Colorado Provencal
The beauty of the "Provencal Colorado" lies in the combination of nature and artifice that created it.
In Rustrel, ochre mining began at the late 19th century. The ochre-quarriers extracted the magnificent pigments from the earth, carving a beautiful, multicoloured landscape.
The paths go through both private properties and public areas, through narrow coombes and cliffs.
With distances of 1 km - 5.5 km and heights ranging from 10 - 150 metres (32-492 feet), the area is perfect for hiking.
Evidence of ochre quarrying can still be found on the site, such as the sedimentation tanks, pumps, and furnaces (private property). You can also visit the Chapel of Notre Dame des Anges, and the coloured River Doa.
This enchanting, unique place is very fragile: please treat it with care and respect so that future generations may continue to enjoy its beauty.
A map of hiking trails is given at the carpark.
Car park open:
- may june: 9 am - 6 pm
- july august: 8 am - 6 pm
Prices : motorbike 2€ - car 4€ - camping-car 10€ - bus 25€
Guided visit of Barriès site: adult 6€ - children 3€
