Last Updated on 4th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
An orange hued town that can be seen from miles around thanks to its unique warm glow, Roussillon gained fame and wealth thanks to the orange orchre stone which gives it its unique hue. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Roussillon.
Please note that Roussillon is sometimes referred to as Roussillon in Provence to distinguish it from the former French region Languedoc-Roussillon.
Roussillon is a ‘village perché,’ which means perched village and is typical of the French countryside. As its name would suggest, the perched village is typically nested on the side of a hillside and were often fortified, constructed just below a chateau. The villages also usually feature a lavoir (public wash basin), small chapel or church, and numerous narrow streets.
What’s more is that Roussillon is inscribed on the register of Les plus beaux villages de la France (the most beautiful villages in France), meaning that it’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in the South of France.
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Introducing Roussillon
Roussillon is located at the southern end of the Plateau de Vaucluse in the Provence area of France, a region famed for its medieval villages, mountainous foothills, and lavender production.
Though no lavender is grown in Roussillon itself, the best time to visit the town is at the end of June as this is when the weather is best and you can still visit the nearby countryside to enjoy the purple flowers in bloom.
There is no direct train to Roussillon and the closest train station is in Cavaillon, which is around a 35 minute drive away. The easiest way to get around Provence is by having your own vehicle- check car rental comparison prices here.
What is Roussillon known for?
Roussillon is probably most famous as being the central heart of the ochre region. The very name Roussillon means ‘russet’ (like the reddy brown colour). This area extends all the way to Apt and, as its name would suggest, is the area of France where ochre was mined.
Indeed, this mining has created many funny formations and rocky outcrops in the hills surrounding Roussillon and they have been given names such as ‘Giants’ Causeway’ and ‘Needles of the Fairy Vale’.
Mining took place between the end of the 18th-century to 1940 but has since been prohibited to protect the mesmerising sites. Since the 1980s, the main source of income in town has been tourism.
The local stone is full of rich oranges, burnt umbers, and yellow shades, which are then extracted from the hills surrounding Roussillon in order to be used in various applications, including for artistic paintings.
Ochre is also used to colour lime paints, colour coatings, and concrete, and still today you can see the sunny shades of pinks, oranges, and yellows have been used to colour the buildings all around town.
Each year, a festival of ochre and colour is celebrated on Ascension weekend (the last Sunday in July). During WWI, the writer Samuel Beckett hid from the Nazis in the village.
How long do you need in Roussillon?
If you want to wander around the town, explore the little boutiques, and visit the Sentier des Ocres, then you’ll need to set aside at least two to three hours. However, if you’re running short on time, then you can skip out on visiting the Sentier des Ocres and instead prioritise the Colorado Provençal.
Best things to do in Roussillon
Stroll around the town
One of the simplest pleasures of any Provençal village is simply strolling around and seeing where your feet take you. There are a number of boutiques which you’ll love exploring, my personal favourite being a balsamic vinegar shop ()
Place de la Mairie
Truth be told, one of the most impressive and ornate buildings in town sits in pride of place on Place de la Mairie. The town hall of Roussillon is constructed in a lovely burnt umber shade, offset by mint green detailing.
It’s so pretty that you’ll want to wait and take a photo in front of it! Nearby, there are a number of different bars and cafés spilling out onto the square where you can sit, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy a refreshing drink (the hot summer sun of Provence is no joke!)
Castrum
The fortified area at the top of the town which would have once protected Roussillon from outsider attacks is free to visit and offers fantastic views over the Vaucluse countryside.
One of the highlights of this area (asides from the fantastic vistas) is the restored belfry on the path leading to the top of the Castrum area. This is also where the main church in town can be found.
St Michael’s Church
Past the Mairie and all of the artist’s galleries, in a particularly pleasant part of town, the church of St Michael boasts a bright yellow façade and a rather simple interior. It’s also one of the coolest spots in town to avoid the summer sun and so is worth checking out as soon as you’ve made it up the hill.
Buy some local artwork
Roussillon has more of an artistic vibe than many other towns in Provence and this is reflected no better than by the many artist ateliers and galleries scattered across town. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from France, then consider purchasing an artwork while in Roussillon.
Sentier des Ochres (Ochre Path)
If you want to see some of the former ochre quarries for yourself, you’ll want to pay to visit the Sentier es Ochres. There are two options when it comes to exploring; a tourist trail which takes 30 minutes or a visitor path which takes 60.
If you are short on time, the 30 minute trail is sufficient to get a feel for the place, particularly because the most impressive former mine (and therefore photo opportunity) is right at the start of the visit.
If I could give you just one tip for visiting, it would be to avoid wearing white or light coloured shoes. Ochre stains and you won’t be able to get the dust out again! Similarly, avoid putting any of your clothes down on the ground while visiting!
The Ochre Conservatory
If you want to learn even more about the history of ochre mining in the region and the protection of the landscape today, then you can visit the Écomusée De L’ocre Roussillon.
Set within the former Camille Mathieu factory, you can see restored washing systems, ovens, and mills. The Conservatory also offers various artistic courses.
What to know before visiting Roussillon
As one of the busiest towns in Provence, you should know that almost every place to eat and drink in Roussillon is incredibly touristy and there is not much of note when it comes to the food options in town.
If possible, plan to eat before or after visiting the village as restaurants in town are expensive and I’ve personally been a bit disappointed every time I’ve eaten in town!
Where to stay in Roussillon
I should preface this by explaining that, much like Gordes, Roussillon is one of the most popular towns in Provence, and with this popularity comes elevated prices.
Therefore, if you’re on a budget then I would probably recommend not staying in Roussillon. With this being said, there are a number of accommodation options in town. Here are some of the best places to stay based on web-reviews and location:
A Hirondelle En Provence: This cosy B&B is conveniently located just 500 metres from the Ochre trail. Amenities include free parking, a terrace, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. Check prices and availability here.
Omma, Le Clos de la Glycine: For an unforgettable stay during your time in Roussillon, you’ll want to book yourself into this gorgeous accommodation. Highlights include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. For an extra fee, you can get a suite. Check prices and availability here.
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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.