Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence

We usually suggest that visitors include a trip to the vibrant, red-ocher-colored town of Roussillon. It is one of five villages nestled in the Luberon hills and classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the Most beautiful villages of France). Roussillon is one of our favourite villages in Provence, just one hour from our holiday rental home in Sablet.

The Luberon, part of the Vaucluse département, stretches 35 miles along a ridge of rugged hills from Cavaillon in the west to Manosque in the east and from the town of Apt south to the Durance River. Much of the area, including Roussillon, lies within the borders of the Parc naturel régional du Luberon, a protected area with outstanding natural beauty.

Roussillon sits on the southern edge of the Plateau de Vaucluse above one of the world’s largest known ocher deposits, where 17 shades of ocher were once mined. Please continue reading for Michel’s original article on Roussillon and his beautiful photos.

Visiting Roussillon:

Roussillon is a small, historic French village with fewer than 1500 permanent residents. When you visit, it becomes clear why Roussillon is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France). It is well known for its colourful landscape and buildings derived from rich ochre deposits. Due to the demand for pigments, ochre mining was the village’s primary industry from the 18^th century until the 1930s. The mines and ochre processing factories employed thousands of people. Today, however, the ochre mines are closed to protect the region’s unique geology, and Roussillon’s primary industries are tourism and agriculture.

Due to its natural beauty, Roussillon attracts artists, photographers, and authors. The village was Samuel Beckett’s home during the 1940s. There are several excellent restaurants and bistros in the town, and shops offer unique products by local artisans (some restaurants and shops are closed or have reduced hours in the off-season).

Not-to-Miss Roussillon:

The panoramic views of the Luberon Valley from the top of the village are spectacular. It is well worth the trek up the hilly streets. While there, visit St. Michael’s Church. It is not as ornate as some churches and cathedrals in Provence, but its colour and architecture reflect the region.

The Ochre Trail (Le Sentier des Ocres) is a popular tourist destination. The site includes two trails, a short (30-minute) and a more extended (60-minute) one, that pass through the former ochre mines. Information panels along the walkway explain the region’s history and geology. Pets on leashes are permitted, and portions of the trail are suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Travel Tip: Wear good walking shoes when you visit, as the colourful ochre sand is a bit sticky and will cover your shoes (and clothing).

Le Sentir des Ocres (website)
Open daily
Tickets are available at the entrance.

ÔKHRA, the ochre museum (Écomusé de l’Ocra), is in a former ochre factory. Its displays explain the history of ochre mining, processing, and pigment manufacturing for paints, pastels, and fabrics. Their Family Workshops are a great way to spend the afternoon, and artists of all levels can book longer workshops.

Okhra Écomusée de l’ocre (website)
570 route d’Apt
84220 Roussillon

Market Day

The market is on Thursday mornings (08:00-12:00) in La Place du Pasquier. There, you will find all the essentials to prepare your meals, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, olive oils, and more. You will also find stalls from many local artisans offering handmade jewellery, linens, clothing, accessories, soaps, candles, paintings, and more.

Practical Information for Roussillon:

Office de Tourisme Pays d’Apt Luberon
Bureau de Roussillon
Rue de la Poste
84220 ROUSSILLON
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 05 60 25

Here is a link to the Tourism Office Roussillon village map. The map indicates the key sites and hiking suggestions.

Guided tours in and around Roussillon.

Provencal Charm: 10 Villages to Visit in the Luberon Valley

Reference Books:

Luberon Travel Guide 2025
Luberon, Avignon, Aix, Alpilles Guide Un Grand Week-end
The Red Cliffs of Roussillon: Novel

Luberon Driving Tour

Michel and Shirley

Michel and Shirley, live in wine country, in Windsor, California. They have a full family with two beautiful daughters and five amazing grandchildren. Michel's day job is as CEO of Chancellor Health Care, a company which provides housing and services to older adults.

Previously a co-owner of a popular French bistro called Bistro des Copains located in Western Sonoma County California. The Bistro was closed in early 2015, after nine years!

In 2008, after searching for years and visiting many houses they bought a 17th century stone village house in the medieval village of Sablet which is in the Vaucluse region of Provence France.

Please read about the Sablet House (available for rent) and follow their blog Our House in Provence.