The village of Roussillon is itself worth exploring beyond the ochre trail. The buildings are constructed from and coloured by the local ochre — the effect of an entire village glowing in shades of gold, orange, and deep rust is genuinely striking, and it shifts through the day as the light changes. The streets climb steeply through the village to a belvédère viewpoint at the top, which gives a wide view over the Luberon plateau and the surrounding landscape of lavender fields, vineyards, and forest.
At the top, the church of Saint-Michel dates to the 12th century and is worth a brief look inside for its proportions and the quality of light through the windows. The village gets very crowded in July and August; at those times an early morning visit is strongly recommended. In May, June, and September it is much more pleasant, the light is excellent, and you can actually see the architecture rather than the backs of other visitors.