Only 40 kilometres from your holiday home in Montbrun Les Bains, discover a unique place and plunge into a western setting.
Managed by the Association du Colorado de Rustrel (ACR), this private site is classified under the 1930 Law of Natural Monuments (DREAL) and is part of the Operation Grand Site des ocres du Luberon and the Natura 2000 Zone.
The impressive reliefs ranging from cliffs to caves, passing through peaks and ravines, give you the impression of a canyon.
You have the possibility to walk through it thanks to 2 marked walking tours, either free or guided (except July and August).
Of course, you must bring good walking shoes, water and respect the following instructions:
- on the risks of fire
- on good conservation behaviour: no cars, picnic area, dogs on a lead, no drones, no engraving, waste management, etc.
- caution and respect for the team at your service.
The history of the Colorado
In 1871, ochre was mined on this open-air site until 1993, when it was closed.
In the heart of the old ochre quarries you will admire a palette of warm colours. The result is an extraordinary vegetation in an exceptional colourful setting.
The Colorado was formed by the presence of water and therefore by natural erosion but also by man over the years. The industrial remains on site tell the story of this history, such as gullies, settling ponds and other working faces.
You will learn all about the geological formation of ochre with a return to 120 million years ago when Provence did not exist because it was under water. The limestone, the layers of sediments are formed little by little and are transformed into rock, then comes the stage of the sedimentary formation of the glauconie which is a green mineral at the origin of the ochre and finally the degradation of the green sands towards the formation of the ochre-coloured sands.
And after this day of discovery in Rustrel, you can return to your comfortable accommodation and take full advantage of the swimming pool to relax and your terrace or balcony for an aperitif with family or friends facing the Mont Ventoux.
