Rousillon Ochre trails
The Rousillon Ochre trails are beautifully bright colours of sand and chalk pathways set beside the hilltop Provençal village of Rousillon.
We’re eager to take to the footpaths where orange Ochre appears like magic out of surrounding hillsides. Ochre apparently orientates from the sea which once covered this region and it’s a spectacular sight.
It’s fascinating to learn that it’s mined and shipped worldwide from Rousillon. That’s after first undertaking a production process of some kind.
Parking the motorhome
Our visit to Rousillon is in mid-October so it’s fairly quiet and the weather is pleasant. We soon find out that parking the campervan isn’t easy. After a couple of attempts we settle on a grass verge at the bottom of the village.
We’re able to walk up to the village from the camper and soon catch a glimpse of the fine views spanning the surrounding landscapes.
First we were looking further away at a couple of parking spots on P4N, but these were quite far out.
The Ochre trails glimmer in the distance, whilst tall trees cast a sharp contrast to the lush green canopy.
Walking the Ochre Trails
Once up at the village, we realise there’s an entrance fee for walking the Ochre trails. We pay the €3.50 per adult fee to enter at a small ticket office at the start and head on our way.
The rock formations are bright orange and glow in the afternoon sun. Quite simply, they look incredible, whilst underfoot is a red chalky sand mix and plenty of it.
There’s a choice of a short 35 minute walk or a longer 50 minute route, so we choose the longer one. It’s the kind of place you want to get the most out of because it’s both unusual and beautiful.
Winding our way through trees provides greenery and shade along the well-marked trails. These involve excellent walkways, along with steps and dirt tracks leading to viewpoints.
Rousillon village
It’s all quite extraordinary and today with a bright blue sky as a backdrop, the orange rocks look even more stunning.
Not only are the Ochre trails lovely, but Rousillon village is too. This pretty hilltop village has colourful buildings, narrow streets and plenty of eateries. A selection of independent shops and viewpoints with a panoramic outlook across the Vaulcluse and Luberon make for a leisurely way to spend an afternoon here.
The extra special red and pink tones of this geographic speciality leave us feeling as if we’ve seen something a bit different. Rousillon and its Ochre trails really are a place to see and leave a lasting impression for us.
