The colours of Roussillon
Roussillon is one of the fifteen Most Beautiful Villages of Provence, a distinction well deserved!
Indeed, poised atop a ridge of vibrant ocher hues, it nestles within the picturesque landscape of the Lubéron Valley, in the Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron.
What truly sets Roussillon apart is its breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors, earning it the distinction of not just being among the most beautiful, but also the most vibrant villages in all of France.
Roussillon is located in the heart of the world’s oldest ochre deposit, a true geological curiosity which makes it one of the most renowned sites in the Luberon.
Ochre is a natural pigment formed from the mineral goethite, also known as natural rust, mixed with the sands of the cliffs. The iron oxide it contains creates a palette of seventeen distinct shades of ochre, ranging from sunny yellows to vibrant oranges, including soft pinks and deep reds! These deposits formed 110 million years ago, when the region was covered by the sea, and were shaped by erosion and later by humans during the Neolithic period.
In the 1780s, Jean-Étienne Astier rediscovered the properties of this yellow and red earth, which produced a natural dye valuable to the textile industry, and began its exploitation in 1790. The ochre of Roussillon was intensively mined until 1930.
The Sentier des Ocres – Ochre Trail will take you to discover these spectacular deposits. There is an access charge, and the path is lined with signs explaining the formation and extraction of these ochre deposits. Be warned, though: the rich red dust will undoubtedly stick to your shoes, so it’s best not to wear new (or white) shoes during your exploration!
The legend of Roussillon
A charming and tragic local legend tells the story of the origin of these spectacularly coloured deposits.
In the Middle Ages, a young girl named Séramonde was promised to Raymond of Avignon, lord of Roussillon.
However, Raymond, being a passionate hunter, often neglected Séramonde, who languished alone.
This was a time when troubadours charmed the hearts of ladies with their romantic ballads. As you might have guessed, Séramonde fell in love with a young troubadour, and of course, Raymond found out!
Not only did he kill the troubadour, but he tore out his heart and ordered the cook to prepare it for dinner. When poor Seramonde discovered that she had eaten her lover’s heart, she threw herself from the top of the cliffs of Roussillon. Her blood splattered the earth, forever colouring the ochre.
Roussillon today
The exploitation of the ochre quarries ceased in 1930, with synthetic dyes replacing natural pigments.
However, Roussillon has adapted and found a new lease of life thanks to tourism. Each year, and especially during the peak summer season, the village welcomes thousands of visitors. The best times to visit the ochre deposits are early morning or late afternoon, or if you can, during the peaceful spring and autumn months when there are fewer crowds.
That said, the charm of Roussillon is not limited to its geological wonders. The village is a real feast for the eyes, where doors, buildings and colourful shutters are painted in rich shades of ochre.
During the summer, you will also find many street musicians, charming shops and cafes along the village lanes. Youmight alos come across a famous artist, as many painters chose to make Roussillon their home!
Department of Vaucluse
Coordinates: Lat 43.902293 – Long 5.292936
Credits: Photos houses by atelier434 and source Text by Evelyn Jackson – Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Sentier des ocres 1 by Rokaszil CC BY-SA 3.0 – Sentier des Ocres 2 by Numenor CC BY-SA 3.0 – Sentier des Ocres 3 by G CHP–G CHP CC BY-SA 2.5
