More Roman sites in Orange

While in Avignon, we made a day trip to Orange to see the very unique Roman theater, still complete with its stage wall.  In addition to some temple foundations next to the theater, there is magnificent triumph arch to the north.

Orange, is also home of the House of Orange thoughthere is hardly anything to show for it. As John is a William and Mary graduate, he pointed out that the college is 1/2 named after William of Orange.

The town center has a more forlorn look, uncommon in Europe.  We had noticed while coming into town there are several shiny new shopping centers with megastores on the outskirts.  We later learned Orange has an air force base -- such is the fate of modern development.

I'm roaming around on the highest point in Orange, just above the Roman Theater (not in view).


And a view to Mont Ventoux.


A view of the Ancient Roman Theater of Orange from high above the last row.


And another view.


And a side view. It's one massive structure.


After getting a map from the Tourist Office and a baguette from the Casino supermarket, we head north to the impressive Roman Triumphal Arch, set in a roundabout some 600 meters north of city center. 2000 years old! We seen more than several triumphal arches in our travels and this one is the best by far.


The northside with naval battles at top left.




Full view if the north face.


Sun-Ling reflects on the south face before we head to the bus stop.


City center of Orange.


Notice the belfry of the Hotel de Ville is an iron grille; better to let the Mistral winds pass through than stone.


And finally some le trompe-l'œil fun near the bus stop.