DISCOVER APT
Apt, an authentic French country town
Welcome to Apt, capital of the Luberon, situated in the heart of Provence, at the foot of the Luberon mountain range.
With a population of approximately 12 000 people, Apt is the commercial and administrative hub of the Northern Luberon. Apt supports the daily life of a satellite of smaller villages, that make up the 'pays d'Apt', such as Saignon, Bonnieux, Castellet-en-Luberon, Roussillon, Villars and many more.
In keeping with it's long, rich history, Apt is still a bustling , authentic French country town, where shops shut on a Monday, then every day between 12 and 3pm. If you want to see how the French really live, you can't miss Apt!
What to see in Apt
The old town of Apt is a lovely, typically provencal town. With paved streets, full of soft pastel coulored facades, old terracotta tiled rooves, and shadey town squares. Home to some great little cafés and wine bars, Apt is often our go to for catching up with friends.
It is a lovely place to wander, duck down the tiny, winding streets of the old town and discover hidden churches, shadey little squares, restaurants tucked away and a whole array of independant boutiques. Shop for region produce, decoration, ceramics, light summer clothing or a special treasure in one of the many vintage or antique stores spread accross the old town. Saturday is a great day to shop in Apt, as it is market day.
If you enter the old town from the east, you will pass under the beautiful medieval Saignon gate, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Apt, a busy commercial hub was, once upon a time, a walled town.
It was a prosperous time for the town. Apt, lying on a major trade route, the ancient Via Domitia, was a big market town. The weekly Saturday market, still held today, first began over 500 years ago.
Continue down the Rue Saint-Pierre, and admire the colourful town houses. In the 16th century, during the wars of religion, the inhabitants of Apt were forced to seek refuge behind the town walls. The tall, thin buildings typical of the old town, would have once housed livestock on the ground floor, the family on the next one or two floors, and then hay in the attic.
A little further down the street discover the bell tower of Apt, a beautiful medieval stone edifice, with it's wrought iron belfry, so typical of Provence. Walk under the vaulted passage, but don't forget to look up! Several of the shops and houses in the old town have underground vaulted cellars dating back to this era. Visit the basement art gallery at the Maison Suet (an opticien on the main road) for a beatifully restored example. Entry is free.
Next, visit the Cathedrale Sainte-Anne. Take the next right, down the Rue de Sainte Anne, which will bring you to the grand wooden doors of the Cathedrale, built between the 11-15 centuries.This is one of the oldest churches in Provence, and is dedicated to the mother of the Virgin Mary. In the 17th century, the cathedrale gifted the relics of Sainte Anne to Anne of Austria, future mother of Louis XIV, to help with his conception. After his birth, in gratitude Anne of Austria visited Apt, bringing great fame to the Cathedrale and to the town. The many castles and stately homes in the countryside around Apt were built after this time. The drive from Apt to Saignon or Apt to Bonnieux is a perfect example of this.
Just next to the cathedrale, on the edge of the Place de Saint-Anne, you will find a bronze model of the roman theatre that once stood on this spot.
Did you know that Apt was once an important roman town, with a population of 10 000 people? Founded by the romans in 45 BC, Apta, was a military base and trading post, situated on the Via Domitia, which linked Rome to Spain. Apt become the capital of the Roman colony and a bustling town with a forum: amphitheatre, theatre, temples, arc de triomphe.
Vestiges of the ampitheatre and other roman relics can be seeen today, in the basement of the Museum of Apt, not far from here.
Continue in Caesar's footsteps, and visit the Pont Julien, a Roman bridge dating back to 3 BC.
You can get there either by car, following the D900, or by bike, taking the beautiful bike path, the Voie Verte du Calavon. The cycle route follows the old railway line of the region. It is 40km long, almost entirely flat and is tarmacked, all the way. You will ride along the banks of the Calavon, past lavender fields, and some of the beautiful hilltop villages of the Luberon.
If the ancient history of Apt, a former Roman city, interests you, we also recommend a visit to the Museum of Apt, 14 Place du Postel.
Apt is full of tree lined squares, often adorned with fountains, making the perfect setting for small bars, cafes and restaurants. Our favourite is the Place du Septier.
Whether for a cool drink at Mazette, a healthy and delicious lunch at Café des Valseuses, or a peek into the shop of hand-made beautifully coloured pottery, the vintage store or the antique bookshop, this place never disappoints.
What to do in Saignon
The Apt market takes place every Saturday, from 8-13h. It is an exceptional market, ranked among the 100 most beautiful in France. It occupies and crosses the entire city.
You will find seasonal fruits and vegetables, olives, sausages, cheeses, flowers, fabrics from Provence, boutis and typical provencal fabric, jewelry, hats, clothes.
Known for its amazing array of fresh produce, local artisans and its atmosphere, the Apt market attracts a lot of people. We advise you to arrive around 9am. If you want to have lunch in Apt on market day, it is better to book in advance.
For our best addresses of the market, continue reading here
Visit the Vineyards of the Apt region, including Château de Mille, the oldest estate in the Luberon. Very pretty property, a lovely welcome and a very informative tasting, their wines are among our favorites.
You could also visit the Sylla cellar, in the center of Apt. It is a cooperative cellar, bringing together producers from 14 municipalities of the Luberon. The cellar was established in Apt in 1925, next to the viaduct and the railway for strategic reasons. You will find rosé, white and red with a good quality-price ratio and a warm welcome.
Did you know that Apt is the world capital of candied fruit?
Apt has been renowned for candied fruits since the Middle Ages, when the Popes, fond of the delicacy, were settled in Avignon.
The Maison du Fruit Confit is a tea room, museum, factory and a shop, and it is worth a visit! Melons, peaches, apricots, cherries, oranges... you can taste them all! What dessert is not improved by candied ginger or salted butter caramel crumble? Whay not treat yourself?
What to eat in Saignon
L'Intramuros
120 Rue de la République
84400 Apt
tel. +33 (0)4 90 06 18 87
L'Intramuros is an atypical restaurant in the old city with a great atmosphere. They serve traditional French bistro dishes; escargots, sardines, and divine chocolate cream, as well as Asian fusion cuisine.
The restaurant looks like a colorful flea market, with vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling, old vintage posters, decorative license plates and much more… not to mention a huge selection of bottles of rum.
Mazette, a very relaxed little bar, hidden away in the side streets of Apt. With friendly service, colorful decor and music, this bar has a large shadey terrace and a cosy tables inside.
Mazette serves cheese and charcuterie platters, as well as reasonably priced drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, on a shady village square. We love their freshly squeezed fruit juices and their vintage decor.
La Félicita
16 Place du Septier
84400 Apt
tel. +33 (0)7 66 63 52 61
La Félicita, formerly Les Valseuses, is a real treat. Open only during the day, it's perfect for a drink or for lunch. Tasty, healthy and interesting dishes, you won't be disappointed.
Remember to book, it's often full, especially on market day.
Bouffi
63 Rue Eugène Brunel
84400 Apt
tel. +33 (0)9 81 16 96 11
Bouffi is a charming little cafe, perfect for a coffee or hot chocolate during your visit to the market, but also for lunch. Everything is homemade: soups, quiches, sandwiches, salads, pies and cakes. A very pretty and friendly place, the welcome is always great.
More about food
Farmers market
Tuesday morning farmers market. Find fresh local cheese, fruits and vegetables, honey, and all around lavender.
Place Gabriel Peri, Apt
Farmers market
Retro Pizza Takeaway Truck
Lorenzo tours the different towns and villages of the Luberon. You will find his menu online, and it is better to book, it is often sold out!
68 Bld Camille Pelletan, Apt. Friday evening.
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