A visit to the village of Roussillon, France.
We visited a number of picture perfect French villages on a family trip to Provence, however, one of the most memorable was probably the village of Roussillon in the popular Luberon region of the country. The easiest way to access the village is to park near the base and walk uphill into the town which is located at the top of Mont Rouge. As you do so you would definitely be forgiven for thinking that you are somewhere other than France – Santa Fe perhaps – because Roussillon has a very unique look that distinguishes it visually from other villages in the area.
Katie walking into the village of Roussillon
Katie and Emma in Roussillon
The village of Roussillon sits atop the world’s largest ochre deposit and it is the ochre which gives the earth and the buildings their distinctive reddish colour. Ochre is made of iron oxide and clay and in combination with sand forms a yellowish-red pigment. Roussillon was the leading producer of ochre in Europe until World War II and the village’s economy was dependent on its production. After World War II, cheaper substitutes were found and the village’s economy faltered accordingly. Since 1943, Roussillon has been a protected village and, as a result, there is virtually no modern development.
Strolling to the south end of town provides a breathtaking view of the ochre canyon. For a small fee, visitors can hike through the dusty orange-coloured ochre canyon pathway.
Ochre Canyons
Hiking in ochre canyons
Katie in the quarry
Emma posing in the quarry
It hadn’t occurred to me beforehand, however, we realized afterward that sandals (particularly white ones) were perhaps not the best attire for hiking through ochre.
Emma’s feet post-hike
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Traci
I LOVE the juxtaposition of the oranges in the canyons against the green trees and blue skies. What a great color palette!
Becca@R We There Yet Mom?
Those canyons are gorgeous – I never would have expected something like that in France!
~Becca
Sonja
I would never guess that these photos are in France! More like Utah! How very interesting.
Elizabeth (dimsumdiary)
Beautiful photos!
Preparing For Takeoff
That is so unique. It is amazing how many unexpected things there are at different destinations.
Sophie
Nice photos! Looks like a beautiful area of France. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica
I love the colors. Especially the colors on those feet. So sweet! You do a great job of introducing the most interesting aspects of the places that you travel.