Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Roussillon is best known for its distinctive red cliffs, created by the world’s largest known ochre deposit. The large quarries of Roussillon were mined from the end of the 18th century until 1930. Thousands of people found work in these quarries and factories.
This vibrantly colored village nestled in the Luberon mountain region of Provence has attracted artists since the beginning of its time..
Roussillon is within minutes of some of the other popular villages hilltop villages in Provence—Gordes, Menerbes, and Bonnieux
What to do in Roussillon
At the top of the village near to main parking lot you can find access to the Ochre Trails “Sentiers des Ocres” two trails : one short and one longer, both taking you through the ochre lands on a 30 or 60 minutes walk.
The village is full of lovely little boutiques, cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
Eglise Saint Michel: This charming church has a 19th-century clock tower with bells and is a lovely spot to sit down and take in the sights and sounds of Roussillon.
The “Conservatoire des Ocres et des Pigments Appliques” is situated in an old ochre factory and is a great stop to learn about the history of this magnificent village.
Don’t miss the Roussillon Weekly Market on Thursday mornings. While it isn’t the largest market in the region, you can find a wonderful range of local specialities.
Where to eat in Roussillon
Le Piquebaure
167 avenue Dame-Sirmonde, Roussillon, 84220, France
A Michelin acclaimed little restaurant in the city center of Roussillon with amazing food, friendly and personable service.
38 place de la Poste, Roussillon, 84220, France
Also Michelin acclaimed, this well-known restaurant offers Wonderful food with amazing views of the village of Roussillon.
Wineries Near Roussillon
Most wineries are closed on Sundays and during lunch hours.
Chasson Chateaublanc in Roussillon.
Aureto in Gargas, 7 km fom Roussillon
(Their web-site is not in English, but they have very nice wine and are open 7 days a week from April through November, 10:00am to 7:00pm.)
Domaine la citadelle in Menerbes, 15 km from Roussillon.
Domaine de Marie in Menerbes, 15 km from Roussillon.
Where to Stay in Roussillon
Roussillon has a few 3 three star hotels and a handful of smaller chambre d’hotels (B&Bs).
Hotel La Clé des Champs Boutique Hôtel & spa
Adults-only hotel with pool bar, near Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon
This boutique hotel is located in the centre of Roussillon, a village in Luberon. It offers rooms with views of the picturesque village, the red cliffs or the valley.
Luxury Villa Rentals in Provence, France
As the luxury property rental market has exploded worldwide, renting a luxury villa in Roussillon has become the preferred choice for accommodations in Provence. Only Provence has the largest selection of luxury properties in the region.
Benefits of Luxury Villa Rentals in Roussillon
One of the many benefits of renting a luxury villa in Roussillon is having a genuinely private yet authentic experience in Provence, complete with in-home chef services. Many of Only Provence’s villas are within walking distance from the village of St Remy itself.
Below are some of the few great benefits of a luxury villa over other traditional accommodation options.
- Personalized experiences such as private chefs and organized tours and activities;
- Privacy and exclusivity;
- A dedicated villa manager and staff;
- A sense of feeling at home while staying in a private luxury villa;
- Private luxury villas in Gordes are ideal for groups of families or friends traveling together.
Where is Roussillon and How to Get There
Where is Roussillon – Getting There
Roussillon is situated in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France.
We recommend renting a car to explore this exceptional village and its region, as it is not easily accessible by public transport. The main international airport, used by most European carriers, is Marseille (MRS), only 80km from Roussillon, roughly an hour’s drive . If coming by TGV train (fastest), the closest option is to travel to Avignon TGV Station and drive toRoussillon (50 minutes). Below are the train times to the Avignon train station.
- 2 hours 40 minutes from Paris
- 3 hours from Roissy Charles de Gaulle
- 1 hour from Lyon, and
- 30 minutes from Marseille