Roussillon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Provence. And it’s not just my opinion — it’s officially recognized as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.”
What makes Roussillon exceedingly unique is its vibrant palette of orange-red ochre colors, which create a stunning contrast against the dark green hills and the dramatic canyon. The visual impact is nothing short of breathtaking.
The technicolor display comes courtesy of the town having one of the world’s largest ochre deposits. Roussillon boasts a kaleidoscope of 17 different shades of soil, ranging from red and orange to yellow and violet.
Beyond its natural beauty, the tiny village itself is enchanting, with ancient buildings adorned in pastel hues, adding to its timeless charm.
Quick Tips
- The Roussillon market is on Thursday.
- Walk the Ochre Trail early in the day to avoid heat.
- Avoid white or light colored clothing to prevent ochre stains.
- The town’s sites are free, except for the Ochre Trail.
Mini History of Roussillon
Roussillon has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was settled by the Romans, who exploited its abundant ochre deposits.
During the Middle Ages, Roussillon grew as a fortified village, playing a strategic role in regional conflicts.
The village’s distinctive hues come from the ochre quarries that have shaped its economy and landscape for centuries. The ochre is used in paints and dyes, for both decorative and practical purposes.
Naturally, there is a story around the city’s famous colors, called the Legend of Roussillon.
Roussillon was ruled by Lord Raymond of Avignon. But he was a barbaric man, always away hunting. That left a lonely wife, Soremonda, with only the company of troubadours.
One such musician, Guilhem de Cabestanh wrote poetry for her. When Raymond heard it, he took the troubadour out hunting, stabbed him, and carved out his heart.
In an even grislier twist, Raymond served up the heart to his wife at dinner and told her what he had done.
In response, she flung herself off the cliff. The cliffs, they say, are red from her blood.
Today, Roussillon still sells ochre. But it’s not the booming business it once was, with only one company operating today.
One Day In Roussillon Itinerary
Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres):
The old ochre quarries, the Sentier des Ocres, are an eye popping photographer’s dream. You should visit first thing in the morning before it gets hot.
It’s a mini canyon of fantastically shaped rock formation set against a pine background.
You have two options: a 30 minute tourist trail or a 60 minute visitor path through a mini canyon that was a former ochre mine.
If you’re short on time, the 30 minute trail is enough to experience the site, especially since the most impressive quarry (and best photo spot) is right at the beginning.
I advise against wearing white or light colored shoes because ochre stains and the dust is hard to remove.
Also, don’t placing any clothes or bags on the ground while you’re there.
Pro Tip: in the summer months, the trail opens at 9:00 am. Outside that, it opens at 11:00 am. So if are you are visiting off season, head to the market before hitting the trail.
Local Market
Try to time your visit to coincide with the local market held every Thursday morning. I can’t resist the the Provencal markets myself!
Everything in sun-drenched Provence just tastes better. Tomatoes really taste like tomatoes. Strawberries really taste like strawberries.
Compared to some other towns, Roussillon has a pretty pint size market.
Still, at each produce stand, locals fill plastic tubs with carefully selected items: enormous carrots, green-and-purple artichokes, and heads of yellow and green lettuce.
Lunch
Most of the restaurants in Roussillon are pretty touristy. If you picked up goodies at the market, have a picnic instead.
If not, pop into the village bakery, La Boulangerie de Roussillon. There, you can grab pizza, sandwiches, and baked goods.
You can also try getting a meal at La Treille or Le P’tit Gourmand. La Treille has a 180 year old vine wrapped around it pale ochre facade.
If you want a sweet treat after, pop into So Glace to pick out your favorite ice cream.
Explore The Village
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll in the old town. It’s all pedestrianized.
Tiny steep streets wind pass colorful homes with flowery facades and a symphony of pastel shutters. Pretty squares are full of shops and boutiques.
Roussillon has long attracted artists. And you’ll find plenty of art galleries in town.
Place de la Mairie
At the top of the hill in the town is Town Hall Square, the Place de la Mairie. It’s a jumble of pastel buildings and painted shutters.
Next to the town hall is an adorable shop that you’ll want to pop into.
And there are cafes facing in the square if you want to take a break and soak in the atmosphere.
Eglise Saint-Michel
Just beyond the Mairie and up the hill, you’ll find the Church of St. Michael. Its bright yellow facade is hard to miss.
Inside, you’ll discover a refreshingly cool interior—perfect for escaping the summer heat. It’s very plain, just a few sculptures inside.
