#Orange Ventoux Classic

[opelman]

21 - Alpine A110 Berlinette by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES4 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Claude VAUTE Copilote : Marie-José JEAN La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8658

[wikitopx]

World-famous wines and Roman monuments have been listed by UNESCO on the menu in the small town of Orange in Vaucluse.

The theater is one of the most spectacular Roman ruins in Europe, and you will be surprised by how many of these buildings are still in place. There’s an informative little museum next door, and a short walk from the center of the town is a Triumphal Arch, noted for its three-arched design. If you love wine you’ll have the pleasure of discovering the many domains, caves, and wineries of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, one of the strictest and most revered labels in the world. Avignon, Luberon, and many other Roman monuments are also within your reach in Orange. Discover the best to do in Orange.

[toc]

1. Roman Theatre

Orange’s Roman Theatre is one of the great ancient sites in Europe. There isn’t a better-preserved Roman theatre in France, or possibly the rest of the continent, and is rare because it retains its scaenae frons – the 37-meter-high stone backdrop to the stage, with niches, columns and a statue of Augustus.

The outside facade is also very beautiful, a majestic stone wall with corolla at the top and three wooden doors leading up to the stage. To this day the theatre can seat 9,000 spectators and has an expansive stage, 61 meters across.

Even now, this is the venue in the atmosphere of the Summer Chorégies, an opera festival held in August every year since the theater was restored in 1969.

2. Triumphal Arch

About half a kilometer north of the theatre, on the N7, is Orange’s other fabulous piece of Roman heritage, dating to the rule of Augustus in the 1st century. It was reserved for members of the Gaulish Army that established Orange and was later updated to include the military successes of Germanicus and Tiberius for German tribes.

One of the things that makes it so noteworthy is that it has three arches, and is the oldest one with this design still intact. Take a few minutes to check out the bas-reliefs, which stood the test of time, even though the arch was a gateway to Orange's medieval fortifications.

3. Le Musée d’Art et d’Histoire d’Orange

Right opposite the theater is an attraction where you can learn about the ancient and medieval history of Orange. Entry is included with your ticket for the theatre. The museum is in a 17th-century “hôtel particulier” built for a Dutch nobleman.

The Gallo-Roman part is the most enchanting, with three Roman cadres engraved on large marble slabs, dating back to 77AD when the Vespasian Emperor conducted a land-rights assessment.

4. Orange Cathedral

The Diocese of Orange was suppressed after the Revolution, so for more than two hundred years, Orange Cathedral hasn’t strictly been a cathedral. That detail has nothing to lose the exquisite beauty of this 12th-century Roman building, where there are a few neoclassical updates on the facade.

The church had a difficult history, was damaged during the French Religious War, and for a while during the conflict, it was a Huguenot protest church.

Inside there’s a painting commemorating Orange’s 32 nuns who were martyred during the Reign of Terror in 1794. The bell tower dates back to the 1300s and has four bells, the oldest of which is in 1338, while the latest, which was cast in 1871, weighs more than a ton.

5. Colline Saint-Europe

The highest point in Orange is the 105-meter hill into which Orange’s Roman theatre is built.

The hill has a fascinating history of its own, as it is the site of the Château of the Princes of Nassau, a massive fortress with 11 fortresses, arguably one of the most beautiful forts in Europe.

By 1672, the city had become a mosque of the Dutch House of Cam-Nassau and also a protester: This ended after a siege of Count Grignan under Louis XIV. , in which gunpowder is used to destroy walls.

There isn’t much left but you can still see evocative pieces of the fortifications, while the hill also has four panoramic lookouts with views of the city, Mont Ventoux and the Rhône.

6. Wine

There are 21 properties and châteaux to visit in the Orange area alone! Orange falls into two worlds of preeminent AOCs wine. Even now grapes have to be hand-picked and arranged for a wine to qualify.

The soil in terroir is recognized by large round pebbles on red clay, exothermic during the night and thus allowing grape varieties like Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault to reach a particular maturity level.

Orange is also located in the much larger Côte-du-Rhône AOC, with vineyards primarily growing Grenache because of the Mediterranean climate.

7. Musée de la BA 115

The French air force has had a base five kilometers east of Orange since 1939 and is Orange’s main employer, providing business for some 200 companies.

