Roussillon

Roussillon is a village in the Luberon area of Vaucluse, well known for its ochre cliffs displaying shades ranging from pale yellow to deep red. The traditional buildings, with façades painted in matching ochre tones, blend into the surrounding mineral landscape, recognised as one of the region's notable natural sites. The Sentier des Ocres, a marked trail through the former quarries, offers a close-up view of these geological formations shaped by erosion and past pigment extraction. The Conservatoire des Ocres et de la Couleur, housed in a former factory, tells the story of this local industrial activity. Perched on a hilltop, the village features narrow lanes and viewpoints overlooking the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers well suited to early morning or evening walks. Roussillon lies close to other well-known hilltop villages in the Luberon, such as Gordes and Ménerbes, as well as traditional Provençal markets. The surrounding vineyards and lavender fields add to the rural, scenic character of this part of Vaucluse.