Roussillon
Gorgeous arty village famous for its red ochre rocks
Roussillon is wonderful village that is notable for its red rocks. You could be forgiven for thinking you've taken a wrong turn into Utah, with the starkly contrasting blue sky, red rocks and green vegetation.
The red earth comes from a large vein of ochre in the earth, and you'll see that Rousillon has used this natural pigment in the rendering of its houses.
History & Culture in [locality]
The ochre vein in this region of France is one of the largest in the world, and it stretches through the Luberon from Apt to Roussillon. It's commonly referred to the Colorado Provençal. The ochre was mined very successfully in the 19th and 20th centuries, until synthetic pigments started to be manufactured in the 1950's.
On the outskirts of Roussillon there is a disused quarry where an 'Ochre Trail' has been created. You can follow trails where you can examine the red rock up close in a 30 minute or a 60 minute walk.
The ochre pigment has been quarried here for many years which left some of the formations that you will see. There is also a centre dedicated to ochre on the road to Apt - the Ochre and Colour Conservatory that offers guided visits around an old factory, information on the geology and history, and workshops on the use of the colour in a variety of decoration techniques.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Roussillon lacks the historical buildings that nearby villages in the Luberon have - there are no grand castles or churches here. Instead, what you'll find is a less imposing village, unique in its use of ochre rendering, with little lanes and alleys tumbling through a mix of ramshackle buildings and somewhat swankier restored residences. Look out for beautifully carved, ancient wooden doors, hidden stairways and stone arches.
The church sits at the top of the village. It originated in the 11th century and has undergone a number of rebuilds and enhancements over the years. Above the church there is a little square with a viewing platform and orientation table where you can find a great view of the Luberon all the way up to the mountains of Vaucluse.
There are a few vineyards in the area that you can visit and sample their fine Provençal wines and buy yourself a bottle or two...or even a case.
Probably thanks to its connection to pigments, plus its location and the natural light of the Luberon, Roussillon has been popular with artists for many years. This has led to a number of art galleries opening in the village and you can follow an art itinerary where you will visit participating galleries and artists workshops, specialising in paintings, sculpture, jewellery and ceramics. Ask for the Parcours de l'Art leaflet at the tourist office.
Sights in Provence
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Eglise St Trophime
Built sometime in the twelfth century this beautifully carved and carefully constructed church is a stunning sight in Arles. Named after an early bishop of Arles the stone carvings, statues and intricate details represent the Roman Provencal style of architecture.
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Musee Granet
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
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Site Memorial des Milles
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
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L'Essentiel de Lavande, Grignan
From cultivation right through to the essential oil, come here and discover the journey of a plant whose fragrance and many virtues have been our childhood companions!
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Motorbike Museum, Entrevaux
This little museum is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with a great collection of vintage and classic motorbikes.
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La Scourtinerie, Nyons
Originally founded in 1882, this family run business making traditional Scourtins survives to this day.
Dining in [locality]
This town is perfect for sitting at a café and watching the world go by...but having said that, you will want to eat! And there is no shortage of nice cafés and restaurants in the town.
Restaurants in Provence
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
Events in [locality]
The town market is held on Thursdays. At the beginning of June, there is a pottery market and on midsummers eve on the 22nd and 23rd June, Roussillon hosts St Jean des Couleurs with torchlit processions and bonfires followed by daytime markets and an agricultural fair.
Events in Provence
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Things to do in [locality]
When visiting by car, you'll find a pay car park at either end of the village - they are both quite small and you may have to park further away on the roads leading up to Roussillon before walking to the village. Or if you are staying here, ask if your accommodation provider has car parking!
There are several short hikes in the area and you can buy maps from the tourist office. The ochre geology has given rise to different plants and and trees in this area compared to the rest of the Luberon, and you may come across silicicola (southern redcedar), Norwegian pine trees, heather and wild orchids on your travels.
As throughout the rest of the Luberon, cycling is a popular activity. Try Luberon Biking in Roussillon or Bike Aptitude Cycling in Goult for your cycle hire.
Things To Do in Provence
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Hotels in [locality]
Surprisingly, for a popular village like Roussillon, there aren't any really nice hotels in the village or the immediate surrounding area. There is one two-star hotel in the village, and there are a handful of equally basic but pleasant Chambres d'Hôtes within walking distance of the village. Apartment and villa rentals are also available.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
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B Design & Spa Hotel, Maussane les Alpilles
A family run spa retreat in the heart of Provence offering visitors the chance to savor the best in French cuisine.
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La Mirande Hotel
La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.
Price: €7,953
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Auberge St Remy de Provence Hotel
Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
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Apartment for Sale
Panoramic sea view for this 3 bedroom apartment with orivate garden and 3 parkings
Price: €1,300,000