Photographs of the south of France - The French Colorado

As the sun sets in the stunning valley, rich colours bathed in warm Mediterranean light transform into intense, intoxicating hues assaulting the senses creating a wealth of images to capture the imagination in the French Colorado.

"Les Sentier des Ochriers", which is close to the sleepy village Rustrel provides one of the best opportunities for photographs in the South of France. Many return again and again to capture the powerful images provided by the unique and unusual landscape.

Ochre is naturally toned earth consists of silica and clay with varying hydrous ferric oxide (Fe2O3) content varies from 20% to 70%, generating a rich golden yellow and red colors (the higher the ratio the more red color). Ochre has been used since the Middle Ages for tinting colors used in ceramics, color washes and oil paints, and colored paper.

A huge artist's pallet is what you have here, shown in the middle background of clear blue skies and green Mediterranean pines. The photo opportunities on offer are endless, with seams of color rippling through the rocks with a hill after another presents the different, overlapping colors and shades. From dawn to dusk the shades to transform present endless variations and possibilities.

Photographers are not the only fans of "Ochriers". Families and walkers both enjoy the experience this magical landscape, and children love to gamble around and paint their faces and their bodies with natural pigments to the ground and rocks. Moderate hikes are well marked and designed to provide optimum enjoyment of the environment and the main GR6 and GR7 is also traverse the area.

Rustrel is easily accessible, situated in a particularly scenic area of ??France, in Provence, more precisely in the Luberon National Park, 10km from Apt, 80 miles north of the beautiful historic town of Aix en Provence and 63km east of the famous riverside town of Avignon. Once in the village, continue and turn right for parking signs, down the hill until you reach the bottom of the valley where you can park. It is a modest fee which also covers parking, depending on the sites you visit.

Park / information center attendant will give you a map and you can use the handy natural spring to fill up water bottles that are necessary, especially on hot days, despite the shade provided by forest. The area is divided into several zones from B to F (A is closed at the moment), each with its own peculiar rock formations and circular walk. The longest (C) covers 13 km and lasts about 4 hours. The "cheminnées the fees," which translates as "elves whistle" is the closest parking lot is the place for the most important rock pillars.

It is best to have a change of shoes that the pigments from the earth tend to need washing after the visit. You should also be aware of the fact that some of the areas is limited in case of fire increased risk that usually occurs when there is very hot and / or wind.

The French Colorado offers photographers magical images, and families and walkers a great day out in a different and inspiring living environment that lodges in your mind and camera.

Villas du Monde - Villas Worldwide offers a good selection of high quality villas with pools in Provence. For more information, see our website or call our experienced holiday advisors, or send an email if you prefer. In Provence, near Rustrel we have villas in Aix, Gordes, Cavaillon, Apt and Villeneuve Les Avignon.