Roussillon - Colorado Provencal

Colored and ochered walls, wonderful views of Mont Ventoux, white-orange-red rocks, art galleries, painting and photography in the colorful village streets, the provencal life, the red dust coloring my shoes, beautiful photos to take around every corner…all these remind me of ROUSSILLON, a must visit place that I will never forget.
Roussillon is considered as one of the most impressive villages in France - there are 141 villages in France rated as a Plus Beaux Village (The most beautiful villages).
The ratings are awarded by the Plus Beaux Villages de France Association. To qualify, villages must meet the three basic conditions - less than 2,000 inhabitants, two registered or listed sites, and the unanimous agreement of the municipal council.


Situated at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse in the Luberon, Roussillon is one of the largest deposits of ochre in the world. Ochre is a natural pigment mixed with sand. Iron oxide gives yellow to purple pigments known as the oldest used for painting.

According to a nice Provencal legend, during the middle ages, Sermonde, wife of evil Lord Raimond of Roussillon, fell in love with the young troubadour Guilhelm de Cabestang. When the lord learned of his wife’s passion for another, he killed the troubadour, cut out his heart, and had it cooked and served to his wife. Sermonde ate the dish, but when she discovered what Raimond had done, she threw herself from the cliffs of Roussillon, staining the earth with her blood.

Special places not to be missed in Roussilon!

The Giants' Causeway (Sentier des Ocres) – is a natural park of jagged cliffs, vertical spikes of ochre that lead to massive cliffs, beside the village of Roussillon. The shapes and colors are breathtaking, the impressive and colorful panorama will just astonish you. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pinetrees.
A little advice: don’t wear brightful colors, shoes otherwise the red dust will color them... even it’s fun I have to admit.

To understand the treatment and use of these pigments in the building industry, you must visit the "Conservatoire des Ocres et des Pigments Appliqués", situated in an old ochre factory.

The Roussillon village is a delightful place to visit also, the buildings all draw on the various colors and shades of ochre from this quarry near Roussillon are magnificent, a picturesque maze of alleys and small squares, art galleries make this a must see Provencal village.
Many artists have received their inspiration here. Jean Cocteau and Carzou are one of them.

Roussillon shouldn’t be missed from the « must visit » places list.

Here are some pictures I took while I was visiting Roussillon last year:
































































Have you ever been in Roussillon? Share your experiences with us!