What to see in Roussillon ?

Roussillon's distinctiveness stems from rare geology: the village is literally built into ochre, that iron-rich clay which tints the façades from pale yellow to deep red. The Sentier des Ocres, winding around the village, reveals how this material structured an entire local economy until the 20th century. It is a place to be appreciated as much by eye as by reading the soil beneath your feet.

Light is best in spring or autumn, when tourists are fewer and the ochre colours contrast with still-green vegetation. Budget half a day on site, a full day if combining with neighbouring Luberon villages. You must come by car; there is no realistic alternative. Avoid arriving between 11am and 2pm in July-August: the village becomes a bottleneck around the Place du Pasquier.