The village of Roussillon is a jewel perched on the hills of the Luberon, famous for its ochre facades and spectacular scenery. We were amazed by the color palette, ranging from pale yellow to deep red, creating an atmosphere unique to Provence.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Roussillon, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Roussillon worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Roussillon is well worth a visit. We loved this perched village, with its ochre facades offering a unique visual spectacle. Paths carved out of ancient quarries, art galleries and panoramic views of Mont Ventoux make Roussillon an essential stopover in the Luberon. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in France! And of course, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence.
If you don’t have a car, you can discover the area on an organized tour from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
1. Marvel at the ochre facades of the village center
The center of Roussillon Village resembles a life-size impressionist canvas. As you stroll through the central square and narrow streets, you’ll discover up to 17 different shades of ochre on the façades, from the lightest yellow to the deepest red. The overall effect is one of rare visual harmony, enhanced by the colorful shutters, flowering balconies and changing light throughout the day. The medieval alleyways wind around the square and are home to cafés, restaurants and boutiques that bring the village to life without ever breaking its charm. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events are held here regularly, giving this village center an artistic energy that complements the beauty of its architecture.
2. Visit Saint-Michel Church
At the top of the village, the pretty little Église Saint-Michel stands out as a historic and spiritual landmark. Its origins date back to the 11th century, but the building has undergone several transformations, notably in the 17th century for the façade and in the 18th century for the choir. Inside, you can discover the works of local sculptor Alexis Poitevin, in particular the Baptismal Font and the Statue of Christ on the Cross dating from 1791. The chapel dedicated to Saint-Michel, patron saint of the commune, retains an intimate, touching dimension. But it was on the way out, on the forecourt, that we experienced perhaps the finest moment of all: the view opens out over the valley, with Mont Ventoux rising majestically on the horizon as a backdrop.
3. Admire the panorama from the orientation table
At the top of the village, the orientation table is a must for understanding Roussillon’s natural setting. Set up on a belvedere, it allows you to identify the surrounding relief: the Monts de Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux, and on a clear day, as far as the Alpilles. We took the time to observe, read the engraved signs and contemplate the vast landscapes that lay before us. The diversity of landforms and colors is striking, and makes you realize just how much Roussillon is at the heart of a rich and contrasting territory. This panorama is more than just a viewpoint, it gives meaning to the visit and places the village in its natural environment, between mountains, valleys and Provencal plains.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Walk the magnificent Sentier des Ocres
The Sentier des Ocres is undoubtedly the most memorable experience of a visit to Roussillon. As soon as we entered the site, we had the impression of entering another world, where nature and industrial history mingle. The cliffs, fairy chimneys and hills sculpted by erosion display an exceptional palette of colors: from bright yellow to intense red, through unique shades of orange. 2 circuits are proposed: one short (30 min), the other a little longer (45 min to 1h), both easy and well-marked. This spectacular landscape is the result both of quarrying in the 19th and 20th centuries and of natural erosion. Along the way, we learned about the importance of ochre in the village’s identity and its historic role as a natural pigment used in art and decoration.
Practical information
- Duration: between 1h and 3h on site, depending on your pace and wishes
- Price: 3,50€ for the first time
- Opening times vary according to season, more info here
- Book your excursion on the Sentier des Ocres now
5. Visit the Belfry
The Roussillon Belfry is a key part of the village’s architectural heritage. This ancient fortified gateway, a vestige of the medieval castrum, was transformed into a bell tower annex before being remodeled into its current form in the 19th century. As we looked up at its slender silhouette, we imagined life in the days when Roussillon was protected by its ramparts. If you go up to the left, you can reach the old pathway linking 2 towers, an area known as “Bistourle“, where the village’s military history is still palpable. Today, the belfry, also known as the Tour de l’Horloge or Campanile, has become a symbol of the town’s identity. Its presence punctuates the urban landscape and, through its stones, recalls the defensive vocation of a village that has reinvented itself over the centuries.
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6. Admire the ochre cliffs from the village
Arriving in Roussillon, particularly from the direction of Apt, offers an unforgettable view of the ochre cliffs that majestically dominate the village. We were captivated by the spectacular view from the surrounding area, particularly from a bridge that allows us to admire these ochre-colored rocks in all their splendor. These cliffs are the emblematic postcard of Roussillon, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. You’ll immediately understand why this image remains engraved in the memory of every visitor. The natural ochre that colors these rock faces gives the village its unique character and fully justifies its nomination as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
7. Explore the village’s many art galleries
Roussillon is a veritable artists’ village. For decades, painters, sculptors and designers have settled here, drawn by the ochre and incomparable light of the Luberon. As we wandered through the alleyways, we pushed open the doors of several galleries, each revealing a particular atmosphere. We did, however, fall in love with the Galerie Tapiézo, where the experience is like no other. Visitors are invited to touch the works, whose textures incorporate natural pigments and mineral materials. Galerie Ziminski, Galerie Porte Heureuse and Atelier Regards d’Artistes offer a diversity of approaches, from figurative to contemporary. Many artists use Roussillon ochre directly, creating a direct link between heritage and art. This artistic concentration is no coincidence: the beauty of the site and its international reputation have made Roussillon a recognized place of inspiration and exhibition far beyond Provence.
