Located in Roussillon, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, the Ochre Trail is one of the must-see walks in the Luberon. This unique natural site immerses you in a spectacular landscape of red, orange, and golden tones, shaped by water, wind… and history.
Once an ochre quarry, it now offers two marked trails (30 or 50 minutes) to explore cliffs, fairy chimneys, and Mediterranean vegetation in a setting reminiscent of the American West.
Open from April to November, the site remains accessible even during fire-risk periods (except in extreme red alert). A great family outing idea in the heart of Europe's largest ochre deposit!
➜ Plan your visit: prices, schedules, recommended gear, and everything you need to enjoy this colorful experience to the fullest.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer the most vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures. In summer, prefer visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Trails: Two loop trails are available: one lasting 30 minutes, the other about 50 minutes, with varied landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
Rates: €3.50 per adult, €2.50 for groups. Free for children under 10.
Opening hours: Open daily from April to November. Temporary closures may occur in case of heavy rain or for safety reasons.
Fire risk period access: The Ochre Trail benefits from a prefectural exemption and remains accessible from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., even during red fire risk periods (except Extreme Red Risk).
Accessibility: The trail is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or strollers (sandy paths, many steps).
Recommended equipment: Closed-toe shoes and dark clothing advised (ochre dust can stain).
Dogs: Allowed if kept on a leash at all times during the visit.
Perched on a rocky promontory at the foot of the Monts de Vaucluse, this trail crosses the largest ochre deposit in the world. Often compared to the landscapes of Colorado or the great parks of the American West, it offers a unique experience in a setting sculpted by nature and history.
Once extracted like a precious mineral, ochre was shaped by human hands. The result is a breathtaking site, where red cliffs, sandy paths and green pines form a spectacular contrast.
To this day, this fascinating place reflects both its industrial and natural heritage. Roussillon, with its stunning panoramas and brightly colored façades, is the perfect starting point for an escape into the heart of the ochre lands.
The Ochres Trail begins in the shade of this picturesque village and leads visitors through a spectacular landscape of cliffs and rock formations in shades of yellow, orange, and reddish-purple. It offers a breathtaking walk through historic ochre quarries.
Shaped by water, wind, and two centuries of ochre ore mining, this unique site immerses you in a world of vibrant colors and fascinating geological formations. The Ochre Massif stretches 25 km from west to east, between the villages of Goult and Gignac. This trail allows you to explore part of this vast ochre deposit, in the heart of the Pays d'Apt and the Luberon.
Ochre, a powerful natural pigment made from clay and iron oxide or hydroxide, was long extracted here. In 1785, Jean Étienne Astier discovered an effective method for grinding and washing this pigment, leading to significant industrial development in the region.
At its peak, the former ochre production plant employed up to 1,000 workers and produced 40,000 tons of ochre per year, contributing to the worldwide fame of the Luberon.
The Ochre Trail offers two routes to suit your preferences:
These routes let you choose the length of your walk depending on your time and fitness level. Whether you opt for the short or the long route, you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of the site.
Explore this shaded trail laid out in former ochre quarries, with wooden walkways that make the walk easier. Be amazed by the vibrant ochre colors and the unusual landscapes.
The trail includes several peaceful stops perfect for daydreaming, where you can learn about the sea that gave birth to the ochres, observe the fascinating interaction between flora and mineral formations, and admire both microscopic details and distant panoramas.
Interpretive panels line the route, providing insightful information about geology, flora, history, and the ochre massif of the Luberon.
Make the most of your visit by wandering through the village of Roussillon, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, where ochre also colors the façades of houses. ➜ Discover Roussillon
The Sentier des Ocres is just the beginning of a fascinating journey through the ochre landscapes of the Luberon. For an even more immersive experience, also discover the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel, with its spectacular rock formations and nature trails, as well as the Mines de Bruoux in Gargas, an impressive network of underground galleries showcasing the industrial history of ochre.