The Place du Castrum, near the church, is a fortified area that once protected Roussillon from outsider attacks.
It’s free to visit and offers fantastic views over the Vaucluse countryside.
Ochre Museum Or Gordes Or Abbaye de Senaque
In the mid to late afternoon, you have three good options.
First, if you want to learn more about the history of ochre mining and landscape protection in the region, visit the Écomusée De L’Ocre in Roussillon. It’s about half a mile east of the city.
Housed in the former Camille Mathieu factory, the museum showcases restored washing systems, ovens, and mills, offering a fascinating look at traditional ochre processing methods.
The Conservatory also provides art courses and workshops for all skill levels, teaching how to use ochre in various creative projects.
Alternatively, if you’ve had enough ochre, head to their nearby village of Gordes for a couple hours. It’s just 6 miles from Roussillon.
Gordes is the most popular village in the Luberon. Perched majestically on a white rock overlooking patches of farmland, Gordes has managed to retain its old world charm despite the hordes of tourists descending on it.
Late afternoon is a good time to visit, when some of them have cleared out. The village is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes and beautiful houses restored top to bottom.
Dominating the city is the chateau, which dates from the Renaissance era. All that remains is the 12th century crenellated tower.
If you’re visiting Provence during lavender season (late June to early August) you could also visit the Abbaye de Senaque. It’s about 9 miles from Roussillon and there’s a pullout spot to take in the view.
The peaceful Cistercian abbey is renowned for its stunning lavender fields and beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Pro Tip: If it’s not high lavender season, the abbey may not be worth visiting. It’s the remote, purple setting that brings it to life.
Dinner
Again, it’s best to get out of town to find good food.
I recommend having dinner at Le Piquebaure, just outside Roussillon. It’s a country restaurant at the foot of the cliff and the perfect way to polish off a day.
Try to get a table on the terrace overlooking the Luberon Valley. Be sure to reserve ahead of time, even during the week!
Tips For One Day in Rousillon
How To Get To Rousillon
There is no direct train to Roussillon and the closest train station is in Cavaillon, which is about a 35 minute drive away. It’s really better to drive in Provence.
If you are driving, use the designated paid parking lot at the entrance of the village, as the streets can be narrow and parking within the village is very limited.
There’s another small car lot — only 20 spaces — near the the Ocres.
Otherwise, the best you could do is take a bus to a nearby town or taxi into Roussillon from another town.
If you don’t have wheels, you can also visit Roussillon on a guided day tour from Avignon or one from Aix-en-Provence.
How Long To Visit Roussillon
Roussillon is a small village.
If you’re on a tight schedule, you could easily spend just half a day there and combine Roussillon with other nearby villages like Gordes.
But, if you prefer a slower pace and want to hike the Ochre Trail, I would splurge and spend the entire one day in Roussillon.
That way, you don’t have to rush and can have some delicious leisurely meals.
Where To Stay In Rousillon
If you want to stay in Roussillon, check out Le Clos de la Glycine.
Its a boutique hotel offering elegantly decorated rooms, stunning views of the ochre cliffs, and a gourmet restaurant, David. (Make a reservation for David!)
If you want to stay in the countryside, I stayed at La Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa (near Gargas) on a recent visit. It was amazing!
This luxurious 5 star resort offers elegant rooms and suites, a world class spa, multiple swimming pools, and a Micheln restaurant (Avelon).
It’s set in a beautifully restored wine estate, blanketed with vineyards and rose gardens. The resort makes its own wine, which I tried and am pleased to announce it’s delicious. Even the Thai food at the bar lounge was amazing!
Domaine des Andéols (near Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt) is another unique luxury hotel with individually decorated villas set amidst olive groves and lavender fields.
The property includes a gourmet restaurant, outdoor pool, and art installations.
Finally, Le Phébus & Spa – Relais & Châteaux (near Joucas) is a 5 star hotel offering up luxurious rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a relaxing spa, and beautiful gardens.
When To Visit Roussillon
Spring and fall are the best time to visit to escape the heat and crowds. Although, on my last visit in early May, it was still quite crowded even in the evening.
Roussillon itself isn’t home to any lavender fields. But if you want to see them nearby (Abbaye de Senaque, Salt, or Bonnieux), you should visit in late June.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Roussillon in one day. You may find these other southern France travel guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
- One day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
- One day in Toulouse itinerary
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