In the heart of the Luberon, in the Vaucluse department, lies the village of Roussillon, one of the most spectacular villages in Provence. Perched on a hill and surrounded by red and orange cliffs, this typical village attracts visitors with its unique colours and Provençal atmosphere. Here, the facades of the houses are ochre-coloured, creating an almost surreal landscape that contrasts with the green of the Luberon hills.
Strolling through the alleys of Roussillon, enjoying the view over the valley or discovering the famous Sentier des Ocres are some of the experiences not to be missed during a stay in the region. This impressive walk through ancient ochre quarries is also a particularly popular activity for families, as the setting is spectacular but also very accessible for young and old alike.Roussillon is also known for its Provençal market on Thursday mornings, where you can enjoy local products in a convivial and authentic atmosphere. With its heritage, beautiful nature and local gastronomy, Roussillon is a perfect idea for a trip to discover one of the most characteristic villages of the Luberon.
Roussillon, a must-see village in the hills of the Luberon
The village of Roussillon, perched on a hill in the heart of the Luberon, is one of Provence’s most iconic destinations. Located in the Vaucluse department, it immediately captivates visitors with its spectacular setting and harmonious colours. Known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Roussillon is famous throughout the region for its ochre cliffs and the unique atmosphere that reigns in its narrow streets. With its heritage, landscapes and Provençal light, this hilltop village is a must-see during any visit to the Luberon.
A village with unique ochre colours
What immediately strikes you when you arrive in Roussillon are the extraordinary colours of the village. Unlike many Provençal villages with light-coloured facades, the houses of Roussillon have shades ranging from golden yellow to deep red, with nuances of orange and pink. This amazing colour palette comes directly from ochre, a naturally coloured earth found in large quantities in the region’s soil.
For centuries, ochre was mined in Roussillon and the surrounding area. From the 18th century onwards, and especially in the 19th century, the ochre quarries brought wealth to the village. This coloured earth was used to produce natural dyes for paint, decoration and industry. Although industrial exploitation has now ceased, ochre remains inextricably linked to the identity of Roussillon. The inhabitants have honoured this tradition by using these natural pigments to colour the façades, giving the village its unique character.
The Provençal light accentuates these colours even more. Depending on the time of day and the season, the cliffs and houses seem to change colour, from intense red to bright gold. This colourful spectacle contributes greatly to the unique charm of the village.
Strolling through the village lanes
The best way to discover Roussillon is simply to lose yourself in its narrow streets. The village is perched high up and consists of a maze of small cobbled streets, steps and narrow passageways that invite you to stroll around.
During your walk, you will discover charming squares, colourful houses with pastel-coloured shutters and numerous art galleries and craft shops. The atmosphere is typically Provençal, with shaded terraces and viewpoints offering regular views of the surrounding countryside.
If you climb to the top of the village, you can admire the valley and the hills of the Luberon from several viewpoints. Don’t forget to visit the orientation table at the top of the village, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire region as far as Mont Ventoux!
These viewpoints also offer a magnificent view of the former ochre quarries that surround the village. Between architectural heritage and natural landscapes, a stroll in Roussillon is in itself a real discovery of Provence.
The Ochre Trail: a spectacular walk for the whole family
Just a stone’s throw from the centre of the village of Roussillon lies one of the most impressive natural attractions of the Luberon : the famous Sentier des Ocres. This unique spot in Provence allows you to discover amazing landscapes shaped by the former exploitation of ochre. Between colourful cliffs, rock formations carved out by erosion and fragrant pine forests, this walk is an enriching and accessible experience, ideal during a visit to the village.
A unique landscape in Provence
The Sentier des Ocres runs through old quarries where the coloured earth that made Roussillon so famous was once mined. From the first steps on the path, erosion has also carved out the rock over time, creating cliffs, rock points and amazing reliefs that sometimes resemble the landscape of a canyon or a distant desert. Some visitors even compare this place to a small “Provençal Wild West”. This very special atmosphere gives the feeling that the landscape changes completely in just a few minutes.
The trail is equipped with wooden walkways and steps, allowing you to view the ochre formations without disturbing the natural environment. Several lookout points offer stunning views of the colourful cliffs and surrounding vegetation.
The landscape surprises with its intense colours: deep red, fiery orange, bright yellow… These natural shades contrast with the green of the pine trees and the blue of the Provençal sky, creating a spectacular backdrop.
An ideal activity with children
The Sentier des Ocres is also an activity that is particularly popular with families. Children are often fascinated by these colourful landscapes that seem almost unreal. The walk then takes on a playful character, almost like a little adventure in a spectacular natural environment.
The site offers two marked routes: a short one and a slightly longer one. The first takes about thirty minutes, while the second extends the walk by almost an hour. These reasonable distances make the visit accessible even for young children.
The wooden walkways, steps and various viewpoints give rhythm to the walk and make it dynamic. Families often take the time to stop and admire the colours of the soil, the relief carved out by erosion or the Mediterranean vegetation growing around the cliffs.
Practical information for visiting the trail
The Sentier des Ocres is located right at the entrance to the village of Roussillon and is well signposted. There are several car parks nearby, especially during the tourist season.
There is an entrance fee, but it is very affordable and the maintenance of the site contributes to the preservation of this fragile landscape. It is advisable to bring good shoes, as some parts of the trail can be quite sandy.
In summer, it can be very hot in the Luberon, so it is better to visit the site in the morning or at the end of the day. Regardless of the season, the walk remains one of the highlights of a visit to Roussillon and an unmissable activity for discovering the natural beauty and unique colours of Provence.
