Exploring Roussillon | Visitors Guide | Only Provence
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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Roussillon France

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.

Roussillon, Vaucluse. The red hilltop village of Provence, France most beautiful places.

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.

David – Le Clos de la Glycine

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.

Domaine de Tara 

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

Le Clos de la Glycine

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
A distinct collection of luxury villa rentals and real estate for sale in the South of France

- offering all comforts and amenities - pool, housekeeping, and chef services.

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Jumping the Picket Fence Light Through the Cracks

Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.