Roussillon

　　   Roussillon, one of France’s classic beautiful villages, is famed for its red soil cliffs, striking geological landscapes, and buildings made from locally quarried red and yellow earth—forming a small village rich in artistic charm, especially in pottery. We affectionately call Roussillon (Roussillon) the "Red Soil Town," as it is one of the villages selected by the French government as part of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). Its most remarkable feature comes from the surrounding geology, which is rich in “ochre,” a mineral deposit that creates a spectrum of colors including yellow, orange, and red. This has resulted in the uniquely colored landscape around Roussillon. The vibrant red hues give it a warm, passionate feel, distinctly setting it apart from typical small French hill towns and giving it a truly one-of-a-kind character. The layout and structure of the red-earth town of Roussillon are quite similar to those of the more well-known Village des Bories (Stone Village), but what makes Roussillon special is its red soil material. The town is built atop blood-red cliffs, with houses constructed entirely from red rock—so much so that even at noon, the place has a desolate, sunset-like ambiance. Yet, this small town is actually one of the most beloved natural attractions for most visitors. The exceptionally unique red soil cliff landscape, along with the old red houses built from local red and yellow earth scattered throughout the village, contribute to its strong artistic, pottery-centric vibe. From a distance, the town appears as a mass of red, but up close, it reveals rich detail. There’s also a natural park in the town. And there’s good reason why this destination is a favorite natural attraction among travelers.