One of the most beautiful villages in Provence is Roussillon, best known for its striking ochre cliffs. Roussillon is one of my favorite villages to visit in the Luberon, so I’m sharing my guide after multiple visits.
The town’s rich history of mining ochre has influenced the red and orange shades that it has been painted in, creating a surreal rust-tinted village among the lush green hills of the Luberon. It feels almost surreal to see the colors of the town in person.
I spent the day exploring the village for a second time as part of our week-long stay in Provence and fell in love with the ochre-painted facades again. Every street feels postcard-worthy. With the vibrant landscape of pines and vineyards, Roussillon is one of the most idyllic villages to visit.
(PS — It’s so famous that the author Laurence Wylie wrote a book about his family’s time there. The book is called “Village in the Vaucluse.”)
Roussillon is a great spot for those seeking a quiet village in the Luberon region. Visiting as a day trip from nearby towns in the Provence Alpes Côte d Azur area is easy.
Why Visit Roussillon?
Roussillon earns its reputation as one of the most beautiful towns in France. It is designed as a “Plus Beaux Villages” in France. Long attracting the attention of artists, the town hosts several art galleries and artist studios, as well as a traditional Provencal market selling a range of local fare.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Roussillon:
- Hotel Omma, for the best boutique hotel
- Les Cabanes de la Fontaine, for the best homestay for families
- Coquillade Provence, for the best luxury getaway
If you’re planning a trip to Provence, don’t miss my in-depth Provence guide, 7-day Provence itinerary, and guides to the best villages to base yourself and best markets in Provence!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Provence is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Roussillon, France Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Roussillon
How to Get to Roussillon, Provence
By Car
Roussillon is a rural town in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur in southeastern France which means the best way to get there is by driving. I would recommend picking up a rental car at either Avignon Train Station or the airport. We had been in the Côte d Azur already so we drove up from there.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
The closest airport is Marseille, which is approximately 1.5 hours via the A7 north, exiting at Cavaillon and then taking the D900 towards Apt and Roussillon. If you’re traveling from Avignon, the journey takes around 50 minutes via the D900. If you’re coming from Aix-en-Provence, take the A51 north, then the D900 towards Apt and Roussillon.
By Train and Taxi
There are no train services to Roussillon, so you’ll need to take a train to either Avignon or Aix-en-Provence which are the largest cities connected to destinations including Paris, Bordeaux, or Nice by TGV train. From there, you will need to take a taxi to Roussillon, though this will be a more expensive option than hiring a rental car.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Best Way to Get Around Roussillon
Roussillon is compact and walking is the best way to see the town. You can easily walk between all the major viewpoints and sights, with streets generally accessible. There are some stairs, and visiting the ochre cliffs does feature some uneven ground, but everything is close and generally easy to access within the town.
How Many Days to See Roussillon
You can easily see the best of Roussillon within a day or pair it with other towns close by such as Gordes or Goult. Alternatively, you could spend an entire day slowly enjoying the various scenic spots surrounding the town.
When to Visit Roussillon
Provence has a mild Mediterranean climate which means it can be comfortable year round. The summers are hot and dry and are the busiest season for tourism. For fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures to explore, I would recommend visiting in spring or fall for the best experience. Visiting in late June is also a great option if you want to enjoy the lavender season in Provence with several fields nearby.
Where to Stay to Visit Roussillon
During our week-long stay in Provence, we used Goult as our base. Rousillon was easy to reach as a day trip from there and it made for the perfect blend of quiet Provencal charm and proximity to a half dozen nearby towns.
There aren’t many hotels in Goult, however, I can recommend both Domaine Les Petit Vaines as a private boutique hotel, and Hôtellerie Notre Dame de Lumières, as the best boutique budget hotel.
If you want to stay in Roussillon, there are a handful of options, though most accommodation is located outside of the town center.
Best Hotels in Roussillon
- Hotel Omma — The best central hotel with exceptional views across the Provencal landscape, this traditional home-style hotel puts you within walking distance of everything there is to see and do in Roussillon.
- Coquillade Provence — For a luxury experience a few miles outside of town, you can’t beat Coquillade Provence which is located in the 13th-century wine-making village of Gargas. With lush surroundings, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and three restaurants, it’s a top-tier choice.
- La Clé des Champs, Boutique Hôtel & Spa — A boutique hotel located among lavender fields set across three acres, this renovated farmhouse boasts idyllic Provencal charm. With a heated pool, shared living spaces with a library and fireplace, and a conservatory, it’s a great option any time of the year.
Best Holiday Rentals Near Roussillon
- Domaine Eugenia — A small group of modern and cozy apartments in the Provencal countryside is great for couples and families. Located between Roussillon and Bonnieux, there are high-end services and a pool on site.
- Les Cabanes de la Fontaine — This two-bedroom holiday home has everything you need including a fully equipped kitchen, separate living space, and a terrace with garden views. Guests can enjoy a private pool and access to a BBQ, and there are only a handful of other houses on the property, giving it an intimate feel.
Things to Do in Roussillon
Walk the Le Sentier des Ocres
The Ochre Trail is a must-see when in Roussillon. Walk through unique landscapes where the rust-colored cliffs are surrounded by lush green forest. Two trails to choose from, 30 minutes or 50 minutes, exist, and boardwalks help in some of the less-even areas of the paths.
This is the best way to see the pigments from the ochre quarries that influence the town’s color palette. Just don’t wear white, as your shoes and any clothing that touches the ochre dust can be stained.
Admire the Views from Belvedere Basso
One of the best places to take in the views across the town and surrounding Luberon landscape is from Belvedere Basso. Rolling hills and surrounding countryside stretch as far as the eye can see and it’s one of my favorite spots in town to take in an all-encompassing view.
Conservatoire des Ocres et de la Couleur
Showcasing the town’s mining history which soared in the 18th century, it’s a fascinating look at the importance of the ochre deposits in the region and how it was used in art and construction of the village. Learn about how the pigments are processed by ochre factories as well as how they are used in modern-day art and manufacturing.
Go Art Shopping at Ocres Choses
This family-run business is a great place to pick up some pigments that can be used in your own art and creative activities. All the bases are made naturally and I purchased a few to add to my palette. It’s a unique souvenir to remind you of your time in Roussillon! Be sure to check out the art galleries here as well, it’s well known in the Vaucluse department.
Visit Eglise Saint Michel
Perched at the highest point in the village, Saint Michael’s church is also another excellent viewpoint. With its 19th-century bell tower and simple design, it remains an essential part of Roussillon’s skyline.
Visit the Weekly Market on Thursday
You can’t beat the local village markets in Provence, and on Thursdays in the village of Roussillon, you can pick up some local produce for a picnic or to take back to your holiday rental. Local meats, cheese, fruit, and vegetables, as well as fare like soaps and lavender goods, are all on sale.
Where to Eat in Roussillon
La Grappe de Raisin
Enjoy traditional Provencal dishes on the lovely terrace which is great for watching the world go by on the streets below.
L’Ocrier
We enjoyed a lovely lunch here and some tables on a terrace enjoy views of the ochre cliffs, adding to the atmosphere of the restaurant. You can expect a modern European and seasonal style menu.
Restaurant Omma
Located at the Omma Hotel, this restaurant features great views directly overlooking the Roussillon ochre cliffs. You can choose from the tasting menu or a seasonal à la carte menu. Both options focus on local ingredients and beautiful presentation.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
