l’Ouvèze” will reveal itself to you; Chateauneuf du Pape, cereal fields, vineyards, Mont Ventoux and Dentelles de Montmirail will accompany you on accessible roads,by bike or e-bike.
Strolling from Jonquières to the via Venessia, marked circuit, 26km, easy difficulty.
On the banks of the Ouvèze River, marked circuit, 11.5km or 29.5km, easy difficulty.
From the Vineyards of Chateauneuf du pape to the Ouvèze River, marked circuit, 28.5km, easy difficulty.
Downloadable on orange-tourisme.fr and chateauneuf-du-pape-tourisme.fr
GREEN WAYS AND BIKE PATHS When it will be finished, Vaucluse’s bike paths network will allow cyclists to ride hundreds of kilometers on roads (separated from cars). Via Venaissia will link Orange to Velleron on 30km, it will be connected to ViaRhôna (EuroVelo 17 from Lake Léman to Mediterra- nean sea) and to Veloroute du Calavon (EuroVelo 8).
VIA VENAISSIA
It consists in an 15km long secured road between the old train stations of Jonquières and Carpen- tras. Created on the tracks of a former railroad, the Via Venaissia goes through villages and the fields of Comtat Venaissin.
CADEROUSSE’S GREEN WAY AND VIA RHÔNA
This stroll is a small Provencal section of the ViaRhôna. It is an easy 3km circuit on the bank of 3 CYCLING TOURS START AT THE TOURIST OFFICE OF ORANGE: Rhône River. This green way allows the discovery of aquatic fauna and flora, as well as the visit of Caderousse.
Project ViaRhôna consists in a 700km long secured road linking Lake Léman, in Switzerland, to Port- SaintLouis-du-Rhône along the Mediterranean Sea. In Vaucluse, when completed, the ViaRhôna should start in Lapalud, cross the Rhône River, go down to Orange, Caderousse, Châteauneuf-du-Pape then Avignon on 50km. The path will go through farm plains, between Rhône’s bank and Massif d’Uchaux. It emphasizes on touristic points of interest, and the discovery of fauna, flora and local heritage. MORE INFO Bike rental in Orange
Sport Adventure Vélocation rents bikes for men, women and children. Pro- vence tours, thematic weekends, trips, road books about heritage and terroir
1 place de la Republique, 84 100 ORANGE. Tel +33(0)4 90 34 75 08 or +33(0)6 10 33 56 54 [email protected] www.nature-bike-provence.com
24 OUTDOOR RECREATION IN THE HEART OF A PRESTIGIOUS REGION
HIKING Orange is located near many mountains; it is possible to gain access to hiking trails of various difficulties:
- Massifs d’Uchaux - Dentelles de Montmirail - Massif du Mont Ventoux - L’Enclave des papes
Hiking trails are downloadable from www.escapado.fr
HORSEBACK RIDING Equestrian centre La Martelière Chemin de Vaysone – Quartier Russamp
www.centreequestredelamarteliere.ffe.com
GOLF 2247 route de camaret – www.golforange.fr
Since 1991, Orange’s Golf Club is open, with 9 holes. The main golf course: 1 par of 34, along 2180 meters. 15 practice spots, 6 covered from rain.
CANOE-KAYAK Many rivers near Orange allow the practice ofcanoe-kayak : La Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse La Cèze at Goudargues L’Ardèche at Saint Martin Le Gardon at Collias
GEOCACHING: TREASURE HUNT 3.85km trail offered by Orange’s Tourist Office. With a GPS device or a Smartphone, this treasure hunt let you discover Orange’s exceptional heritage.
FISHING The association “La Gaule Orangeoise” manages a fishing area ranked Second Category. It is possible to fish in «Le plan d’eau des Paluds» in Orange and in all the rivers around; also in «Le plan d’eau du Revestidou» in Caderousse.
www.federationpeche.fr/84
25 IN THE HEART OF A PRESTIGIOUS REGION
Located next to major roads, Orange is the ideal starting point to discover an exceptionally rich region: natural sites, castles, perched villages.
Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon – 28km
Vaison La Romaine – 28km
Pont du Gard near Remoulins – 40km
Duché d’Uzès – 49km
Nîmes – 53km
Chateau de Grignan – 35km
Arles – 64km
Baux de Provence – 63km
Lavender Fields in Sault – 70km
Mont Ventoux (1912m) – 66km via Malaucène
Dentelles de Montmirail – 19km
Parc Naturel Régional of Luberon – 60km
Gorges de l’Ardèche – 32km (Saint Martin d’Ardèche)
Grottes Aven d’Orgnac and Caverne du Pont d’Arc – 50km
Prestigious vineyards of designated origin:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Baume de Venise, Lirac, Tavel
25 WINE AND VINEYARDS
More than twenty-one centuries of wine-making tradition. The Côtes du Rhône vineyards find their origins in the grapevines grown in the Rhône Valley by the Greeks, and later by the Romans. Today, they make up the second-largest AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wine-producing regions in France.The region is composed of various «terroirs», which means the grapes express different characteristics depending on the area where they are grown. The generous Côtes du Rhône wines, usually the product of skillful blending of several varietals, are dominated by the Grenache, syrah and Mourvèdre grapes.
