Orange

The town of Orange dates from before the Romans, but it is they who left their mark on this busy town. Entering from the north by the N7 presents a first glimpse of Roman architecture, the ‘Arc de Triomphe’, now the centrepiece of a roundabout.

There is much to see in the town and there is plenty of pay and free parking. You are well advised to grab the first parking space you can and explore the town on foot - so much easier and you see far more.

Not far from Orange is the small town of Vaison-la-Romaine, well worth a detour to see its many Roman ruins and the Roman bridge over the river. The medieval town is on the Ouvèze river and has steep narrow streets leading to the ruined castle, the Château Comtal, with its spectacular views.

Roman baths were discovered under the post office at The Quartier de la Villasse. This section has what may have been a major thoroughfare with pavements, shops and colonnades that are thought to have supported a roof creating an extensive covered walkway.

For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of Interest)