Orange in Provence

t the beginning, the legendary Guillaume au Court Nez (the short nose) was a companion of Charlemagne, celebrated in the chansons de geste of Middle-Age. The cornet on Orange's arms is a tribute to him, it comes from its surname (court nez)

he first counts of Orange appears during the 11th century in the Chronicles : Rambaud II goes with Godefroy de Bouillon at the 2nd Crusade and finds fame during fights in the Holy Land and enters in Jerusalem.

n 1544, William 1st the Silent, Prince of Orange-Nassau, becomes "Stadtholder" of the Netherlands. He is considered by many as national hero and the founder of the Netherlands nation. Under his reign, Orange is centre for the Reformation, the catholic and protestant communities fight for the control of the city. In 1562 and 1571, the catholic troups plunder the city, perpetreting horrible massacres among the population.

n 1620, Maurice of Orange-Nassau builds a great fortress on the hill Saint Eutrope. The conflict between William III of Orange-Nassau and the king of France Louis XIV causes the incorporation of the Principality of Orange into the French kingdom, and the destruction of the castle.

There is practically nothing left from this mighty fortress, the ruins are since a long time recovered by a pretty parc planted with trees. It's a very nice place for a stroll, which offers a splendid panorama on Orange and the region surrounding.

he souvereign of Netherlands still keeps the honorary title of Prince of Orange, orange is the national color of the country, weared by the football national team.