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.
Roussillon Walk
Delve into the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon just outside Apt
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.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Massif des Ochres du Luberon
Follow the red rock trail that run through the Luberon
A seam of red, yellow & orange rocks runs through a small part of the Luberon, from Roussillon to Rustrel.
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Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon
Discover the Luberon by engaging in a range of outdoor activities
The Luberon park covers the area from Cavallion in the west to Manosque in the east.
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Mines de Bruoux, Apt
An underground tour of the old ochre mines
This area is well known for it's ochre pigment found in the soil, and a tour of the Mines de Bruoux show you the underground caverns that were created.
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Pont Julien, between Bonnieux & Roussillon
Roman bridge crossing the Calavon river that dates back to 3BC
A lovely Roman bridge not far from Bonniuex, on the road towards Roussillon. It dates back to the 3rd century BC when the Romans built a road to link Italy to Hispania.
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Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas
Museum & gallery dedicated chandeliers
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
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Gordes Castle, Gordes
Castle ot the top of the pretty hilltop village of Gordes
This castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
Delicious food and wine at reasonable prices in a charming setting
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
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.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
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
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
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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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
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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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of 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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
A quiet little B&B with a swimming pool overlooking the village of Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a restaurant at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
Guest rooms in a renovated 12th century priory building
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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.
