A must when visiting near the Luberon mountains. This Colorado is not far from Apt. A choice of 3 walks. We chose the 2 hr. Steep climb to begin with walking over rocks. Our 4 yr old had no problems what so ever running and jumping "up" the hill. Do wear appropriate foot wear,especially if its been raining. Definitely do not wear flip flops or sandals. Make sure you take water and why not a picnic if going around lunch time. As previously mentioned by others its a very dusty place but we managed to get our clothing and shoes clean afterwards quite easily. Be careful of adventurous children, shear drops at the top with easy access. Plenty of parking but gets very very busy. We arrived at 11am and it was packed. Parking costs 4€, officially to keep the area "natural and well kept" but I have doubts !
Having read the reviews of both Rustrel and Roussillon we decided to go to Rustrel and were very pleased. There were quite a few school trips there the day we went, but by choosing the longest walk (5km) we had the path nearly all to ourselves. We stopped for morning tea at the White Desert and we were amazed how many people were walking behind us without even noticing them. The path is well marked except for the last part which can be a bit misleading and it was great to have an ice cream at the little café near the exit.
Provence's Colorado Rustrel area is well worth visiting. It's far from being on the Colorado USA scale but it's a delightful taster of it! The range of colours of the soil, the small pinnacles, the lovely walks through the Colorado and through the surrounding woodlands are really pleasant and enjoyable. It's easy to get to and the only charge you face there is the carpark charge. It's got a couple of coffee/snack shops. make sure you bring water with you if you're going to walk the area -- and bring your camera!
A really original landscape in Provence. Beautiful colours, and an easy walk for families with kids.
As Roussillon was closed, we were suggested to visit this site. Called the car park and checked the opening times. We were told to take it easy: he was going to wait for us. Parking was 4 euros inclusive of the entrance to the site. We were given a map and the advice to see at least part of the shorter route (path 3 – blue). Excellent advice: we talked to other visitors that told us that the ‘sahara’ is most likely the best part of the walk. Colors are great and you are welcome to wander around as signs will be guiding you to the exit.My family loved it. I am glad we visited it. It was the cheapest place we visited in France !
The place is really amazing, we did 2 chemins: "des Fées" and "du Shara" it took more or less 2 hours for both of them.In the first one you arrive at the top and see from there a surpising panorama and are willing to go down to walk in the desert.The second one is a desert, with so may different colours: unbeliavable!We went there in a sunny summer day and colors were so bright, you are in France but it's so exotic!You pay just 4 € for the parking but unfortunately there are no services around, just a small bar selling icecreams and drinks, no toilets, no post cards (and this was a pity for us because the camera went off after a while and we had no possibilities to buy postcards instead).
The orches here were colourful and the walking trails very pleasant, not the arduous sort of climb. The rustrel village itself has a few shops but nothing fantastic. There's a toilet near the car park but you need to get the key from the shop. The car park attendent seems a little dodgy so don't wind down your window too low.
The morning after a refreshing rainfall was a perfect time to enjoy the cool, crisp air and the vibrant colors of this unique area in Rustral. After a small parking fee and with a trail map in hand, we chose the blue trail which is the easiest and shortest. After a short walk over a stream and an aquaduct, we were amongst rocks and small hills of warm and vibrant sandstone colors similar to those I have seen in southern Utah. This area is unique in that we were walking in sand of these same warm colors. There is a reason why professional artists in this area collect this sand for their painting. The striking colors of this area can only be fully enjoyed by a personal experience. The weather made our walk even more enjoyable. It was not a hot day and the wind was not blowing the sand from the trail onto our clothes and into our eyes. This would not have been a good experience otherwise. If it is hot and windy, wear the right clothes and bring the necessary equipment. Our friends were covered in dust after their hike. Enjoy!
We followed other reviews on Tripadvisor's advice and went to Colorado Provencal with friends. The parking was not open so we parked for free and were able to walk at our leisure. It was a little muddy in parts from recent rains so I would check your footwear to be sure that this is water-friendly. We had previously done the walk at Roussillon but we were able to be more up close and personal here at Colorado. We took the blue walk (no 2),it took us about 45 mins and we all enjoyed it. My son of 11 especially as he was able to explore amongst the hills. On another day I may return to do the longer hike and to see more. Taking water on even the short blue route is worth while. At this time of the year there was nothing to eat or drink available for purchase. The place is well sign-posted - just follow the signs from the village.
A 4 euro parking fee enabled an easy access to the colourful rocks at Rustrel. There are 3 marked walks of different lengths and terrain and elevation. We chose the black 2 track which gave us a fantastic view over the coloured rocks which were lit up in the late morning sun. After a walk of about 40 minutes we emerged onto the rock surfaces themselves. The terrain is very sandy and can be a bit slippery so not for those who find walking difficult. There is a reasonably flat access but still a good hour round trip. The contrasting colours of the rapidly eroding sandstone is definitely worth the walk.There are toilet facilities but have to be accessed with key from boutique so be warned.