Théâtre Antique d'Orange

  • Historic site and monument
  • Historic patrimony
  • UNESCO World Heritage
Rue Madeleine Roch, 84100 Orange
The ancient theater of Orange is the best preserved in the Western world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it owes its fame to its monumental stage wall. "The most beautiful wall in my kingdom", said Louis XIV.
The audioguided tour will take you back through the history of the monument, as well as the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, which traces the history of Orange from antiquity to the 20th century. Built at the beginning of the Christian era, it owes its reputation to the remarkable preservation of its stage wall.

The Theatre features all the components of the Latin Theatre according to Vitruvius: the cavea (hemicyclic seating), the side entrances and the stage wall flanked by parascenia. Designed to accommodate Gallo-Roman audiences, this was the place to spread Roman culture and language. 9,000 spectators could attend tragedies and comedies, as well as dance, acrobatics and juggling shows. Columns and numerous statues in niches originally decorated the stage wall. Burnt down in the 4th century, the theater lost its original function. Its location at the foot of the hill made it an integral part of the city's defense. Over time, it was invaded by houses
and became a veritable residential district. It wasn't until the 19th century that the ancient theater was revived as a performance venue. Auguste Caristie, chief architect of historic monuments, was responsible for its restoration.

Today, the theater welcomes tens of thousands of spectators every year for various summer events, including the famous Chorégies.

The virtual reality experience "Les Secrets du Théâtre, un voyage inattendu" plunges you into the heart of the Theater's golden age in the 1st century, to discover its monumental sets.

At the heart of the Theatre's visit is an educational trail entitled "From Roman to Modern Genius", which shows you how Roman genius developed in a remarkable way and left its mark on our modern culture and civilization.

A new "Legends of the Theatre" tour is also available, allowing you to experience the magic of contemporary shows through 360° videos.

Built under Tiberius in the 1st century, the Arc de Triomphe served as the gateway to the Roman city of Arausio. Its magnificent panels and friezes commemorate Roman victories over barbarian peoples. Another testament to Roman grandeur in Orange, the Arc de Triomphe was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1981.

Store open every day, all year round

Services

Services

Toilets
Parking
Pets welcome
Educational visits
Themed tour
Shop
Tourist brochures
Booking of general amenities

Services offered

Quality standards

Quality standards
Label Accueil VéloLabel Accueil Vélo

Rates

Rates

Rates 2025

Rates 2025
Adult
From 11.50€

Reduced price
From 9.50€

Child
From 9.50€

Group adults
9€

Guided tours for adult and school groups organised by the Orange Tourist Office - reservation required.
This guide service is in addition to the entry charge.

Payment methods

Payment methods

Payment methods

Bank/credit cardBank/credit card
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Travellers ChequeTravellers Cheque
CashCash

Openings

Openings

All year 2025 - Open everyday

Location

Location

Théâtre Antique d'Orange
Rue Madeleine Roch, 84100 Orange

Spoken languages

Spoken languages
  • German
  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Italian

Environment

Environment
  • Close to a motorway
  • Town location
  • In centre of town
  • Station district
  • Close to a public transportation
Updated on 02 July 2025 at 14:11
by Office de tourisme Orange Châteauneuf
(Offer identifier : 680593)
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