Orange Travel Guide (Vaucluse/Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur/France/Europe)

Orange, located in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in France, is a charming town renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, Orange has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Orange, as well as providing you with handy tips on local culture and customs, safety, and health.

Introduction to Orange

Orange is a small town known for its impressive Roman architecture and its interesting history. The town has a rich culture and tradition that can be seen in its various architectural structures and museums. Orange boasts of a comfortable climate, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

List of Places to Visit in Orange

When visiting Orange, there are various places that you must explore to experience the town’s unique culture. Below is a list of the top places to visit in Orange.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Orange has a rich history that dates back to Roman times, and visitors can explore it through its wide range of museums and historical places. Don’t miss these highlights:

Theater Antique: This ancient Roman theater, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all visitors to Orange. It is one of the best-preserved theaters from antiquity and is known for its impressive stage wall.
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire: The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is home to numerous collections of artwork and historical artifacts from various periods of Orange’s history.
Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth: Built-in the 11th century, this cathedral is known for its impressive Romanesque style of architecture.

Natural Attractions of Orange: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking for an adventure in nature, Orange has plenty of options. Some of the must-see natural attractions include:

Mount Ventoux: Reaching over 1900 meters, this mountain offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding areas.
The Dentelles de Montmirail: This mountain range offers great opportunities for hiking and scenic drives.
Gorges du Toulourenc: This natural park provides opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear waters in a beautiful setting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Orange

Orange is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with various routes and trails that range in difficulty and length. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Orange:

Sentier des Dentelles: This trail takes you through the beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail mountains.
Dentelles Rim Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and is suitable for experienced hikers.
Gorges du Toulourenc Trail: This trail leads you through beautiful forests and provides opportunities for swimming in clear waters.

Best Things to Do in Orange: Activities and Tours

Orange offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Some of the top things to do include:

Wine Tasting Tours: Orange is known for its wine, and you can visit vineyards to learn about the process of winemaking and taste some of the best wines.
Market Day: Every Thursday morning, Orange holds a lively market where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Festivals: Orange hosts the famous Chorégies d’Orange, an opera festival that takes place in the ancient Roman theater every summer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Orange

Day 1: Visit the Theater Antique and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

Day 2: Take a hike in the Dentelles de Montmirail Mountains

Day 3: Visit the Gorges du Toulourenc natural park and enjoy swimming in the clear waters

Day 4: Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth and the Hôtel de ville

Day 5: Take a wine-tasting tour of the vineyards

Day 6: Explore the local markets and buy souvenirs

Day 7: Attend a performance at the Chorégies d’Orange opera festival

Food and Drink Scene of Orange

If you’re a food and drink lover, Orange will not disappoint. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages that you should try during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

Daube Provençale: This slow-cooked beef stew is a traditional dish in Provence that’s full of flavor.
Tapenade: This savory spread is made from olives, capers, and herbs and is great as a snack or as an ingredient in various dishes.
Ratatouille: This vegetarian dish made from eggplants, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and onions is delicious and healthy.

Local Beverages

Wine: Orange produces a wide range of wines, including the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Pastis: This anise-flavored aperitif is a popular drink in Provence and is often enjoyed before meals.
Orange juice: Oranges are grown in abundance in Orange, so it’s no surprise that their juice is a must-try during your visit.

Where to Stay in Orange: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Orange abounds with accommodation options for visitors, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Below are some of the top places to stay in Orange:

Hotel Le Manoir: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of the town and offers excellent facilities, including a spa and an outdoor pool.
L’Herbier d’Orange: This budget-friendly eco-friendly hotel is situated in a peaceful area close to the city center and provides comfortable accommodation.
Le Studio de l’Atelier: This guesthouse is located in a quiet residential area and offers cozy self-contained accommodation.

What to Buy in Orange: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Orange is a great place to buy souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the must-buy items include:

Ceramic Pottery: You can find a wide range of handmade ceramics in various colors and designs at local shops.
Provencal fabrics: The region is known for its brightly colored fabrics, and you can find various products made from these fabrics, such as tablecloths, napkins, and clothing.
Olive oil: Orange is surrounded by olive groves, and you can find some of the best olive oils in local shops and markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Orange

Orange has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

When entering a public space, greet everyone present with a quick “Bonjour.”
It’s customary to shake hands when first meeting someone.
French is the official language, but many locals speak English.

Best Time to Visit Orange

The best time to visit Orange is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. The summer months are the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Orange

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Orange:

Do:

Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Keep your valuables safe and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Use “Bonjour” and “Merci” when interacting with locals.

Don’t:

Don’t forget to tip at restaurants. A 10% tip is usually sufficient.
Don’t be too noisy in public spaces, especially during the afternoon “siesta” hours.
Don’t be surprised if many shops close during the afternoon for a few hours.

Safety and Health

Safety in Orange

Orange is a generally safe place to visit, but it’s always best to take precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Be wary of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Always lock the doors and windows of your accommodation when leaving.

Health in Orange

France has an excellent public healthcare system, and visitors are eligible for emergency medical treatment. It’s always recommended to obtain travel insurance before visiting Orange.

Getting to Orange: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are your options for getting to Orange:

Airports Near Orange

Avignon-Provence Airport: This airport is located 30 minutes from Orange and has frequent flights to various destinations in Europe.
Marseille Provence Airport: This airport is about 1h20m from Orange and has daily flights to major European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Orange

Gare Routiere d’Orange: This bus station is located in the town center and has connections to cities such as Avignon, Marseille, and Nimes.

Other Options

You can reach Orange by train or car. The town is connected by rail to Avignon, Marseille, and other major cities in France.

How to Get Around in Orange

The easiest way to get around Orange is on foot. The town is small and easy to navigate, and most major attractions are within walking distance of each other. Taxis are also available for hire, but they can be expensive. Bikes can also be rented for exploring the town and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Orange: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Orange is an excellent base for exploring other attractions in the region. Here are some nearby destinations worth exploring:

Avignon: Known for its famous bridge and the Pope’s Palace, Avignon is a beautiful city located just a short train ride from Orange.
Nimes: This ancient Roman city is famous for its well-preserved amphitheater and temple.
Aix-en-Provence: This lovely city boasts of beautiful architecture, charming alleyways, a vibrant arts scene, and many excellent restaurants and bars.

Conclusion

Orange is a wonderful destination to explore if you’re looking for natural beauty, historical sites, and delicious food and drink. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re now ready to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this charming town. Bon voyage!

Orange Image Gallery

Ruins of a former castle

The world heritage listed Roman theatre is still in use