If you dream of visiting Luberon’s vibrant ochre trails, for a Provençal escape that you’ll long remember for its colour, nature, and charm. Let me introduce you to two of the most striking spots in the Luberon: Colorado Provençal and Roussillon. Both are famed for their rich ochre hues, sculpted landscapes, and postcard-perfect scenery — yet they offer entirely different experiences.
Last time our glorious Southern France wanderings took us to Roussillon, which we loved, but the locals kept saying, “You must go to Colorado Provencal. It’s better!”
This guide covers what to see, do, and love while visiting Luberon’s Colorado Provençal, a lesser-known area that we enjoyed discovering for ourselves to see if it is indeed better.
What is the Ochre Massif?
In the heart of Provence, the Ochre Massif in Luberon is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from across the globe in search of its hues and rich history.
Where is it found?
This geological marvel stretches 25 km from Goult to Gignac via Roussillon, Gargas, Villars, and Rustrel. The picturesque villages of Roussillon, Gargas, and Rustrel offer a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Roussillon
Roussillon is renowned as the Orange Centre of Luberon. Walks through the picturesque ochre cliffs leave from the car park on the edge of the village, and restaurants and bars are nearby. It is so accessible! That can have its downsides, though, with reports of hour-long queues to access the site during the summer season.
You can read more about what to see, do, and love in Roussillon and beyond in our Guide to the Ochre Trails of Luberon here:
Roussillon
Best for: Casual visitors, families, culture and charm seekers
✅ Le Sentier des Ocres — a short, easy walk with two trail options (30 or 60 mins)
✅ Gorgeous hilltop village — ochre-coloured buildings, boutiques, cafés, art galleries
✅ More accessible — great for those short on time or mobility
✅ Very photogenic — perfect for golden hour shots
🚫 Can get very crowded in peak season
Ideal if you love combining nature with a charming Provençal village vibe.
Colorado Provençal
So, to beat the crowds, an alternative is to head to Colorado Provençall near the small, picturesque village of Rustrel, 20 kilometres east of Roussillon.
Colorado Provençal is another old ochre mining area that saw the mineral’s golden age between 1870 and 1930. However, technological advancements saw the use of ochre disappear, leaving Colorado Provencal a deserted vestige of man’s endeavour.
Colorado Provençal walking trails
There are two walks through the area. The longer Circuit des Belvederes (orange signs) is 3.9 km long and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.
The easier, shorter Circuit du Sahara (blue signs) is 2.1 km and can be navigated in about 40 minutes. Sadly, when we visited, the Circuit des Belvederes was closed due to high winds. However, the Circuit du Sahara takes you to the key places in the site.
Which is better, Roussillon or Colorado Provençal?
It depends on what you’re after. Colorado Provencal is much quieter and better preserved than the mines at Roussillon. You can still see the aqueduct and pipes used to transport water to and from the rock faces, a vital ingredient in the washing and transportation of the ochre.
The area also feels closer to nature—within minutes, you can be far from the madding crowds, just you and the towering cliffs of the quarry.
Colorado Provençal (Rustrel)
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
✅ More natural and rugged — feels like a mini American Southwest with striking red canyons and pine trees
✅ Longer, wilder walking trails — great if you enjoy hiking
✅ Fewer crowds, especially outside of summer
✅ Paid parking, but more space to roam
🚫 Limited cafés or shops nearby — bring water and snacks
Perfect if you want an immersive, outdoorsy experience in a dramatic landscape.
Opening Details
Colorado Provencal is open from mid-February to the end of October. The area may also be open on occasions in November and December – check the website.
There is a fee to park the car and enter the site, and prices vary between low and high season. You can check the prices at the time of your visit here.
During the high season (May to August), you are advised to reserve a car parking place if you visit in the morning. This is done through the website.
Dogs are welcome – although expect your white dogs to have orange paws by the end!
Comfort tip: The toilets are at the Maison du Colorado, close to the car park, and are about a 15-minute walk from the main quarry area, so stop off there first!
So, which is better?
So, which is better — Colorado Provençal or Roussillon?
Honestly, both offer something special. For me it depends on the time of year you visit. I love wandering around Roussillon in the low season, but it is undoubtedly more commercial. So if cobbled lanes, boutique shops, and village charm are more your style, Roussillon might just win your heart as long as you can get there without the crowds.
Or why not visit both — they’re only 30 minutes apart and give you a fuller ochre experience!
If you’re drawn to untamed natural beauty and scenic walking trails, Colorado Provençal is a wonderful.
- For hiking, solitude, and nature: Colorado Provençal
- For easy access, shops, and atmosphere: Roussillon
Or why not visit both — they’re only 30 minutes apart and give you a fuller ochre experience!
The details of Colorado Provencal
Location: Colorado Provencal, RD 22 – 84400 Rustrel
Website: www.coloradoprovencal.fr
Where we stayed
Bar des Amis, Villars Luberon
This was a perfect place to stay, a 10-minute drive from the Colorado Provencal. The four rooms vary in size, so first in, best dressed, with the rooms.
We ate downstairs in the bar for dinner and again for breakfast; both times, the food was excellent, with homemade food based around fresh, local and seasonal products.
Cost €87 for the triple room
The atmosphere was busy and fun, mixing with the locals who clearly love to support Bar des Amis. We also enjoyed a wander around the pretty village of Villars. When we arrived, there was a big Boule competition at the boulodrome.
Address: Bar des Amis, Fountain Square – 84400 Villars
Website: www.bardesamisvillars.fr
Planning a Luberon trip? Don’t miss our full Luberon Provence guide here
Been to either? We’d love to hear your thoughts — drop your favourite in the comments!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram. @littlewanderingwren.
For more travels in Luberon France, please see :
A guide to the Ochre Trails of Luberon
Discovering Bastide du Laval, an Organic Olive Oil Mill
A review of Bastide du Mourre, Luberon
