The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon visitor guide

Photo of The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon

Visit The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon, France

On the edge of the charming village of Roussillon in the Luberon region of Provence you can explore the historic Ochre mines next to the village, now listed as a conservation area.

Explore the Ochre Footpath through the Ochre mines of Roussillon

France This Way review: the chance to visit old mine workings may not sound very exciting, but the Ochre mines at Roussillon are now eroded into remarkable shapes, the rocks have spectacular colours and are surrounded by lovely woodlands, and a visit to follow one of the paths that leads through the mines is now a highlight of your visit to the Luberon.

The Ochre mines are just a short walk from the centre of Roussillon village, easy to reach on foot and clearly signposted. You can also see the red cliff that is on one edge of the mines from the centre of the village, so they are very easy to find!

You pay a small charge to enter the mines then choose between two marked trails that you can follow. According to the information the path marked with yellow arrows takes 35 minutes and the path marked by red arrows takes 50 minutes: we thought they took a bit less time than this, but you will want to stop and take lots of photographs so might take longer. We recommend you take the longer path.

Both of the paths have uphill and downhill sections but are otherwise easy to follow and you will not need walking shoes but yu might like to carry water if the day is hot!

There are various information boards about the geology and history of the mines along the path, as well as benches where you can sit and enjoy the landscapes.

After exploring the mines if you would like to learn more about ochre and what it is used for you can visit the factory just outside the village called the Conservatoire des Ocres et de la Couleur.

Attractions nearby

There are several other places in the Luberon where you can see Ochre mines including:

the Colorado de Rustrel, another historic Ochre mine and about 20 kilometres east of Roussillon at Rustrel;
the Mines de Bruoux at Gargas, a few kilometres east of Roussillon, where you can enter the subterranean ochre mines and follow several hundred metres along the tunnels where the ochre was extracted.

Of course you will also want to explore the village of Roussillon while you are here: it is classified among the "most beautiful villages of France" and is one of our favourite Provencal villages. Other indispensable visits nearby include the village of Gordes, the Village de Bories with its traditional stone dwellings, and the village and castle at Lacoste.

See more scenic highlights in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Vaucluse guide and the Provence guide.

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Map of The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon and places nearby

Visit near The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon with France This Way reviews

Roussillon

As well as the orange houses of the village you can explore the ancient ochre mines just below Roussillon

Roussillon guide

Gordes

The exceptionally pretty-village of Gordes is also one of the most visited villages in France

Gordes guide

Lacoste

The small village of Lacoste, one of the most beautiful in the Luberon, stands below the castle of the Marquis de Sade

Lacoste guide

Chateau de Lacoste

The chateau de Lacoste is an 11th century castle in Provence, known for its connection with the Marquis de Sade

Chateau de Lacoste guide

Abbey of Senanque

Senanque Abbey is a roman style abbey in Provence surrounded by lavender fields and with many of the 12th century monastic buildings lovingly restored

Abbey of Senanque guide