Roussillon is a picturesque village in Provence, famous for its stunning ochre rocks and the Sentiers des Ocres trails that wind through the colorful formations.
This article explores the Roussillon ochre trail, the best things to do in Roussillon, and whether a visit is worth it.
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Things To Do In Roussillon in Southern France
Located in South France, Roussillon is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
This small community, built on ochre rock, has just over 1000 inhabitants.
Roussillon – Ochre Community in Provence
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Small bakeries, patisseries, and restaurants jostle for space on the hilltop, vying for the attention of tourists.
The road through the small community is partially single-lane and only accessible to cars. Caravans must stay outside the center!
We visited Roussillon in the morning and were lucky with parking, which is chargeable.
The village can be quickly explored. There are a few charming shops and restaurants.
You can also stroll to the Saint-Michel church, located higher up in Roussillon.
And if you’re interested in the history of ochre, you can learn more at the Ôkhra Ochre Museum outside the village.
To be honest, I wouldn’t travel to Roussillon just for the village itself.
While the alleys and ochre-painted houses are pretty, I think there are more beautiful areas to spend more time during a Provence road trip.
However, the views from the village and the hiking trails definitely make Roussillon worth the visit.
From Roussillon, which is built on a hill, you get a beautiful view of the Vaucluse region.
You can also see the ochre rocks from here, with their various layers of color clearly visible.
A nature reserve surrounds the village.
Red ochre walls alternate with yellow-brown ochre rocks.
Ochre mining here dates back a long time. It was relatively simple work since the rock crumbles easily.
Sentier des Ocres: Hiking to the Ochre Rocks
From the village center, you can hike directly to the ochre rocks. The route is well signposted. Admission is required before entering the Sentier des Ocres (€3.50 per person).
There are two circular hiking trails. One is longer, the other shorter. Plan up to an hour for the longer trail, especially if you want to take photos.
If you have enough time, choose the longer trail.
The shorter one takes about 40 minutes.
Along the trails, you’ll learn all about the formation of the rocks, the mining and use of ochre, and the nature of the area.
More Tips for Roussillon
On the way to the village center, you’ll pass some of the beautiful ochre rocks. Especially when it’s busy in the center and on the Sentier des Ocres, you can take photos here without other tourists.
As mentioned, motorhomes are not allowed to park or drive through the village center. It makes sense, as it’s quite narrow.
If visiting Roussillon with a motorhome or campervan, you can use the parking lots outside the center, like the Motorhome Aire (Parking Saint Joseph).
Best Time to Visit Roussillon in Provence
The best time to visit Roussillon depends on your interests. Here are some tips to optimize your stay:
Spring and Autumn in Provence:
Provence is known for its sunny days and mild temperatures, especially in spring and autumn.
Summer in Provence:
I’ve been in Provence in both summer and October. In summer, it’s great if you also want to swim, like in the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix near the famous Verdon Gorge. If you enjoy swimming in natural pools or jumping off cliffs, I recommend a detour to the Cascades du Sautadet.
Or if you want to swim in the crystal-clear sea on the Côte d’Azur. The second time I was in Nice for a girls’ weekend, and we were even able to swim in the pleasant sea in early October.
For the lavender fields of Provence, plan for mid-June to early August
Roussillon and the Lavender Fields
The lavender fields are a hallmark of Provence. Near Roussillon, you’ll find some of the most beautiful ones.
From June to August, the fields of Provence transform into a sea of purple hues.
A walk or drive, especially a road trip along the Lavender Route, as we did, is a unique experience.
Here you’ll find the most beautiful lavender fields, and you’ll also pass by Lac de Sainte-Croix and can kayak in the Verdon Gorge.
Accommodations in Roussillon
Roussillon offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming bed & breakfasts to luxurious hotels.
Recommendations for hotels and accommodations:
For an authentic experience, we recommend staying in one of the traditional guest houses. Some offer breathtaking views of the ochre rocks and the surrounding landscape.
Mas du Clos: Entire house with pool in the center of Roussillon. Still, the location is very quiet. -> current prices and availability
More accommodations in Roussillon and the surrounding area
Other Things To Do Close To Roussillon
Roussillon is perfectly situated for exploring more of Provence. Here are some ideas for excursions and further travel destinations:
Day trips and nearby attractions:
Visit the famous Verdon Gorge for stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Go swimming and cliff jumping at the Cascades du Sautadet.
Provence has numerous picturesque villages and towns like Gordes, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence, all worth visiting.
Also worth seeing are the perfume capital Grasse, the hilltop village Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Nice.
Photography Tips for Roussillon
Roussillon is a paradise for photographers. Here are some photography tips to get the best shots.
Best places for beautiful photos:
The ochre rocks and the view from the edge of the village provide perfect subjects. Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light and most spectacular colors.
Tips for taking pictures of the ochre rocks:
Experiment with different perspectives. Crouch down or use natural light to highlight the vibrant colors and get a different perspective on the landscape.
Conclusion on a Visit to the Roussillon Attractions
If you have enough time, I suggest staying in Roussillon and the surrounding area so you can visit the ochre rocks early in the morning. Then it’s quiet, and the colors shine especially beautifully.
Tip: There are ochre rocks not only at the Sentiers des Ocres but also around the village of Roussillon.
The Provence is best explored during a Provence road trip.
For more articles on what to explore and discover in the nearby area, check out our Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur tips:
ROAD TRIP ALONG THE LAVENDER ROUTE
KAYAKING AT THE VERDON GORGE – ONE OF THE LARGEST CANYONS IN EUROPE
SWIMMING AND CLIFF JUMPING AT THE CASCADES DU SAUTADET
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zuletzt aktualisiert am September 2, 2024
looks like a lovely place!
It definitely is. But it´s not the only lovely place in the Provence. 😉