Rainy departure from Avignon to Orange France for lunch and Roman theater / Théâtre antique d'Orange



 October 20, 2025

Avignon expected 2 inches today and I was awakened at 4am by rain overflowing from downspouts and pouring loudly into the courtyard below. Walked .5 miles to bus stop in rain, but not pouring until we reached the shelter that leaked only a little. #20 bus to TGV train station  to reach car rental at  Enterprise.

on the bus to train station

Headed to Orange. First stop was lunch at La Taverne du Salutant. The restaurant was 100% full and everyone knew everyone and would often go back into the kitchen to visit with the cook.  John had to park our car since we were in the heart of Orange's old city so I didn't have my personal translator present.  The only menu was mostly wiped off on a white board and the remaining wouldn't be translated by Google translate. Hungry,  I pointed to the plate of the woman sitting across from our table.  He understood. Portion was huge and I ordered one to share knowing I'd leave a substantial tip to compensate for not ordering 2 meals.  We enjoyed generous portions of local cheeses for dessert. 
La Taverne du Salutant
Entrecôte/roasted meat with scalloped potatoes and salad. E17 Local cheese for dessert E6

Delighted that there was a break in the inches rain, we waked to Théâtre antique d'Orange. Built in the 1st century and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 10,000 seat theater hosted performances almost every other day, free and open to everyone; although you were seated and separated with walls by caste. I thought it was interesting that the head on the statue was swapped out with each new emperor.  








That's John in the theater--we were the only people there! And I zoomed in for 2nd shot. 
The theater is used today.

                             Emperor overlooks the theater, bust was changed with new leadership 
                              Emperor overlooks the theater, bust was changed with new leadership 


bugs come out with the rain! Apple ID Ocypus

Beware of the STREEP stairs! especially when wet

Sculptures from the theater museum

Sculptures from the theater museum



Getting there: Using Priceline originally chose Enterprise, we submitted to Autoslash and save an additional 20 Euro on our one way car rental.

Théâtre antique d'Orange Entry  11.50 Euro entry and additional 5 for the VR tour, museum also included in the entry fee. 







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