The ochre landscapes of the Luberon

From Apt to Roussillon  – 14 km

A must-see: Roussillon is a small village that is classed amongst the most beautiful villages of France. La Route des Ocres, its ochre quarries and its cliffs streaked with red and gold ochre sands, have made Roussillon one of the most famous sites in the Luberon.

Good to know:

• Site open from March to the end of December, 7 days a week
• Adults and children under 10 €3.50
• Groups €2.50 (from 15 pers.)
• Wear dark coloured walking shoes
• Coach parking

From Roussillon to Ôkhra – 1,5 km

 
Within an exceptional setting, the former ochre factory of Roussillon offers a unique experience; from the extraction and washing of ochre to its shipping, the ecomuseum retraces the history of this mineral used for its pigmentary properties in sectors varying from art, masonry, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. You can book introductory workshops in natural painting and pastel and watercolour making as well as professional training in decorative painting techniques.

Good to know

• Self-guided or guided visit (in French, lasting 1 hour 15), entertainment, shops & workshops. Open from February to December, 7 days a week. In January by appointment only
• Prices: adults and children from 10 years old €7 / groups €6.50 (from 15 persons)
• Coach parking

From Roussillon to Gargas – 7 km

 
Take a guided tour of the old underground quarries which lie at the heart of the ochre! Staggering, brightly coloured cliffs and gigantic labyrinths of galleries create a unique and inspiring setting where the labour of man is blended with the beauty of the natural landscape. The average temperature in the gallery is 10°C.

Good to know

• Length of the guided tour: 1 hour, booking required. Arrive 20 minutes before the tour begins
• Open from March to October, from 10 am to 6 pm
• Prices: adults €9.50, groups €8.50 (from 15 and up to 30 pers.)
• Coach parking

From Roussillon to Villars – 15 km

A savoir :

• Duration: between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your chosen route
• Distance: 8 km loop
• Difficulté: medium
• Elevation gain: 250 m
• Leave from: Les Jean-Jean

From Roussillon to Rustrel – 20 km

The large ochre deposits in Rustrel have earned its quarries the evocative title of Colorado. This exceptional site, whose name is owing to its many different contours and colours, brings together the pleasure of hiking and discovering industrial heritage, as its beauty is the result of the work of four generations of workers and farmers. The old ochre quarries in the hills used to extend for around 4 km. Today, the site covers over 100 hectares.

Good to know

• 2 hiking loops, one which takes 40 minutes (Sahara) and another which takes 1 hour 45 (Belvédère)
• Open from February to December
• Access with a booking from 8 am to 1 pm in July and August. Booking required for the bus all year round
• Free access to the site however, parking is paid: cars €6 / mini bus €13 / bus €2 per person
• To arrange a guided tour (in french), contact Carine Saussol on T. 33 (0)6 43 97 76 06

From Rustrel to Apt – 11 km

The Musée d’Apt displays the main aspects of Pays d’Apt’s traditional industrial activity, characterised by the transformation of the region’s three main natural resources: ochre, to make colour pigments, clay for earthenware and fruit crops for candied fruit.

Good to know

• Open all year round from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. Closed on Sundays
• Prices: adult €5, free for under 18s, groups €3 (from 10 people)