Visit the Théâtre Antique d’Orange: tickets, prices, opening hours

Staying in the « City of Princes »? Visit Orange’s ancient theater, the best preserved in the Roman Empire!

Let’s head for the South of France, to Orange! Located near Avignon in the Vaucluse department, this small town has a population of around 30,000. Like all towns in the South of France, it has a natural, pleasant joie de vivre that promises a stay you won’t forget.

There’s so much to do and discover in Orange, especially if you’re a lover of good wine and history! Indeed, the city of Orange boasts an extremely rich historical heritage, dating back to Roman times. Its ancient theater and triumphal arch, listed as Unesco World Heritage sites, are two perfect examples. A word of advice: as soon as you arrive, head for the incredible Théâtre Antique d’Orange, reputed to be the best preserved in the West! With its gigantic stage wall, it’s a unique testimony to the Roman presence in Provence.

Whether you’re a history buff, an enthusiast or simply curious, you’ll be simply overwhelmed by the preservation of this edifice. So, here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Théâtre Antique d’Orange!

History of the Théâtre Antique d’Orange

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Luca Quadrio

At the time, Orange was a Roman colony called « Arausio », which underwent significant development during the reign ofEmperor Augustus. It was he who, in a bid to entertain the public and spread Roman culture, gave birth to the Théâtre Antique. With a capacity of close to 9,000 spectators, the Theatre’s audience was divided according to social rank. The front row was reserved for knights, while the middle row housed merchants and Roman citizens. At the very top, the last row brought together prostitutes and slaves.

In the Middle Ages, performances were forbidden, as they had become very violent. The church decided to transform the ancient theater into a place of defense and refuge during the many wars of the time.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that the theater regained its stage vocation. Listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 1981, it has since been the venue for festivals, shows, concerts and one-man shows. With its unique setting, every performance promises a unique experience!

What to see and do at the Théâtre Antique d’Orange?

Photo credit: Shutterstock / LMspencer

To help you plan and prepare for your visit to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange, we recommend you download the app onto your phone or tablet. You’ll find a 1h20 guided tour, as well as a number of thematic interludes to discover the site, Roman antiquity and the world of entertainment.

And don’t forget that audio guides are free and will be given to you on arrival. This way, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit with enriching commentary!

A visit to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange means a visit to the best-preserved Roman theater in the country, and one of the finest legacies of Imperial Rome.

If you visit the Théâtre Antique d’Orange, you can discover :

– The Postscaenium: King Louis XIV called it « the most beautiful wall in his kingdom ». At 103 metres long, 1.80 metres thick and 37 metres high, it’s truly impressive.

– The stage wall (Frons scaenae): very important for sound diffusion, in Roman times it was richly decorated with statues, columns and multicolored marble slabs.

– The cavea: built into the hillside to facilitate construction.

– The orchestra: a semicircle 19 metres in diameter, where the choirs were stationed at the time.

– The stage: 61 meters wide and 13 meters deep, it is framed by two towers called « basilicae ».

– The stage roof: completed in 2006, this modern glass roof was installed after extensive research, to replace an earlier wooden roof that had been destroyed by fire in the 4th century.

Opposite the theater, you’ll find the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire d’Orange, with collections from Antiquity to the 19th century.

How to get to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange

There are several ways to get to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange, located on rue Madeleine Roch in downtown Orange.

By car

• From the A7 and A9 freeways, take the Orange exit
• From the RN7, take the Orange center exit.

Please note: parking is available nearby at the Théâtre Antique d’Orange.

By train

• The nearest TGV station to the Théâtre Antique d’Orange is Avignon, 29 km away. From there, buses will take you to Orange.
• By TER (regional train), you’ll reach Orange’s TER SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from the Théâtre Antique d’Orange.

Orange Antique Theatre opening times & rates

Photo credit: Shutterstock / koka55

SCHEDULES

The Théâtre Antique and the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire are open every day, all year round.

Théâtre Antique

• January, February, November, December: 9:30am-4:30pm
• March, October: 9:30-17:30
• April, May, September: 9am-6pm
• June, July, August: 9am-7pm

Please note: These times are subject to change in the evening during rehearsals and performances.

Museum of Art and History

• January, February, November, December: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m./1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
• March, October: 9h45-17h30
• April, May, September: 9.15am-6pm
• June, July, August: 9.15am-7pm

Please note: gates close 15 minutes before closing time / audioguide distribution closes 1 hour before closing time.

RATES

Theater + Museum of Art and History ticket with audioguide

• Full price: €9.5
• Reduced (7-17 years, students, Education Pass and jobseekers): €7.5
• Special 1 hour before closing time (without audioguide): €8.5
• Family (two adults and two children): €30
• Rates increased by €2 during Augustales (May 1 to 8, May 30 to June 2, June 8 to 10, July 14 to August 15, 2019).
• Free admission for children under 7, journalists, disabled cardholders and accompanying adults

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire ticket only with audioguide

• Full price: €5.5
• Reduced rate: 4,5 €

Virtual tour of the Theatre

• Single price: +5 € on the admission price

Please note: you can buy your ticket in advance directly on the Théâtre Antique d’Orange website. Your e-ticket must be printed in advance and shown at the museum entrance.