Unveiling Exciting Things to Do in Roussillon

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Despite the many truly unique and memorable things to do in Roussillon, this colorful and vibrant Provençal village is often overlooked. Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and the Southern Alps will no doubt dominate most of your travel itinerary around the region. But if you can spare some time in your busy schedule, we urge you to also visit Roussillon, the gem of Provence. 

Imagine strolling through narrow, winding streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafés, whose buildings boast warm hues of red, orange, and yellow that match the nearby ochre cliffs, for which the area is synonymous. How amazing would that be?

Overall, Roussillon offers an atmosphere unlike any other village in Provence. Its most famous attraction, the Ochre Trail (Sentier des Ocres), lets you wander through an otherworldly landscape of colourful rock formations that resemble something you might see on Mars!  

Beyond this, there are plenty of other things to do in Roussillon on a day trip. For one, the panoramic views over the surrounding Provençal countryside are sure to blow you away, while the ornate buildings of Place de la Mairie and historical mining displays at the Écomusée De L’ocre Roussillon will enchant you.

Roussillon Travel Essentials: What You Need to Know

The best base for exploring Provence is either the lively Aix-en-Provence or the historic Avignon. Both cities are major regional hubs with ample accommodations for any budget.

• In Aix-en-Provence, we recommend staying in the old town near the Fontaine de la Rotonde for a good selection of things to do and easy logistics.
• In Avignon, if you want to experience the town’s historic vibe, look for hotels within the walls of the historic center.
• If you are interested in slow travel through Provence or prefer smaller towns, consider staying at Vaison-la-Romaine.

It is also possible to explore Roussillon on a day trip from Nice or neighboring towns in the French Riviera. However, this will be quite a journey, taking around three hours to reach the colorful village from Nice and other parts of the Côte d’Azur. Naturally, the unique beauty of Roussillon, officially designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, makes the trip eminently worthwhile.

To optimize your visit, we recommend being strategic by including a couple of other fun locations in Provence, allowing you to stay in the region for two to three days. This approach gives you time to rest and restore between driving stretches. If you plan to stay in the French Riviera for most of your trip, Nice is a convenient base for exploring the South of France.

• To rent or not to rent a car? Exploring Provence without a car can be challenging. Although the region has public transportation, it is primarily designed for locals and can be complex and inconvenient for travelers, especially if you want to see a lot in a limited time. Therefore, hiring a car is key to experiencing Provence. The roads in the region are excellent and scenic, turning your drive between locations into a delightful bonus. 
• Alternatively, instead of renting a car, you might consider a guided tour of the region. Local guides can pack all the highlights of Provence into a well-organized itinerary while taking care of the logistics, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the best of the region. Two popular options include a full-day tour of Provence from Avignon (which includes Roussillon) or a half-day tour of Luberon’s gems, featuring Gordes and the Abbey of Sénanque, in addition to Roussillon.
• Having access to data while exploring a region is essential. Instead of dealing with roaming charges or purchasing a local SIM card, consider using a digital SIM. It will allow you to stay connected and share your adventures seamlessly. One significant benefit is that you can manage your data plan directly from your phone, giving you the flexibility to choose and adjust your usage as needed while you travel.
• Travel insurance can be a lifesaver, offering great benefits when unexpected situations arise—like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Plus, we’re excited to share that our blog offers a 5% discount on travel insurance for certain countries! Take a moment to see if your country is one of the lucky ones that qualifies for this discount.

Discovering Roussillon: Insights into the Village’s Story

Roussillon is situated at the southern fringes of the Plateau de Vaucluse, lying within the borders of the Natural Regional Park of Luberon. It was established in the 13th century and has a population of just under 1400 people.

The village is best known for being the epicentre of the ochre region, and its name is a derivation of the word ‘russet’ (meaning reddy brown colour).

Extensive mining took place here from the latter part of the 18th century until 1940, but it has since been banned in an attempt to protect the captivating landscape of rocky outcrops and striking formations, which some have affectionately referred to as ‘Needles of the Fairy Vale’ and ‘Giants’ Causeway’.

When the mining was in full swing, the local ochre stone—defined by its yellow, burnt numbers and rich orange shades—was extracted from the hills that flanked the village for several purposes, including artistic paintings and to colour lime paints, concrete, and other coatings.

Since the 1980s, tourism has been the main source of income for the town, which is another reason you should come here on a day trip. One of the best times to do so is during the Festival of Ochre and Colour, which takes place on Ascension weekend (the last Sunday in July).

The village is also notable for being the place where Samuel Beckett hid from the Nazis during WWI.

