Roussillon
Occitania
Picturesque, colorful, and with astounding views of the countryside, this village in the Vaucluse couldn’t be more charmingly Provençal if it tried. Perched atop towering red cliffs and one of the world’s largest ocher quarries, Roussillon’s dramatic setting and historic Old Town have earned it a place among France’s most beautiful villages.
Roussillon’s compact center is easy to explore on a walking tour, so leave plenty of time to browse the small boutiques and galleries before lunching at one of the many cafés. After a stroll around the village, follow the scenic Ochre Trail, a short cliffside trail that winds through lush forest and affords magnificent views of the bright orange sands. Roussillon is a popular inclusion on day tours of Provence from Aix-en-Provence or Avignon, often visited in combination with a trip to the villages and lavender fields of the Luberon or wine tasting at a local winery.
Roussillon is one of the most photographed villages in Provence and a must for first-time visitors to the Luberon.
Wear dark-colored or old clothing if hiking the Ochre Trail—the orange-red sands can stain light-colored clothing.
Roussillon’s narrow lanes and old stairways can limit access in some places for wheelchairs and strollers.
Roussillon lies in the Luberon region of Provence at the foot of the Vaucluse Mountains, about an hour’s drive east of Avignon. Reaching the village by public transport can be a challenge, so it’s best to come in a rental car, bike from one of the nearby villages, or join a tour. If you decide to drive, be aware that the village parking lots fill up quickly in summer, so get there early to secure a spot.
The most popular time to visit Roussillon is from late June through August to see the famous lavender fields of Provence in bloom around the village. It’s most atmospheric on market day (Thursday)—arrive early to hike the Ochre Trail without the crowds, then enjoy lunch at the market. Note that the Ochre Trail closes from January to early February, and it’s best avoided on wet and windy days unless you don’t mind the red mud look!
With its patchwork of rolling vineyards, purple lavender fields, and perched villages, the Luberon region is quintessential Provence. After admiring the ochre cliffs of Roussillon, head to the lively market town of Gordes, take in the views from the cliff-top castle ruins of Saignon, and explore the wineries and cherry orchards of Ménerbes. Also worth a visit are the picturesque Old Town of Bonnieux, riverside Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, and Lourmarin, home to some of Provence’s best restaurants.
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