Roussillon

While Provence is more a state of mind than a place – you can't actually point to Provence on a map – the hilltop village of Roussillon is exactly what visitors think of when they say they want to visit Provence. Picturesque, compact, colorful and with astounding views of the countryside, this village in the Vaucluse couldn't be more charmingly Provençal if it tried.  The almost candy-like colors of the buildings come from the surrounding earth; Roussillon lies on one of the largest ocre deposits in the world and has prehistoric origins. After a stroll around the village, take the Giants' Causeway (Sentier des Ocres), a cliffside trail loop that features the bright orange sands and plenty of forest to explore.

Practical Info

Roussillon is in the Vaucluse départment of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, about an hour east of Avignon. Its hilltop location means there are no trains that arrive there; cars are best. There is parking outside the village, which is pedestrian-friendly. The Giants' Causeway trail costs 2 euro per person to enter.