The picturesque village of Roussillon is located in the heart of Provence, France. You won’t be disappointed, there’s several things to do in Roussillon. The ochre cliffs and the town’s charming streets have made it famous for attracting tourists from all over the planet. There, come and enjoy the one-of-a-kind look at breathtaking views and the unique atmosphere of the region, as well as its culture, architecture, and gastronomy. The 7 best things to do while you’re in the village will be in this article.
Walking the Ochre Trails (Le Sentier des Ocres)
If you’re looking for things to do in Roussillon, exploring the famous ochre cliffs is a must. Le Sentier des Ocres or the Ochre Trails will let you get acquainted with picturesque nature with the colors. We have never seen it before. The cliffs and sandy places are painted reddish, orange, and gold, so spectators can imagine being in an open-air gallery. The tourists should go in the morning or sunset when the shine accentuates the contrasting colors.
| Parameter | Details |
| Location | Roussillon, Provence, France |
| Trail Duration | Short: ~30 minutes, Long: ~1 hour |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or evening |
| Ticket Price | ~€3 for adults; children under 10 enter for free |
| Accessibility | Suitable for all fitness levels; not recommended for strollers |
| Tips | Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and don’t forget your camera! |
Walking the Ochre Trails (Le Sentier des Ocres) in Roussillon offers a unique opportunity to explore picturesque landscapes painted in vibrant shades of orange and red. To fully enjoy the walk, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven and slippery. Also, don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen, as the region can get quite hot. For a more immersive experience, consider taking a guided tour to learn about the unique ochre deposits and the area’s rich history.
Explore the Old Town
Exploring the old town is a must if you’re seeking more things to do in Roussillon. His structure results in a series of thin roads filled with historical aspects with buildings having red tiled roofs and brightly painted walls, and beautifully designed gardens. Among the site’s interesting attractions is the St. Michael Church, which stands on the hill with beautiful views of the village. Always walk through the cafés and stores to understand why this little village is so quiet, homey, and magical.
Visit the Ochre Museum (Conservatoire des Ocres)
The Conservatoire des Ocres is a must-see for anyone looking for things to do in Roussillon. This museum gives a broad observational understanding of ochre use, history, and importance. The ochre is explained as a painting material and a construction material, its extraction and role in the local culture and economy are also demonstrated. It also has facilitative displays and activities, making them enjoyable for young people and children. Things to do at the Ochre Museum:
- Get to know how the ochre was extracted as well as its importance to the economy of the area;
- Learn about the application of ochre by painting and construction;
- Go to galleries where the envisioned values of this elemental component of world cultures are showcased;
- Attend a workshop on how to paint with ochre.
Roussillon Market
If you’re in Roussillon on a market day (Wednesdays and Sundays), check it out. The local market is not only a place to buy fresh produce like aromatic Provençal herbs, locally grown olive oil, goat cheeses, and fresh bread but also a hub of local life. You can also find unique ochre products, such as jewelry and paintings, which make perfect souvenirs. Visiting the market is one of the top things to do in Roussillon.
Enjoy Provençal Cuisine
Restaurants in Roussillon, Le Piquet, and La Table de Roussillon are the places to taste Provençal gastronomy. You eat the bulots (snails with garlic and herbs), the ‘ratatouille’ and vegetables cooked with olive oil or the fresh fish, mussels, or oysters. In the area, you can taste the best wines of the region, the red and rosé Ordinary.
Photograph the Panoramic Views
Roussillon is known for its stunning panoramic views. The most beautiful vistas are from the viewpoint of Place de la Mairie or from the hill where the Church of Saint Michael is located. These breathtaking views of the ochre cliffs and lush valleys are some of the most memorable sights you’ll take home. Capturing these views is definitely among the must-do things to do in Roussillon.
Visit Nearby Vineyards
Just outside Roussillon there are for example Domaine des Masques or Château Val Joanis where you can get familiar with the wines of the area. Most of them have tourism facilities where one can be taken through the vineyards and get to taste some of the wines which the area produces, including the red wines such as Grenache and Syrah. Some, such as Domaine du Paternel, even sell wine tasting and picnicking, allowing customers to spend free time with friends on the vineyards having a glass of fine wine.
Watch YouTube Video for Additional Recommendations
Before you plan your trip to Roussillon, watch this video on traveling through this picturesque corner of Provence. In this video we share the best things to do in Roussillon, valuable tips and discoveries made on our own which can inspire your own adventure in Roussillon.
Conclusion About Things to Do in Roussillon
Visiting Roussillon is a very interesting place. Still, even for those of us who have been exploring this corner of Provence for years, there are new and breathtaking spots to discover even now. Roussillon is a perfect travel destination with so much to offer including the charming streets, ochre cliffs and local culture.
FAQ
Yes, Roussillon is worth visiting for its stunning ochre cliffs, charming streets, and beautiful landscapes.
One to two days is enough to explore the village, hike the ochre trails, and enjoy local sights.
Roussillon is famous for its ochre cliffs, colorful architecture, and its history in ochre mining.
