Colorado Provençal
Abandoned ochre quarries near Rustrel, with red, orange, and yellow sandstone canyons and spires that rival the American West. Its hiking trails are wilder than those at Roussillon.
Colorado Provençal lies east of Apt, near the village of Rustrel. Ochre mining from the 19th to early 20th centuries left behind colorful cliffs, chimney-like rock pillars, and sand pits. Several loop trails take about one to two hours and are longer and more primitive than the Roussillon ochre trail. Parking costs about €8 per car, including access to the trails, with no separate entrance fee. The area is very hot in summer with little shade on the trails, and it may close on rainy days or on days with high wildfire risk. It's about 70 km from Avignon and about 20 km from Roussillon.
Opening hours
About 9:00 am to sunset (depends on season and wildfire risk)