The south of France has some of the most impressive natural enclaves in all of Europe. The territory is home to both magical towns and impressive natural territories sculpted over time. One of them is located at the commune of Roussillon (Rousillon, in French), at the bottom of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
The Ocher Trail -or Sendero de los Ocres in Spanish- is a natural enclave characterized by the large number of colors that make up the territory. The space is mainly composed of clay, quartz and some oxides, which give the territory a scale of more than 24 shades, ranging from soft yellow to intense red.
History of the Ocher Trail
The Sentier des Ocres is a natural space formed over time. there are more than 200 million yearsthe Provence region was entirely covered by water. Over time and the region’s climate changed, the ocean receded, making the trails formed in the place naturally accessible.
It is therefore possible to browse ocher sand and clayand enjoy the whole range of different and magical colors it offers. This area of southern France has shaped itself over the years to define itself as the unique natural space that it is today.
Itineraries along the Sentier des Ocres
The place has fully passable roads where you can enjoy the landscape and be surprised by nature. Furthermore, it is in the province of Roussillon -from where the route should begin- it is therefore also possible to enjoy the enclave considered one of the most beautiful cities in France.
This space has more than 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails perfectly signposted to choose and get lost to enjoy all the nooks and crannies of the territory. Access to the enclave can be done from different points, since the area has several parking lots where you can leave your car to start the visit. Some of them are:
- Parking Ochers -100 meters from the Ochre Trail.
- Parking The source -600 meters from the road-.
- Parking Saint-Michel -700 meters from the trail-.
- Parking Sablonsat the La Maison des Ocres hotel -850 meters away.
- Parking Saint Josephat the entrance to the town -800 meters away and authorized for caravans and buses-.
- Parking stadium -1 kilometer and free-.
All car parks that do not state that they are free have a payment rate of €4 per day. Additionally, the enclave is located close to some renowned cities, since it is only an hour and a half drive from Marseilleand one hour from the towns of Aix en Provence And Avignon.
On the other hand, space has a basic rate You will have to pay to obtain a ticket, although this can be done at the ticket office just before starting the tour. Thus, access to a individual cost of €3.50 per person or €2.50 for group access of at least 15 people. Disabled people and their companions as well as children under 10 have completely free access.
Opening hours and dates
The enclave is open almost all year round. However, opening times and dates depend on the month you wish to access. Here are the schedules of the Sendero de los Ochers throughout the year:
- January: Site closed for conservation and maintenance.
- FEBRUARY: Open from February 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- March: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- April: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Can: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- June: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- July And August: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- September: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- October: Open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- November And December: Open from November 1 to 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from December 15 to 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
However, the times are indicative, it is therefore recommended check the weather before entering the enclave, as it may be temporarily closed due to bad weather or fire risk.
Additional information to access the Sentier des Ocres
Access to the Sentier des Ocres begins with a panoramic view in a space of 50 meters. It’s totally accessible free of charge to people with reduced mobility. After that, the route continues through cliffs and lush vegetation, so it will no longer be accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, as part of the route follows sand paths, stairs and footbridges have been set up to allow easier mobility.
On the other hand, It is possible to enter the Sentier des Ocres with petsprovided they are linked and it is done responsibly. Thus, the picnics are prohibited On site, spaces are therefore set up for lunch for animals and their owners.
To access the space It will not be necessary to book in advanceYou will therefore just have to go to one of the ticket offices located at the entrance and pay the corresponding amount according to the scales mentioned above. It is possible to pay both by cash and by card.