- Galerie Tapiézo: 39 Rue Richard Casteau
- Open mid-March to end November, 11 am to 4:30 pm (closed Mondays and Sundays)
8. Discover the secrets of vinegar production at a vinegar-maker’s.
Roussillon also has some gourmet discoveries in store. At Bals’Art, a master vinegar maker based in the Place du Castrum, we explored the art of artisan vinegar production. This family-run business makes organic vinegars and balsamic reductions from regional grape varieties. You’ll be able to taste original creations, with unexpected flavors, and perhaps leave with a bottle that will bring a refined touch to your everyday dishes, while reminding you of your stay in Provence. The store offers a wide range of products, all designed without colorants or additives, in keeping with authentic know-how. The visit was a pleasant surprise, as it enabled us to discover another facet of Roussillon.
Practical information
- Address: Bals’Art – 15 Place du Castrum, Roussillon
- Organic and artisanal products
- Speciality: balsamic reductions
- Tasting available on site
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
9. Shopping at Marché de Roussillon
On Thursday mornings, the village comes alive with its colorful and authentic weekly market. Take time to stroll between the stalls offering local produce, crafts and Provencal specialities in a friendly atmosphere. You’ll discover the flavors of the region through goat’s cheeses, olives, tapenades and Provencal herbs. Local producers offer seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in the region. Local crafts are also well represented, with pottery, fabrics and decorative objects often dyed ochre. The market is a great opportunity to meet the locals and soak up the Provencal art of living.
Practical information
- Thursday mornings only
- Opening hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. approx.
- Local produce and crafts
- Typical Provencal atmosphere
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10. Visit the Écomusée des Ocres
The Conservatoire des ocres et de la couleur, housed in the former Mathieu factory, is the only place in Europe dedicated to this emblematic natural pigment. We loved this place, which retraces the industrial epic of ochre extraction and processing in the 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the different shades of ochre, their preparation techniques and their many applications in art, building and crafts. Our educational workshops will teach you how to make your own natural paints. The ponds, dryers and old machines preserved on site illustrate the transformation process perfectly. The conservatory also works to safeguard traditional know-how and promotes an ecological approach to color.
Practical information
- Price: €8.50
- Opening hours: open daily from February to December, 8am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm
- Address: former Mathieu factory site: 570 Route d’Apt. 5min drive from Roussillon Village.
- Guided tours and workshops available (booking required)
- Click here for more info
Excursions to Roussillon
We highly recommend combining your visit to Provence with an excursion that includes a visit to the Village of Roussillon:
- From Aix-en-Provence: half-day tour of the Luberon hilltop villages – see activity details and book now
- From Avignon: day trip to the Luberon villages – see details and book
- Departure from Marseille: day trip to the Luberon market and villages – find out more and book
Things to do in Roussillon: other ideas
We discovered other interesting places and activities during our exploration of Roussillon:
- Taste Luberon wines in local cellars
- Explore the beautiful hiking trails around the village – more info here
Gordes
This emblematic Luberon hilltop village is just 10km from Roussillon. Its Renaissance château and dry-stone houses make it one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Sénanque Abbey
Just a 25-minute drive from Roussillon, this 12th-century Cistercian abbey, surrounded by lavender fields, is an unforgettable sight, especially in June and July when the lavender blooms.
Colorado Provençal de Rustrel
Just 20km away, this exceptional natural site features spectacular ochre landscapes over 30ha, offering a complementary experience to the Sentier des Ocres de Roussillon.
How to get to Roussillon + parking
Where is Roussillon
- In the Luberon, Provence (Vaucluse department)
- Avignon: 1h drive
- Aix-en-Provence: 1h10 drive
- Marseille: 1h30 drive
How to get there
- By car:
- access via the D4 from the village of Apt or the D2 from the village of Gordes
- From Marseille or Aix-en-Provence, take the A7 freeway. From Avignon or Nîmes, take the A9 freeway.
- By bus: regional routes from Apt and Cavaillon (limited timetables), but no buses from major cities like Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
- Organized tours: excursions departing from Avignon, Aix-en-Provence or Marseille
Parking in Roussillon
Parking in Roussillon is not free in high season. Several parking lots are available on the outskirts of the village, while the historic center is pedestrian-only. The main parking lot is at the entrance to the village near the cemetery. A second parking lot is located near the Sentier des Ocres. Expect to pay around €5 for the day. In summer, arrive early in the morning to find a place easily.
Useful tips for visiting Roussillon
How long and when?
Allow at least half a day to visit Roussillon, ideally a full day if you want to do the Sentier des Ocres and visit the Écomusée. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions, with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures. Summer can be very hot and crowded. The Thursday morning market adds to the liveliness of the village.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
Start your visit at the bottom of the village, first exploring the Sentier des Ocres, then gradually working your way up to the historic center. The village is built on a hill with steep streets and staircases. Bring good walking shoes. A map of the village is available from the Tourist Office on Place de la Poste. People with reduced mobility will be able to access the village center, but not all viewpoints.
Visiting with children
Roussillon will captivate children with the extraordinary colors of the Sentier des Ocres, which resembles a Western setting. We recommend the short 30-minute circuit, more suitable for shorter legs. The Écomusée des Ocres offers workshops in natural paint making, which young artists love. The many craft stores and artisanal ice cream tasting in the central square add to the pleasure of the visit. Beware, however, of steep alleys with baby carriages.
Restaurants
We haven’t tested any Roussillon restaurants yet. But on our list are: Restaurant Omma for its panoramic terrace, La Table des Ocres for its authentic Provencal cuisine, and Le Piquebaure for its creative dishes based on local produce.
Visit Roussillon in winter
Winter in Roussillon offers a more intimate experience of the village with very few tourists. You’ll be able to appreciate the winter light that sublimates the ochres from a different angle. Most of the art galleries are still open, so you can chat quietly with the artists. Please note that some restaurants, museums, galleries and the Sentier des Ocres may have reduced opening hours or be closed. At Christmas, the village lights up, creating a magical atmosphere.