The Provençal market in Roussillon
A visit to the Provençal market is one of the highlights of a visit to Roussillon. As in many villages in the Luberon, the market is much more than just a place to shop: it is a place to meet, discover new things and enjoy each other’s company, which is an important part of the Provençal lifestyle. As you stroll past the colourful stalls, you can discover local flavours while enjoying the convivial atmosphere of a typical village in the Vaucluse.
An authentic market in the Luberon
The Roussillon market is renowned for its authentic atmosphere and the quality of the products offered by local producers and artisans. As you walk past the stalls in the village streets, you will find everything the region has to offer in terms of gastronomy and crafts.
Visitors can discover a wide range of local products: seasonal fruit and vegetables from the region, Provençal olives and olive oil, tapenades, goat’s cheese, lavender honey and typical Provençal herbs. The scents and colours blend together, offering a real immersion in the local gastronomy.
The market also offers artisanal products that reflect regional craftsmanship. For example, you will find Provençal soap, colourful fabrics, pottery and decorative objects inspired by the famous ochre colours of Roussillon. This diversity makes it a pleasant place to stroll around, even if you just want to enjoy the atmosphere.
Set up in the streets of the village, the market also offers the opportunity to admire the colourful facades and typical squares of Roussillon while making culinary discoveries. The whole creates a lively atmosphere that is very representative of Provence.
Day and practical information
The Provençal market of Roussillon is held every Thursday morning, usually from 8AM to 12AM, on Place Pasquier. As is often the case in Provence, it is advisable to arrive relatively early to fully enjoy the atmosphere and avoid the crowds, especially during the summer season.
A visit to the market can easily be combined with a stroll through the narrow streets or a visit to the nearby Sentier des Ocres.
There are several car parks at the entrance to the village. In high season, it is advisable to arrive a little earlier, as Roussillon attracts many visitors who want to discover one of the most characteristic villages of the Luberon.
A visit to the Roussillon market is an excellent way to discover the Provençal atmosphere, taste local specialities and fully enjoy the charm of this ochre-coloured village.
A lovely trip from our holiday home
The village of Roussillon, located in the heart of the Luberon, is an excellent idea for a day trip during your stay in Provence. It is easily accessible from our holiday home in about 50 minutes drive, covering a distance of approximately 47 kilometres. Thanks to its proximity, you can easily organise a trip to one of the most characteristic villages in the Vaucluse.
A visit to Roussillon can easily be fitted into a day out in the Luberon. After a drive through the Provençal countryside, the village immediately offers a spectacular backdrop with its ochre-coloured cliffs and warm-coloured houses. For example, if you arrive on a Thursday, you can spend the morning visiting the Provençal market in Roussillon or strolling through the narrow streets of the village.
After strolling through the narrow streets and admiring the view of the Luberon hills, you can continue your visit with a discovery tour along the famous Sentier des Ocres. This easy and exotic walk is particularly popular with families. Children enjoy exploring this landscape with its amazing colours, while adults enjoy the views and natural beauty of the surroundings.
For lunch, you can enjoy a meal in a typical Provençal setting at one of the village’s many restaurants and terraces. Alternatively, you can put together a picnic with products bought at the market or in local shops and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Thanks to the location of our holiday home near the Luberon, you can combine a visit to Roussillon with a visit to other remarkable villages in the area. If you drive further, you can discover other iconic sights in the region, such as the hilltop villages or the typical landscapes of the Luberon Regional Nature Park.
After a day of discovery, return to your holiday home to enjoy the peace and quiet and good life in Provence. Staying in a holiday rental near the Luberon therefore offers the advantage of being able to easily explore the region’s most famous villages and landscapes, while enjoying a peaceful environment in which to rest after your excursions.
A visit to Roussillon is therefore the perfect addition to a stay in Provence, combining heritage, nature and local gastronomy for a day of discovery that is equally enjoyable for adults and children alike.
Our personal recommendations for Roussillon
Visitor parking: there are several paid parking areas at the entrance to the village (notably Parking des Ocres, Parking Saint-Michel and Parking Saint-Joseph). From here, you can easily walk to the village centre and the Sentier des Ocres.
Sentier des Ocres: the entrance to the site is close to the village centre. There is an entrance fee and there are 2 marked trails in the park (approximately 30 to 60 minutes’ walk). Please note that the site is usually closed in January.
Provençal market: every Thursday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Place Pasquier. It is advisable to arrive early, especially in summer.
Best time to visit: spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. In summer, it is best to come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Recommended duration of visit: allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the village and stroll along the Sentier des Ocres.
Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes suitable for the terrain, as some streets in the village are cobbled and the footpath is quite sandy. Avoid white shoes, as the ochre colours can stain them ! Bring water and drink plenty, as it can get very hot in summer.
Useful information about Roussillon
- Roussillon Tourist Office:
Located on Place de la Mairie, in the heart of the village. Here you can obtain maps and information about places of interest and activities in the Luberon.- Site web – Page on Roussillon : https://www.luberon-apt.fr/apt-et-les-villages/roussillon
- Site web – Page Ocres trail : https://www.luberon-apt.fr/ocres-en-luberon-0/le-sentier-des-ocres
- Download map Roussillon
- Office de tourisme du Luberon
- Page Roussillon : https://www.destinationluberon.com/page/sentier-des-ocres+51011.html
- Page Ocres trail : https://www.destinationluberon.com/page/roussillon+50993.html
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