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Roussillon

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Roussillon

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Visit the Château de Roussillon, famous for its Renaissance architecture and as the place where January 1st was set as New Year's Day.
Check with the local tourist office for guided tour schedules, as the castle has limited opening hours.
Park slightly outside the old town center, as the narrow historic streets can be difficult to navigate by car.
Take your time to admire the architecture in the historic center, heavily inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

🍽 Food

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Ravioles du Dauphiné

Try this regional cheese-filled mini-pasta at local bistros around town.

🍽

Saint-Marcellin Cheese

A creamy, local cow's milk cheese that you can buy fresh from fromageries.

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Côtes du Rhône Wines

Pair your meals with excellent local wines from the nearby Rhône valley.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Dauphinois Regional Products

Visit the weekly market to buy local honey, walnuts, and fresh cheeses.

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Wine Merchants

Stock up on excellent Rhône Valley wines at local specialized wine shops (cavistes).

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Castle Grounds

The parkland around the Renaissance castle gives a beautiful and tranquil retreat.

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Banks of the Rhône

Take a short trip to the nearby river for a peaceful walk along the water.

Highlights of 2026

2026-10-1710:00

Plant Festival in Roussillon

The 6th edition of the plant festival features two days of meetings with nurseries and growers in an exceptional natural setting.

Roussillon is a commune in the Isère department, famous for a pivotal moment in French administrative history. In August 1564, King Charles IX signed the Edict of Roussillon at the local castle, officially moving New Year's Day to January 1st throughout France. The Castle of Roussillon is a significant landmark, built in the 16th century for Cardinal de Tournon. It stands as one of the earliest and most elegant Renaissance buildings in southeastern France, influenced by Italian design. Historically a market town in the Rhône Valley, Roussillon transformed in the 20th century into an industrial hub, particularly within the chemical sector, being part of the 'Chemistry Valley' near Lyon. Despite this industrial development, the town center maintains its historical character, with the castle now housing the municipal offices and hosting various cultural exhibitions. Geographically, it is located on a plateau overlooking the Rhône, offering views of the Pilat massif to the west. The surrounding region is also famous for its prestigious vineyards, such as Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. For travelers, Roussillon provides a unique blend of grand royal history and contemporary industrial importance, set within the lush landscape of the Dauphiné region.

Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Top sights: Château de Roussillon · Église Saint-Jacques · Le Rhône
Nearby: Saint-Maurice-l'Exil (4 km)
Population: ~8.595

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	2	6	10	14	18	21	20	16	12	6	2
Rain mm	54	46	54	62	82	67	65	66	62	82	85	63

Geography

Population

8,082

Coordinates

45.37190, 4.81170

Facts

Population: 8,595.
Edict of Roussillon year: 1564.
Castle owner: François de Tournon.
Industry: Chemical engineering.
Location: Rhône Valley.
Postal code: 38150.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Le Péage-de-Roussillon1 km · WExplore →

📍Saint-Maurice-l'Exil4 km · NWExplore →

📍Saint-Rambert-d'Albon9 km · SExplore →

📍Vienne18 km · NExplore →

📍Annonay18 km · SWExplore →

📍Pont-Évêque19 km · NEExplore →

📍Beaurepaire19 km · EExplore →

Beledweyne20 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Roussillon (5)

Château de Roussillon 🏺 historical

A Renaissance castle where King Charles IX signed the Edict of Roussillon in 1564, standardizing the New Year.

Église Saint-Jacques ⛪ religious

A historic church with Romanesque elements, serving as a focal point for the local community and architecture lovers.

Le Rhône 🌿 nature

The powerful river provides a beautiful natural backdrop for walks and reflects the region's industrial and natural history.

Place de la République 🏙 civic

The main town square, home to the town hall and a lively space for local gatherings and weekly markets.

Monument aux morts 🏙 civic

A solemn memorial located in the town, dedicated to the local residents who lost their lives during the World Wars.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Roussillon so colorful?

The village sits on one of the world's largest ochre deposits, coloring the earth and facades in red and yellow hues.

What is the 'Sentier des Ocres'?

It is a marked walking trail through former ochre quarries with spectacular rock formations (entry is approx. €3.50).

Are there parking lots in Roussillon?

Parking in the center is forbidden; there are large paid parking lots at the entrance to the village.

When is the best time for photos?

Late afternoon, when the warm sunlight makes the ochre colors of the cliffs glow intensely.

What should you keep in mind when hiking in the ochre?

Avoid wearing white clothes or shoes, as the ochre dust stains heavily and is difficult to wash out.

Roussillon: where is it located?

Roussillon is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.

Roussillon: what is there to see?

Highlights include Château de Roussillon, Église Saint-Jacques, Le Rhône.

Roussillon: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Roussillon: why is it worth visiting?

Roussillon is a commune in the Isère department, famous for a pivotal moment in French administrative history.

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