Most of the «Côtes du Rhône Villages» and «Cru» class wines age well, and the wise consumer who has the patience to wait a few years will be rewarded with
wonderful richness and intensity. in or ed a n uc g d e o EXPERTISE IN ORANGE r p Côtes du Rhône
Wine-making teaching, tasting training in Orange Côtes du Rhône
Villages Lycee viti-vinicole, 2260 route du grès , 84100 Orange Wine-making, wine expertise, wine selling, tasting training, thematic meal Vins IGP t 33(0)4.90.51.48.00 [email protected] eplorange.com www.chateaumongin.com
RESEARCH DEDICATED TO WINE QUALITY institut rhodanien Institut rhodanien, 2260 route du grès, 84100 Orange Wine-making research and experimentation institute for Vallée du Rhone AOC’s wines. t 33(0) 4 90 11 46 00 www.institut-rhodanien.com [email protected]
27 wineries in Orange 4 wine shops
LE PALAIS DU VIN Created by 150 independent Rhône Valley winegrowers, a wine shop where you can discover 600 wines from our terroirs produced by true devotees. Just to give yourself a treat, for a discovery visit or seeking a gift sure to please: skilled advice from the sales staff. Introductions to the art of wine tasting. Rue Syrah, RN7, Sortie A7 n°22, 84 100 ORANGE. Tel +33(0)4 90 11 50 02 [email protected], www.lepalaisduvin.com MORE MORE INFO 27 To book a guided tour in Chateauneuf-du-Pape: [email protected]
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
Trip through the famous vineyards, unique thanks to the rocky soil that absorbs sun’s heat in the day and keep it through the night.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape : A prestigious name
Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s wine fame is universal. Behind this name, there is history, wine expertise and culture.
Between Orange and Avignon, vineyards’ culture has earned a noble reputation, thanks to fine and powerful wines.
This wine culture and expertise is carried on by wine-makers from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon, Orange, Bédarrides and Sorgues.
Strict rules to reach excellence
*Maximum vineyards density 300 to 2500 ceps/hectare *Productivity 35 hectolitre/hectare *Hand harvest is mandatory *Selection of harvests *Natural wine’s degree 12’5 min
L’ECOLE DE DEGUSTATION LABORATOIRE D’OENOLOGIE MOURIESSE In an old cellar, in the heart of the village, the Wine Tasting School offers tasting sessions for all. Sessions are animated by wine experts 2 rue des Papes, 84 232 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tel +33(0)4 90 83 56 15 - www.oenologie-mouriesse.com [email protected]
27 MORE INFO 28 STAY IN ORANGE
Capacity in Orange
*19 hotels: 813 rooms (2.021 beds) *20 vacation rentals *19 «Chambres d’hôtes» (Bed&Breakfast or 97 restaurants Hostel) *1 camping 2 stars (87 campsite spots with a parking facility for camping cars)
Hotels capacity in Orange Two One 4-star Nine 3-star Six 2-star One 1-star non-classified hotel hotels hotels hotel hotels
136 rooms 364 rooms 190 rooms 50 rooms 78 rooms 315 beds 823 beds 463 beds 150 beds 198 beds
ACCUEIL VÉLO
In order to meet the expectations of cyclist tourists; professionals have joined a network: «Accueil Vélo».Cyclists can put their bikes in a secured room, have access to reparation tools, can wash their clothes, can be advised on their trip, can let their cars and then cycle around. Accueil vélo is a label given to hotels with nearby touristic points of interest, or places that allow the discovery of fauna and flora.
29 COME TO ORANGE
BY PLANE BY TRAIN
International Airport of Avignon Provence Orange Train Station Tel: 33 (0)4 90 81 51 51 Avenue Frédéric Mistral SNCF App www.sncf.com International Airport of Marseille Provence www.voyages-sncf.com Tel: 33 (0)820 814 14 Information : 36 35 International Airport of Nîmes Alès Camargue Cévennes Tel: 33 (0)4 66 70 49 49 Direct line Twice daily service to Paris with return to Orange (duration 3 hours 20 min, one way).
78 rooms Highway exit : n° 21 (Orange Centre) et n°22 (Orange Sud) 198 beds MAJOR ROADS A7 (E714) Autoroute du Soleil Lyon - Marseille A9 (E15) La Languedocienne Orange - Perpignan - Barcelona
RN7 Paris - Nice
Bus transvaucluse http://www.vaucluse.fr/deplacements/
Bus company https://www.flixbus.fr/horaires-arrets-bus/orange
Avignon - 29 km Pont du Gard - 30 km Nîmes - 57 km BY ROAD Arles - 65 km Aix en Provence - 105 km Marseille - 121 km Lyon - 200 km Nice - 275 km Paris - 664 km 29 30 ORANGE TOURIST OFFICE 5 cours Aristide Briand, 84100 ORANGE FRANCE
t. +33(0)4 90 34 70 88
www.orange-tourisme.fr
PRESS CONTACT
Guillaume Auffan [email protected] Crédits Photo: Jean-Louis Zimmermann, Laurent Boudereaux © Culturespaces, © Grand Angle, Chorégies d’Orange, skypictures, Orange Tourisme Orange skypictures, d’Orange, Chorégies Angle, © Grand © Culturespaces, Boudereaux Zimmermann, Laurent Jean-Louis Photo: Crédits