Come and explore the Sentier des Ocres and be amazed by its spectacular landscapes and vibrant colors.
Want to explore these landscapes by bike? The Sentier des Ocres by Bike offers the perfect alternative to admire these exceptional sceneries while enjoying a pleasant ride. Suitable for all levels, this route allows you to discover the ochre sites while cycling along the charming backroads of the region.
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Practical information on Ochre Trail in Roussillon: a spectacular walk
Opening times and periods
From 09/02 to 28/02, daily between 11 AM and 3.30 PM.
From 01/03 to 31/03, daily between 10 AM and 5 PM.
From 01/04 to 30/04, daily between 9.30 AM and 5.30 PM.
From 01/05 to 31/05, daily between 9.30 AM and 6.30 PM.
Closed exceptionally on January 1st and December 25th.
From 01/06 to 30/06, daily between 9 AM and 6.30 PM.
From 01/07 to 31/08, daily between 9 AM and 7.30 PM.
From 01/09 to 30/09, daily between 9.30 AM and 6.30 PM.
From 01/10 to 31/10, daily between 10 AM and 5.30 PM.
From 01/11 to 14/11, daily between 10 AM and 4.30 PM.
From 15/11 to 05/01, daily between 11 AM and 3.30 PM.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.
Subject to favorable weather.
Price
Adult : 3.50 €
Group adults : 2.50 €.
Free entry for children < 10 years, accompanying guides, the drivers, disabled people and accompanying persons.
Group rate available for > 15 people.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Sentier des Ocres located?
The Sentier des Ocres is in Roussillon, a village ranked among the most beautiful in France, located in the Vaucluse region at the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park. It is approximately 50 km from Avignon and 10 km from Apt.
What are the opening hours of the Sentier des Ocres?
The Sentier des Ocres is open year-round, with hours varying by season: February: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM March: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM April: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM May: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM June: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM July & August: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM September: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM October: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM November 1st – 15th: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM November 16th – December 31st: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Note: The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the site’s closing time. In case of adverse weather conditions (rain, strong winds, fire risks), opening hours may be adjusted. It is advisable to check before your visit.
What is the entrance fee?
Individual ticket: €3.50 per person Group rate (minimum 15 people): €2.50 per person Free entry for children under 10, disabled visitors with one accompanying person (access available for 50 meters), as well as group drivers and guides.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required. Tickets are sold only at the entrance booth. Payments can be made in cash, by credit card, or with Chèques Vacances and Vouchers.
What routes are available and how long do they take?
The Sentier des Ocres offers two walking trails: Short trail: approximately 30 minutes Long trail: approximately 50 minutes These durations are indicative and may vary depending on your pace.
Is the Sentier des Ocres accessible for people with reduced mobility or strollers?
The site has a 50-meter accessible area offering a panoramic view, which is free for people with reduced mobility. However, the rest of the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to sandy paths and stairways.
What is the best time to visit the Sentier des Ocres?
The site is open year-round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant, and the light enhances the ochre colors. In summer, it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
How do I get to the Sentier des Ocres, and where can I park?
The Sentier des Ocres is located in Roussillon, in the Vaucluse region. You can access it by car, campervan, or bus. Several parking options are available, both paid and free, depending on the distance from the site. Paid parking near the trail entrance: Parking des Ocres (100 meters from the trail) – Ideal for quick access. Parking de la Fontaine (600 meters from the trail). Parking Saint Michel (700 meters from the trail). Parking des Sablons (850 meters from the trail, near Hôtel La Maison des Ocres). Parking for campervans and buses: Parking Saint Joseph (800 meters from the trail, at the village entrance from Apt). Free parking a bit further away: Parking du Stade (1 km from the trail, at the village entrance from Apt). Parking du Sage (2.5 km from the trail, on the road to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt). Paid parking costs €4 per day but is free from November 13, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Note: Picnics are not allowed on-site to help preserve the environment.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
