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Roman Theatre of Orange

Rue Madeleine Roch, Orange, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Roman Theatre of Orange (Théâtre antique d'Orange) is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres. It was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27BC-14AD) and was used for public entertainment (poetry reading, comedies) until the decline of the Western Roman Empire and its closure at the end of the 4th century. Nowadays it hosts opera performances every summer during the Chorégies d'Orange festival. The stage is 61m wide and backed by an impressive façade that is 37m high, 103m long/wide and designed to project sound to a large audience. The standard ticket also includes access to the Art & History Museum with audio guide.

Access & Transport

The monument is located in the centre of town, 1km west of the train station. Orange is 30km north of Avignon (A9/N100), 120km northwest of Marseille on the A7 and 200km south of Lyon on the A7. There are also trains to those cities, including some High-Speed train (TGV) services.

Instructions & Recommendations

The Chorégies d'Orange take place every year from end of June to early August and it is worth trying to attend one of the shows if you happen to be visiting around that time: https://www.choregies.fr/

Meta review

The antique theatre isn't very well known outside of France but online reviews are overall very positive with the main issues being the steep steps and entrance price. Visitors point out how massive and well preserved the complex is with many ranking it as one of the best ruins in the Provence region. The size of the stage and the scene wall are particularly impressive.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves the town's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

The Antique Theatre is unusually well renovated and worth a detour for any traveller driving through the region. However, it should be noted that the entrance price is not very wallet-friendly so if Roman ruins are not your thing - or you have already seen too many of them on that trip - you may want to think twice.

Key positive

One of the best examples of Roman Theatres in Europe

Admirably conserved monument

Key negative

Expensive entry price

No other highlights in the town

Suitability

Only the ground floor area is accessible for wheelchair users because of steep stairs elsewhere

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Evening opening hours may change if there are rehearsals or shows taking place.

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY09:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:30 - 16:30

TUESDAY09:30 - 16:30

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 16:30

THURSDAY09:30 - 16:30

FRIDAY09:30 - 16:30

SATURDAY09:30 - 16:30

SUNDAY09:30 - 16:30

Pricing
Rates are increased by €1.50 on days with entertainment (in the summer)
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€11.5
Adult
18 - 64
€11.5
Child
7 - 17
€9.5
Infant
0 - 6
€0
Student price is €9.5
Family price

Max total number:4

Max number of adults:2

Min.child age:7

Max.child age:17

Price for family€38

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