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Roussillon

  • Roussillon, Provence, France

Last updated: 19 July, 2024

The picturesque village Roussillon is famous for its vibrant ochre cliffs. Nestled in the Luberon region, the village is renowned for its stunning red, yellow, and orange hues, thanks to the rich deposits of ochre pigment found in the surrounding cliffs and quarries. These striking colours give the village a unique and visually captivating appearance, especially under the bright Provencal sun.

The village’s pretty narrow, winding streets are lined with charming houses painted in various shades of ochre, but otherwise, it has that quintessential Provencal village feel. You can also wander the so-called Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres) to see the magnificent 100 million-year-old ochre cliffs. There are two different trails, one short (30 minutes) and one longer (60 minutes). Signs en route explain the local geology and unusual ecosystem.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: daily
When: All year
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Roussillon is about a 1.5-hour drive from Marseille, a one-hour drive from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. Many guided tours will take you there, often as part of a wider tour of The Luberon. If you prefer to go independent, it’s straightforward to rent a car and self-drive.

When to do it

The best time to visit Roussillon is between late spring and early autumn (May to October) when the weather is warm and the ochre cliffs are most vibrant under the bright sun. Summer, especially July and August, offers lively village markets and festivals but can be crowded. Visiting in May, June, or September provides a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed experience of this picturesque Provencal village.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Avignon

Discover the Luberon area on this small group tour from Avignon with an experienced guide. During this half day tour you will visit the highlights of the Luberon region such as Gordes, Abbey of Senanque, Roussillon, and another surprise village. You will see typical perched villages surrounded by beautiful nature.

Price €80

Min age 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [144 ratings]

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