The base's museum is only open on Tuesday and has a number of rooms related to the general history of the French Air Force as well as the specific context of this base and its play during World War II, War in Algeria, the Cold War and in today's conflict.

You can see classic uniforms and photography, medals and official documents from the base archive.

8. Musée Aéronautique d’ Orange

After visiting your base, you may feel itchy to see some hardware, and this museum is required, with a large set of fighters, bombers, helicopters, and other machines. Another flight south of the base.

It was run by“Les Amis de la 5eme Escadre”, an association for former members and patrons of an old fighter unit that lasted from 1945 to 1995. It's a bit magical for 20th-century jet fans, with a large collection of French-made Dassault Mirages and Mystères.

There are also foreign aircraft such as de Havilland Vampires and Hawker Hunters, as well as interesting navy planes like the Breguet Alizé and F-8 Crusader with “variable incidence” wings.

9. Orange Market

Every Thursday 300 regular stallholders take over the streets and squares in the center of the city, for one of Provence’s favorite outdoor markets. Flowers and other plants, local delicacies, handicrafts and all kinds of fresh produce are sold here.

One of the most rewarding things is to browse the regional vegetable stalls: Depending on the time of year, you can get grapes, eggplant, green beans and apricots, all fresh from the rural areas nearby.

To take home, Orange orange olive oil belongs to hule dileOlive de Provence AOC, or you get a bottle of Orange sweet famous muscat wine.

10. Bike Rides

The terrain around Orange is a dream bike-riding country, with landscapes that show Provence at its most idyllic. There are vineyards, the banks of the Rhône, sunflower fields, orchards and farms growing wheat.

You could try the 15.7-kilometer circular trip from Orange to Carderousse and back, with views of Mont Ventoux to keep you company.

A longer trail, De la Pierre aux Galets, who walks around the Orange Vineyard and Châteauneuf du Pape and to the east, you will be able to find the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Siena

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-orange-706463.html

[peter-horrocks]

Top 5 Provence destinations

"When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence".

- Frederic Mistral

Provence is a destination which is visited by a huge number of people from all over the world, many see it as the first place of call when discovering southern France. Questions about where best to use as a base are often asked especially concerning the Roman sites and lavender fields. Here I've tried to make it simple to choose one or two main destinations for the first visit to Provence.

The campanile in the centre of Aix en Provence

Aix en Provence

Apart from being a beautiful place with a vibrant student population, magnificent wide main street, colourful outdoor market and interesting museums Aix en Provence was the hometown of arguably the most important Post-impressionist artist Paul Cezanne.

For:

1          Ideal location for visiting eastern Provence, the Mont Ventoux, lavender fields and wine areas.

2          Upmarket, sophisticated and vibrant, with classic French architecture, very good restaurants, cafes and a casino. Cezanne circuit for art lovers.

3          It has a TGV fast train station and good motorway connections is handy for Marseille (which has an International airport) and the Park National des Calanques (spectacular deep creeks) on the coast.

Against:

1          The traffic is very bad in the summer both in the centre and on the arteries.

2          It is the most upmarket city in Provence with prices to match.

3          For the main Roman sites of western Provence, it is a bit far.

Famous for a song the Pont d'Avignon

Avignon

Without comparison for it's stunning Palais des Papes and of course the famous Pont d'Avignon over part of the river Rhone. It also hosts the Avignon comedy theatre festival in the summer which is a big attraction.

For:

1          The best base for visiting western Provence and especially the Roman sites such as Pont du Gard, plus there is a TGV railway station and good motorway link.

2          It has a superb main square as well as an interesting, compact old quarter with chic boutique shops and charming restaurants with small courtyards.

3          There is a huge amount of historical interest in Avignon itself and the views from the hilltop park of the Palais are very impressive.

Against:

1          Traffic can be bad in the summer especially on the ring road.

2          It is something of a labyrinth within the city walls, you need to be careful not to get lost in the less desirable areas.

3          The comedy Theatre festival takes over somewhat in July.

The Palais de Papes in Avignon 

Uzes

This is the most charming of the Provencal towns with a characteristic circular church tower. Smaller than the others and more relaxing, it is close to the Pont du Gard and has a strong Roman influence.

