The Ancient Theatre at Orange
The Ancient Theatre at Orange is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The theatre owes its reputation to the exceptionally well-preserved ‘scaenae frons’ (the wall at the back of the stage which helped to project sound to the large audience). The north façade of the theatre (37m high and 107m long) was considered by Louis XIV to be the finest wall in his kingdom. Designed for Gallo-Roman spectators, the theatre was originally used to spread Roman culture and language. 8,000 spectators could watch tragedies, comedies and performances by dancers, acrobats and jugglers. It was not until the 19th century that the theatre regained its vocation as a theatre and the setting for great lyrical performances.
Today it is the venue for Les Chorégies, a world-famous musical festival, and Roman spectacles.
Valère, owner of a gite and B&B between Orange and Chateauneuf du Pape, strongly recommends the guided tour of the ancient theatre followed by a 3D video film. Equipped with a virtual reality headset, you are propelled back to the 1st century B.B. where you watch the theatre being built starting with the founding of the city of Arausio.
Added bonus : Special facilities for cyclists (part of the Provence à Vélo network).
Open every day from 01 January to 31 December.
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