Roman theatre

The ancient theatre of Orange is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built in the early 1st century AD during the reign of Augustus. Its towering stage wall — the scaenae frons — stands over 37 metres tall and survives almost intact, a near-unique feat among Roman remains; Louis XIV reportedly called it 'the finest wall in my kingdom.' Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the theatre continues to function as a live venue for the Chorégies d'Orange, one of France's oldest opera and music festivals, held each summer under open skies. The site opens daily from 9:30 and offers guided tours of the cavea and backstage areas.