Roussillon is one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), perched on one of the world's largest ochre deposits in the Luberon region of Provence and famous for its blazing red, orange and yellow cliffs and ochre-tinted house facades. A former pigment quarry, worked until the mid-20th century, is now the "Sentier des Ocres" (Ochre Trail), walkable as a short (~30 min) or long (~50 min) loop. As of July 2026 the trail is open daily (typically 09:00–20:00 in summer), but this is the peak heat and wildfire season, so it may close at short notice under a prefectural fire-risk order or during heavy rain and storms. Combined with the village itself, it makes an easy half-day visit.
The Sentier des Ocres (Ochre Trail): a short (~30 min) and a long (~50 min) loop through a former quarry, past wind- and water-eroded red-orange ochre cliffs and formations such as the "Chaussée des Géants" (Giants' Causeway) and "Val des Fées" (Fairies' Valley).
The ochre village itself: lanes of ochre-painted facades and hilltop viewpoints (around the Castrum and Saint-Michel church) overlooking the Luberon countryside.
Ôkhra / Conservatoire des ocres (the former Usine Mathieu factory): an ecomuseum on ochre mining, processing and pigment-making, with hands-on workshops.
Golden-hour light: late afternoon and sunset make the ochre cliffs glow at their richest.
Nearby ochre sites: the Mines de Bruoux at Gargas and the Colorado Provençal at Rustrel, plus lavender fields blooming nearby into early July.
Good to know
SafetyThe trail starts with roughly 350 steps and runs on soft ochre sand, so it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, and some cliff edges are unfenced — hold children's hands. Wear closed, sturdy walking or trail shoes with grip.
SeasonJuly–August is the peak heat and wildfire season: the trail can close for the day under a prefectural fire-risk order or during heavy rain and thunderstorms, usually announced around 6 p.m. the day before. Go early to beat the heat and crowds, and check the Vaucluse fire-risk site before setting out.
RulesTickets are sold on site only, with no online booking (2026: adult €3.50, free for under-10s and visitors with disabilities; cash, card, cheque or Chèques Vacances — confirm the latest prices and hours). Stay on the marked loop and, as a protected site, do not collect or remove any ochre. Picnics are prohibited.
MannersOchre dust stains clothes and shoes deeply and is hard to wash out — avoid light-colored or favorite items and wear darker clothing. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
SafetyAfter summer thunderstorms the ochre paths become very slippery, and the site may close when rain is forecast. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen — there is little shade and dehydration is a real risk.
CautionMost village parking is paid (around €4/day, confirm the latest) and fills quickly in high season. Ignore unofficial "helpers" steering you to pricey private lots; a free option is the Parking du Stade.
Practical info
Roussillon is about an hour by car from Avignon (roughly 10 km from Apt) with no train station, so a car is effectively essential; park in a paid village lot and explore on foot. The Ochre Trail is open daily from 7 February to 31 December 2026 (typically 09:00–20:00 in summer, last entry 19:30) with on-site tickets from €3.50 for adults, but opening days, hours, prices and fire-risk closures change often, so confirm the latest on the official site before you go.
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