The little town of Roussillon lies 10km/6mi east of Gordes in the well-known ochre area between the Plateau de Vaucluse and the Montaine du Lubéron. The whole town reveals the intensive color of ochre which was mined here and which brought prosperity to the citizens as a raw material much in demand for the manufacture of paint, until the
competition from synthetic pigments became too great.
At the entrance to the town on the left is a parking lot which is often full (there are other lots on the road from Apt in the west on the Rue des Bourgades and in the north on the road leading to D2). From the main parking lot there is a signposted tour of Roussillon.
The town is entered through a charming clocktower. Further uphill cross the narrow steps of the rue de l'Arcade and the very pretty Place de la Mairie and go past the church to the "Castrum", an observation platform with an orientation panel. To the north can be seen the Plateau de Vaucluse and further on the broad shape of Mont Ventoux. All around among the woods are ochre rocks, the colors of which vary from violet to light yellowish brown.
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