For:

1          Near the beautiful river Gard, the magnificent Pont du Gard, wine areas and good walking country.

2          The outdoor market - one of the best reputed in Provence for local produce.

3          Lovely centre with beautiful arcades and a fine choice of restaurants and charming outdoor cafes.

Against:

1          Apart from the main centre, there is not much else in the town itself.

2          It does tend to get affected by strong winds.

3          It is not so easy to get to though there is a train station.

The amazing Pont du Gard 

Arles

There is plenty of interest to see in Arles which is on the river Rhone, it has a very impressive Roman amphitheatre as well as an interesting art angle through Vincent Van Gogh in particular.

For:

1          The two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is the main interest, well worth a visit.

2          Close by is the Camargue an area of saline flat water expanses populated with pink flamingos, bulls, white horses and numerous migrating birds.

3          There is a strong artistic interest, especially the Fondation Vincent Van Gough.

Against:

1          Not much there other than the Roman interest.

2          Not so easy to get to though there is a train station.

3          The gipsy influence and bullfighting scene isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Les arenes de Nimes

Nimes

As Provencal towns go Nimes is a mixed bag, but its Roman arena is in a class of its own, it is absolutely stunning, second only in scale and standing to the coliseum in Rome.

For:

1          It has one of the best summer concert venues in France - Les arenes de Nimes, which is also interesting just to visit.

2          There is an International airport with low-cost flights located 9 km south-east of the centre and there is a TGV fast train station.

3          It is quite near the Camargue which is an interesting area to visit for nature as well as a number of fine beaches.

Against:

1          The centre doesn't have a great deal to offer and some parts are a bit rough.

2          The choice of decent restaurants to eat and cafes to relax in is limited

3          It is quite far west so not so easy to visit the rest of Provence.

 The lavender fields near Sault

Others could qualify including Orange, which has an exceptional roman amphitheater which is put to good use these days for world class opera (when I went back in the 80's it held rock concerts, I saw Dire Straights there on one of the most magical evenings ever) but it has little else and its military town feel is still very obvious, Salon en Provence is marginally better but has nothing to offer of real note. Also, Saint Remy nearly made the cut but for me, it is more a large village than a primary destination, same goes for Manosque. Montpellier perhaps should also be in the mix but geographically it is just too far out of Provence proper. Marseilles too but I think most people visiting Provence want to see the inland attractions.

Best wishes

Peter H.

Copyright © 2017 Peter Horrocks, all rights reserved

[opelman]

Wallpaper #48 by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: 114 - Renault Alpine A110 Groupe VHRS ES4 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Gilles Paulin Copilote : Claude Lance La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8715

[opelman]

Wallpaper #34 by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: 115 - Renault Alpine A110 Groupe VHRS ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Michel DE GROOTE Copilote : François RIMBERT La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8417

[opelman]

3 - Porsche 911 SC by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Thierry BOUSQUET Copilote : Eric MARQUEZ La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8210

[opelman]

114 - Renault Alpine A110 Berlinette by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHRS ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Gilles PAULIN Copilote : Claude LANCE La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8404

[opelman]

21 - Renault Alpine A110 Berlinette by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Claude VAUTE Copilote : Marie-José JEAN La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8304

[opelman]

114 - Renault Alpine A110 by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHRS ES4 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Gilles Paulin Copilote : Claude Lance La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8715

[opelman]

22 - Lancia Fulvia by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Benjamin MARTIN Copilote : Anna CHAMBON La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8315

[opelman]

3 - Porsche 911 SC by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Thierry BOUSQUET Copilote : Eric MARQUEZ La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8207

[opelman]

2 - BMW M3 by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Jean Marc THOME Copilote : Philippe COQUARD La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8204

[opelman]

122 - Opel Kadett by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHRS ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Philippe TABOURIECH Copilote : Laurent TABOURIECH La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8463

[opelman]

115 - Renault Alpine A110 by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHRS ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Michel DE GROOTE Copilote : François RIMBERT La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8416

[opelman]

21 - Renault Alpine A110 Berlinette by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHC ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Claude VAUTE Copilote : Marie-José JEAN La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8307

[opelman]

118 - Renault Dauphine by Laurent Quérité Via Flickr: Groupe VHRS ES1 - La Madeleine Rallye Orange Ventoux Classic 2022 Col de la Madeleine Pilote : Dominique LANGLADE Copilote : Arnaud GRILLERE La Madeleine Vaucluse France IMG_8444