The Ochre Trail (“sentier des ocres” in French) glows at the end of the day. At the foot of the village of Roussillon, the cliffs shift from pale yellow to deep red. The pine trees stand out in dark green against this rocky landscape, in the heart of the Luberon, in the Vaucluse.
We highly recommend this superb developed site, which occupies former quarries shaped by two centuries of ochre mining. Two trails are available: a short loop taking about 30 minutes and a long loop taking about 50 minutes. The trail is open daily from February through the end of December. There is an admission fee, and no reservation is required—you can purchase your ticket on-site.
All that’s left is to choose the right season, the right route, and the right parking spot. Here’s everything you need to know before setting foot on the ochre sand.
Available trails
The Ochre Trail is a loop trail that starts in the village of Roussillon and is best explored on foot. There are two marked trails to choose from. The short trail takes about 30 minutes. The long trail takes about 50 minutes to walk.
The first is perfect for a quick exploration between stops in the Luberon. The second takes you deeper into the old quarries. You’ll walk along red cliffs, mounds of yellow sand, and dark green pine trees. Each route offers its own views of this ochre landscape.
Don’t expect a strenuous hike, though. This is a well-maintained trail, featuring stairs, footbridges, and numerous steps. The ground is sandy and can be slippery at times. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes: the ochre stains both clothing and shoe soles.
Discreet information signs are placed along the entire path. They explain the site’s geology, flora, and history. You’ll learn that ochre is formed from sand colored by iron oxides. Nature and human hands have shaped this landscape together.
A few practical details round out the picture. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Only the first part of the trail, up to the lookout point, is accessible to people with limited mobility. Beyond that point, strollers cannot pass.
Prices and hours
There is an admission fee for the Ochre Trail. The price is €3.50 per adult. Groups of at least 15 people receive a discounted rate of €2.50 per person. Children under 10 enter for free.
No need to reserve your tickets. You can purchase them on site at the visitor center. The ticket office accepts credit cards, checks, and cash. For visitors with limited mobility, access to the observation deck remains free.
The site is open daily from early February to early January. Hours vary with the seasons. Here are the hours announced by the tourist office for 2026:
February: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
April: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
May: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July and August: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
September: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
November 1–15: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
November 16–January 4: 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The trail may close in the event of heavy rain or adverse weather conditions. For the latest information, stop by the Pays d’Apt Luberon Tourist Office at Place de la Poste in Roussillon.
Do you have some time to spare after your visit? Extend your visit to Ôkhra, the ochre ecomuseum, on the road to Apt. It’s housed in the former Mathieu factory, which produced about 1,000 metric tons of ochre per year between 1921 and 1963. There, you’ll follow every stage of ochre production, from washing the sand to grinding the pigment.
How to explore the Ochre Trail?
The Ochre Trail is best explored alongside the village of Roussillon, perched just above it. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Roussillon’s facades showcase the full spectrum of ochre hues. Start or end your stroll through its streets—the two visits complement each other perfectly.
First, choose your tour based on how much time you have. In 30 minutes, the short route gives you a great overview of the site. In 50 minutes, the long route takes you deep into the heart of the quarries. Allow an extra hour to visit Roussillon at a leisurely pace.
The time of day you visit makes all the difference. Spring and fall offer soft light and pleasant temperatures. In summer, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The low-angle light brings out the reds and yellows of the cliffs.
The trail is just one gateway to the ochre massif of the Apt-Luberon region. Tourism in the Apt region revolves around these colorful sites. A few kilometers away, the “Provençal Colorado” in Rustrel offers longer hikes. The Bruoux mines in Gargas, meanwhile, reveal tunnels carved into the ochre.
How do you get to the Ochre Trail?
As for its location, the Ochre Trail is in Roussillon, in the Vaucluse department. The village is about ten kilometers from Apt and about fifty kilometers from Avignon. It’s easy to get there: from Avignon, Cavaillon, or Apt, simply follow the signs for Roussillon. This map of the Ochre Trail will help you find your way:
There are several parking lots near the trail. The Ocres parking lot is located 100 meters from the entrance. The Fontaine, Saint-Michel, and Sablons parking lots are located between 600 and 850 meters away. They require payment during the season and are free from mid-November through the end of February.
If you’re traveling by RV, you have only one option: the Saint-Joseph parking lot, at the village entrance when coming from Apt. It also accommodates buses and is about 800 meters from the trail. The streets of Roussillon are narrow—don’t try driving through them. In July and August, arrive early to find a spot.
If you don’t have a car, the Zou! buses buses serve the village of Roussillon on routes 917 and 989. Get off at the Place Jean Eynard stop. Allow about 45 minutes from Cavaillon. By train, the nearest station is Avignon, served by the TGV.
Our take: Go for it!
The Ochre Trail is one of those places that stays with you. In less than an hour, you’ll pass through a landscape unlike anything else in Provence. The colors change with every step, from pale yellow to deep red. Few sites offer so much for a €3.50 ticket.
It’s best to visit outside peak hours. Early in the morning or late in the day, the site regains its tranquility. That’s when the cliffs take on their most beautiful hues. Your camera will thank you.
Combine the trail with a stroll through the village of Roussillon. If time allows, add a visit to Ôkhra or the “Provencal Colorado.” You’ll then gain a full understanding of the history of ochre in the Luberon. Half a day is enough for a complete and unforgettable experience. Share your impressions of this famous Roussillon trail with us if you’ve been there.
