Rustrel in Luberon, its ochers and Provencal Colorado

The history of the town of Rustrel, from the bottom of the North Luberon valley, is strongly linked to the wealth of its soils with iron minerals.

Early in the history, the site was used for mineral extraction. The Romans, when colonizing the area, were no exception to the rule. An influential Roman family owned the place. Several excavations have helped identify ancient foundations of a Roman villa.

Iron being used in the manufacture of weapons, this activity remained active throughout the centuries until the last century, despite some pauses including those caused by the ravages of Raymond de Turenne in the late fourteenth century.

In the nineteenth century, the extraction of the mineral and its work was modernized, but this modernization and industrial extraction ended in 1888.

In the village, dating back almost a century after Raymond de Turenne came, or even after the wars of religion, some old buildings remain. One can note the existence of a castle built by the family of Levis-Ventadour in the sixteenth century and amended several times thereafter. There are also, on the lower part of the village, a former little castle which is more of a mansion property than a small castle.

Rustrel is mostly visited today for its ocher, especially its "Colorado Provençal". Several paths, including National Trails, go through its countryside amid ocher land, on the southeast side of the village. The walk is beautiful, very relaxing during the off peak season ... In the peak season, do expect a good amount of families, tourists and people going for a trek!