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Village · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Roussillon
Luberon village built on ochre deposits, with houses painted in shades of red and orange and the Sentier des Ocres trail winding among colorful cliffs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Roussillon
Roussillon lies in the Parc naturel régional du Luberon, about 10 km from Gordes, and is listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. The village was built on one of the largest ochre deposits in Europe, and its houses are painted with local pigments in shades ranging from yellow to deep red.
Ochre was quarried in large pits from the late 18th century until the early 20th century, at times employing up to a thousand people. Today ochre extraction is prohibited to protect the land. The Sentier des Ocres, a short waymarked trail, runs between cliffs and colorful formations just below the village.
The centre has narrow streets, squares with cafés and a viewpoint up high, near the church, with views over the Luberon and Mont Ventoux. Nearby, the Conservatoire des Ocres, housed in a former factory, explains how the pigment was extracted and prepared.
Roussillon pairs well with Gordes and Sénanque in the same day. In summer it gets crowded and the heat on the Sentier des Ocres can be intense, since the trail has little shade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the village and the Sentier des Ocres.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the light brings out the colors. The Sentier des Ocres may close in heavy rain and its opening hours change with the season; check before you go.
How to get there
By car, about 50 km from Avignon and 10 km from Gordes. Parking lots are at the village entrance and are paid. There is no practical public transport; Luberon tours commonly include Roussillon.
Tip
Wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty: ochre dust stains. Bring water in summer, as the trail is exposed to the sun. The sequence Sénanque in the morning, Gordes and Roussillon in the afternoon usually works well.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Roussillon
What is the Sentier des Ocres?
It is a short, waymarked trail that goes through old ochre quarries just below the village, among cliffs of yellow, orange and red. There is a short route and a longer one. Entrance requires a fee.
Can you take ochre as a souvenir?
No. Removing ochre from the site is prohibited and subject to a fine. The village shops sell pre-packaged pigments.
Is Roussillon near Gordes?
Yes, about 10 km, roughly 15 minutes by car. The two villages and the Abbaye de Sénanque can be visited in the same day.