Explore Roussillon’s Stunning Ochre Trail

The Ochre Trail in Roussillon, aka Sentier des Ochres, gives you the chance to see some of the former ochre quarries up close and personal. It will cost you a nominal amount to do this (at present, €2.50 for adults, free for kids under 10) and will take you through the vibrant ombre-coloured cliffs on one of two courses. A tourist trail that takes half an hour or a visitor path that takes twice as long. 

You can’t come to the village without walking it; however, if you do, we highly recommend you don’t wear white clothes or shoes! Ochre stains, and it can be hard work to clean off once you’ve completed the trail. 

If you don’t have much time, the shorter path should give you a good feel for the place, especially as the most notable and photo-worthy mine is right at the beginning of it. However, if you have an hour to spare, you should definitely take the visitor path.

Legend has it that the fiery hues that define this unique part of Provence are down to the blood of Dame Sermonde, who allegedly, after being confronted by her jealous husband, tragically jumped to her death. Alternatively, you could believe the geological and scientific explanations that state the colour results from iron oxide deposits, which go back millions of years.

Irrespective of how the area got its colour, the trail showcases a remarkable natural palette, with the rocks displaying vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and even purple, all caused by the iron-rich minerals in the soil. It’s one of the best experiences you can get while hiking near Aix-en-Provence.

As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, winding paths, and pine trees that create a striking contrast with the ochre earth. It’s collectively a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise, so make a point of stopping frequently to take it all in.

3 Other Fun and Easy Hiking Trails in the Luberon, Provence

The Luberon is a dream for those who love slow-paced adventures—rolling vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and villages that feel frozen in time. While many visitors flock to the famous Ochre Trail near Roussillon, the region offers plenty of other scenic and accessible hikes that capture the essence of Provence. Whether you’re after sweeping valley views, hidden forest paths, or a leisurely stroll through lavender fields, here are three easy yet rewarding hikes in the Luberon.

1. Le Sentier Botanique de Ménerbes

This gentle 2.5-kilometer loop starts near the picturesque hilltop village of Ménerbes, winding through oak woodlands and Mediterranean scrub. Along the way, informative signs introduce you to the region’s flora, from wild thyme to juniper bushes. The path is well-marked and shaded, making it a perfect short walk on a warm day.

2. Les Gorges de Régalon

For a bit of adventure without too much effort, the Gorges de Régalon trail delivers. This 4-kilometer out-and-back hike takes you through a narrow limestone canyon with towering rock walls on either side. The cool shade and occasional rock scrambles make it an exciting yet manageable experience for all skill levels.

3. The Claparèdes Plateau Walk

This scenic 3-kilometer loop on the Plateau des Claparèdes offers a peaceful stroll through one of the Luberon’s most picturesque landscapes. In summer, the plateau is a sea of lavender fields, dotted with ancient dry-stone huts (bories) and crisscrossed by easy footpaths. Even outside of lavender season, the walk provides beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding valleys, making it a charming and relaxing hike any time of year.

What Else to Do in Roussillon?

After hiking the Sentier des Ochres, you’ll still have time to check out a couple of other sites during your day trip to this colorful village.

A good place to go if you want to discover even more about the region’s history of ochre mining is the Écomusée De L’ocre Roussillon. This museum resides within the former Camille Mathieu factory and counts restored mills, ovens and washing systems among its displays. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, although it does close for an hour for lunch at 1 pm.

Elsewhere, the Castrum is a fortified area at the top of the town. It is notable for its restored belfry, which you’ll find on the path that takes you up to it. The views over the Vaucluse countryside are also spectacular here.

You should also make a point of checking out Place de la Mairie. It has some eye-catching architecture, including the stately town hall, which stands out with its gorgeous burnt-umber shade and minty green detailing.

In this area, you’ll find a lovely selection of cafés and bars, most of which spill out onto the main square. They serve up a number of local delicacies that are a lot more authentically Provençal than anything you will get in the Côte d’Azur.

Provence Travel Itinerary Ideas

Provence is full of beautiful gems, from charming villages to breathtaking nature parks. Some of the must-dos on the Provence travel itinerary include soaking in the serenity of the lavender fields, marveling at the stunning landscapes of the Verdon Gorge, and enjoying the authentic atmosphere of the quaint towns.

The best part? Most of the must-see stops are just a short drive apart! For example, on your way to Roussillon, you can easily pop by the scenic Abbey of Sénanque. After hiking the ochre trail and enjoying lunch in Roussillon, why not head to a lavender field for a breathtaking sunset and some evening tranquility? It’s all very manageable. We have visited the region more than three times and have a helpful post about exploring Provence by car. It is packed with tips and inspiration to help you plan your travel itinerary. We hope you enjoy your time in Provence!