The hilltop church that crowns Roussillon has served as the village's spiritual and visual centerpiece for centuries, its bell tower visible for miles across the Luberon valley. Roussillon itself has been continuously inhabited since medieval times and was classified as one of France's most beautiful villages. During the twentieth century the village gained wider attention when American sociologist Laurence Wylie spent a year there and wrote about its daily life, drawing international visitors curious about an authentic corner of Provence.

Late spring and early autumn offer the clearest evening light along this approach path, when the setting sun strikes the warm-toned cliffs and facades at a low angle and the air carries just enough coolness to make the walk a pleasure.