Rustrel

Last update on Jul 28, 2026

10 km north-east of Apt via the D22.

Discover the village of Rustrel near the Provençal Colorado

Rustrel is a small town in the Vaucluse department, about ten kilometers northeast of Apt, in the heart of the Luberon. This Provençal village owes its reputation as a tourist destination to a site unique in Provence: the

These are former ochre quarries, a designated mining landscape that has become a natural site. You can explore it on foot via two marked trails starting from the Mille Couleurs parking lot.

The village itself is worth a visit. Its 17th-century castle houses the town hall, and its shaded squares invite you to take a stroll. The Pays d’Apt Luberon tourist office provides information on activities, accommodations, and nearby tours, such as those to Roussillon or the Vaucluse Mountains.

Interactive map, cultural heritage, and recommended spots: everything you need to plan your stay.

The Provençal Colorado

Ochre mining, which began a century ago, allowed Rustrel to become a major production center and play a role in the Industrial Revolution thanks to these iron-rich ores. Today, after a long decline, mining at the site is coming to an end, and the Colorado Provençal is embarking on a new chapter by opening its doors to visitors enchanted by the palette of colors and shapes on display.

Between Rustrel and the hamlet of Gignac, along the banks of the Dôa River, numerous hiking trails will lead you to an incredible succession of rust-colored rocks, golden cliffs, and red fairy chimneys that rise majestically from the vegetation.

Rustrel Castle

The village of Rustrel is dominated by a beautiful 17th-century castle that has been recently restored. This castle dates back to the 17th century. The Dukes of Lévis Ventadour, lords of the manor, had it built in the center of the village to replace the old Villevieille Castle: the date 1626 is engraved on the sundial.

Today, it houses the town hall. Its facades and roofs are listed as Historic Monuments, and the council chamber features a monumental, listed fireplace. The fourth corner tower, which had been lost, was rebuilt in 1992.

Our map of Rustrel

To locate the village and the “Colorado Provençal,” you can use our interactive map of Rustrel. On it, we highlight various points of interest (the castle, etc.) as well as the accommodations we recommend in the area.

What to see

Colorado Provencal.
17th century chateau.
9th century ruins of the Prieure St Julien.
St Romain church.
Chapel St Roch.

Things to do

Hiking.
Man-made lake, fishing and petanque.
Cultural events, summer festivals and jazz concerts.

Vacation rentals

Villa Ninou

Rustrel (Luberon) | Apt : 10 km

A luxurious villa with twelve double bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a tennis court, two heated pools and the permanent presence of a manager on site, it represents the ideal vacation for a large family or a group of friends looking for peace and tranquility.

801€ - 2752€

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Airbnb

Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.

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Accommodation

Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.

Your questions about Rustrel

You've sent us several questions about this North Luberon village. Please find below our answers :

What are the things to do in Rustrel?

Visiting the Colorado Provençal is the one thing you should not miss in Rustrel. Allow 40 minutes for the Sahara trail and 1 hour 45 minutes for the Belvédères trail. Guided tours are available and last about 1 hour 30 minutes, and a mobile app guides you along the paths. The village itself is worth a walk. The "promenade de l'eau" links the church, the château and the oil mill, which opens to the public in summer. Cyclists can ride the Luberon bike route, a former railway line converted over 37 kilometers. Hiking, heritage, ochre landscapes: enough to fill several days of your vacation in Provence.

How do you get to Rustrel?

Driving is by far the easiest way to reach Rustrel. The village sits about ten kilometers northeast of Apt, between the Luberon and the Vaucluse mountains. From Apt, take the D22 toward the Colorado. Public transportation is limited in this rural area. Plan on a rental car if you arrive by train or by plane. The nearest high-speed train station is Avignon, and the nearest airport is Marseille-Provence. To plan your trip, the interactive map and the website of the Pays d'Apt Luberon tourist office give you up-to-date information.

What are the best hikes in Rustrel?

The two trails of the Colorado Provençal are the most popular. The Sahara covers 2 kilometers on easy ground, while the Belvédères runs 3.9 kilometers with 70 meters of elevation gain. To go further, the ridge loop around the Colorado follows the GR6 long-distance path. It opens up other viewpoints over the former ochre quarries, outside the paid site. Further north, the Baume de Midi trail crosses the Pointu massif. It highlights the remains of charcoal production. The place-name trails of the Grande Montagne round out these walks, in wilder scenery.

What are the tourist sites in Rustrel?

The Colorado Provençal draws most of the visitors. This protected site occupies former ochre quarries worked until the end of the 20th century. The built heritage also deserves your attention. The 17th-century château houses the town hall and keeps a listed monumental fireplace in its council chamber. The church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, remodeled in 1660, can be visited along with the ruins of its hermitage. The oil mill, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, opens in season. The Saint-Julien priory, older still, remains private property that you can view from the road to Apt.