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The Provençal Colorado

Boulevard du Colorado, Rustrel, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Colorado provençal is a far-west-like site made of ochre sand of lateritic origin in the Luberon range in South Eastern France. It was created when the sea withdrew several million years ago and left behind iron-rich clay and sand. It was exploited to extract ochre from the second half of the 19th to the beginning of the 20th century when synthetic colorants took over the market. The site covers 30ha and includes 2 tracks: Sahara (2.1km) and Belvederes (3.9km)

Access & Transport

The site is about 10km northeast of Apt, next to the village of Rustrel. It is best reached by car: 70km north of Aix-en-Provence, 100km north of Marseille and 65km east of Avignon. There are no public transport options.

Instructions & Recommendations

In the summer, the risk of fires is taken very seriously in the area and the site can be partially or even fully closed depending on the risk level rated and communicated by the prefecture. Visitors are thus strongly advised to check the evening before: https://www.risque-prevention-incendie.fr/vaucluse/ Smoking onsite is an absolute NO.

Meta review

Travel blogs and online reviews highlight the beautiful and unexpected landscapes and the variety of colours. The (online) disappointed comments come from visitors who compare it to the Grand Canyon or other well-known red earth sites, which clearly aren't in the same league, but neither are they easily accessible, especially for a European tourist. The main advice provided are to wear proper shoes (it gets a little steep in some places) and bring water and sunblock on a sunny day.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity and entrance fee helps to preserve the site and infrastructure. Also positive for the small economic influx it brings to the surrounding villages

Conclusion

The Provençal Colorado is a technicolour experience with its canyon-like quarries and small valleys. It is genuinely enjoyable - especially when the sun is out - without being spectacular though. As such it is best experienced as part of a discovery of the Luberon massif and the surrounding Provence.

Key positive

Uncommon landscape

Inexpensive entrance fee

Key negative

Need some time to get there

Suitability

Suitable for all ages although best for > 6yrs old so they can walk the entire paths by themselves. Not suitable for wheelchair users due to the sandy nature of the soil

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed for Maintenance in January / early Feb and on 25 Dec. Last entrance 1h before closing

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 45m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 01

Season 1

MONDAY08:30 - 19:30

TUESDAY08:30 - 19:30

WEDNESDAY08:30 - 19:30

THURSDAY08:30 - 19:30

FRIDAY08:30 - 19:30

SATURDAY08:30 - 19:30

SUNDAY08:30 - 19:30

Start of Season 2:Sep, 01

Season 2

MONDAY09:30 - 17:30

TUESDAY09:30 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY09:30 - 17:30

THURSDAY09:30 - 17:30

FRIDAY09:30 - 17:30

SATURDAY09:30 - 17:30

SUNDAY09:30 - 17:30

Pricing
Price includes parking fee
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€2
Adult
18 - 64
€2
Child
3 - 17
€1
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Actual price is 6/8€ by car, 10/12€ for campervans, 4/6€ for motorbikes and 2/3€ bicycle / walking

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