Colorado de Rustrel: The Most Surprising Place in French Provence
What if the American Southwest existed… quietly, unexpectedly, in the heart of France?
In this episode of Europe Travel Ready, we travel to one of Provence’s most surreal hidden landscapes: Colorado Provençal, near the small village of Rustrel.
Named for its striking resemblance to the red canyons of Colorado and Utah, this former ochre quarry feels almost impossible — a painted desert of deep rust, gold, and flame-red cliffs tucked among pine forests and sleepy French villages.
For American travelers, it’s a rare moment of recognition and surprise:
The textures feel like Bryce Canyon.
The colors echo Sedona.
But the atmosphere is unmistakably French.
In this episode, we explore:
Why this place is called “France’s Colorado”
The story of ochre, pigment, and Provence’s hidden industrial past
How European landscapes often feel woven into everyday life
The magic of finding the American Southwest… reimagined through French pace and pleasure
Colorado Provençal isn’t a famous landmark.
It’s a secret atmosphere — a small, vivid world that makes you rethink what Europe can look like.
Travel well. Travel thoughtfully.
Welcome to Europe Travel Ready.
We are not in Utah; we are deep in the beautiful luberon region of the south of France, in a visually disorienting place called La Colorado Provencal. This video explores the unique geology of this area near rustrel, which surprisingly resembles landscapes of the American West. Come along on this voyage as we explore the fascinating provence cote d’azur, a truly special part of the luberon valley.