image of some red cliffs with trees at the base and on top of the cliff

Roussillon Walk

Delve into the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon just outside Apt

featured in Hiking & Walking Routes Updated 1 March 2016

Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.

The Ochre cliffs are really something you must see whilst in Provence and what better way to do that than to take a walk and explore the landscape and cliffs. Roussillon is situated on top of a rock with lovely historical and picturesque buildings creating small and neat alleyways that have fantastic views.

What to bring

This walk can be found on IGN map 3242.

Directions

Starting at St Joesph, which is just outside of Roussillon but has free parking near to the 'Les Sables d'Ocre' accomodation, you want to set off on foot and take theD104 and then the D105 through a forest. You will see the lovely Ochre rocks, with their stunning red colours and you can take in the views. After about half an hour you will reach the centre of Roussillon. Once here you can explore the shops and restaurants, particularly those on Rue Casteau. On Rue Casteau you want to turn right at the Place de la Mairie and here you will get a lovely view over the landscape and ochre cliffs. You can also head under the clock tower and over to the viweing platform where you can see distant views over Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux and south Luberon.

Going past the church perched on the rocks take the right and experience the spectacular views over the orche cliffs. You can explore this whole area before heading towards Place de l'Abbe Avon and taking the steps down the beautiful little Rue de l'Arcade. Go right and immediately left up to the Chaussee des Geants, and take the marked trail. This trail has stunning views of the rocks and ochre quarries, btu be careful and follow the route as there can be landslips. To get back head along the D105 and taking in the view behind you of Roussillon, walk back to the starting point.