Roussillon
A striking hilltop village shaped by color, light, and the ochre earth beneath it.
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Roussillon is unlike any other village in Provence.
Set at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse within the Luberon Regional Natural Park, it rises from one of the world’s largest ochre deposits, bathing the village in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and deep red.
Classified among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Roussillon captivates at first sight. Its vividly colored façades contrast dramatically with green vegetation and blue skies, creating a landscape that feels almost painterly. Walking through the village reveals narrow streets, lively squares, art galleries, cafés, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Artists have long been drawn to Roussillon’s light and pigments, a creative legacy still present today. While summer brings crowds, spring and autumn are especially rewarding, when the ochre cliffs are softened by wildflowers or autumn leaves and the village regains a slower rhythm.
A Brief History of Roussillon
Roussillon’s identity has always been inseparable from the land beneath it.
The village’s history stretches back centuries, shaped by its unique geological setting. Natural ochre pigments were used locally from ancient times, valued for their durability and color. Over time, ochre extraction became a defining industry, transforming both the landscape and the village economy.
During the Middle Ages, Roussillon developed into a fortified hilltop village. Traces of this period remain in its layout and historic landmarks, including the rebuilt village gate that now forms part of the bell tower and the 12th-century Saint-Michel Church, restored several times over the centuries.
From the 18th through the early 20th century, ochre mining expanded dramatically. Quarries and processing factories operated throughout the surrounding hills, exporting pigments across Europe. This period left behind the dramatic cliffs and formations that define Roussillon today.
As industrial extraction declined, Roussillon reinvented itself as a cultural and artistic destination. The preservation of its ochre landscapes, combined with its architectural heritage, led to its recognition as one of France’s most beautiful villages and ensured the village’s legacy would endure beyond industry.
Food & Drink in Roussillon
Roussillon hosts a weekly market on Thursday mornings, offering local produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties. It is small but atmospheric and easy to combine with village exploration.
The village offers a variety of cafés and restaurants, many with terraces overlooking the ochre cliffs or countryside. Meals here are best enjoyed slowly, paired with local wine and framed by views that shift with the light throughout the day.
To help you navigate, visit our Google Maps link for Roussillon where we have tagged our preferred spots across the city:
Several wineries are located in and around Roussillon.
Notable estates include:
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Domaine de Tara, Roussillon
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Chasson Châteaublanc, Roussillon
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Aureto, Gargas, open daily April through November
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Domaine de la Citadelle, Ménerbes
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Domaine de Marie, Ménerbes
Most wineries close on Sundays and during lunch hours.
Au Temps Passé, Avenue de la Burlière. A village bakery known for traditional breads and pastries.
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Vival, Avenue de la Burlière
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La P’tite Maison Bio, Impasse Élie Blanc
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Super U, Maubec, about 12 km away
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E.Leclerc, Apt, about 8 km away
Many local shops close Sundays and Mondays or operate reduced hours.
Things to Do in Roussillon
Our Top Pick
Art & Culture
Outdoor Activities
Day Trips from Roussillon
Activities For Children
Our Top Pick
Walk the Sentier des Ocres, choosing between the short or long trail. Both routes immerse you in the heart of the ochre cliffs, offering an unforgettable sensory experience through shifting hues, sculpted formations, and dramatic contrasts.
Art & Culture
Roussillon’s artistic spirit is visible in its many galleries, workshops, and boutiques. Visit Ôkhra, the ochre eco-museum, housed in a former ochre factory. Learn about the history and uses of natural pigments from prehistory to today, or participate in hands-on workshops creating pastels, watercolors, or paintings.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond the ochre trails, enjoy walking through the village and surrounding countryside, with viewpoints overlooking the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for photography and quieter exploration.
Day Trips from Roussillon
Roussillon is well positioned for exploring the Luberon:
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Gordes
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Ménerbes
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Bonnieux
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Apt, for its large Saturday market
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Gargas, for additional vineyard visits
Activities For Children
Children are often captivated by the colors of the ochre cliffs and trails. Short walks on the Sentier des Ocres, visits to the eco-museum, market browsing, and gelato stops make Roussillon engaging without requiring long itineraries.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Roussillon
Answers to our most frequently asked questions.
The village sits on the world’s largest known ochre deposit, which naturally colors the landscape and buildings.
Yes. The trails, village walks, and museum experiences are engaging for children.
Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal color. Summer is vibrant but busy.
A car is strongly recommended, especially for nearby villages and markets.
The short trail takes about 30 minutes, while the longer route takes around 50–60 minutes.
The village is lively in peak season but much quieter in winter months.
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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.