Capital of the Luberon located on the Via Domitia, Apt's origins go back to the time of the Romans. Apt, a historic city with a wide cultural influence, is the ideal place to settle down for a change of scenery in the heart of the Vaucluse.
Crossed by the Calavon river, Apt is located at the foot of the northern slope of the Luberon Natural Park. Its old town is particularly elegant: you will certainly be seduced by the typical Provençal charm of its cobbled streets. From shaded squares to large squares decorated with imposing fountains, you will discover the splendour of its private mansions and former ramparts. Go around them, pass under the many vaulted passages of the town and under the gate of Saignon, visit the Septier square, that of Gabriel Péri, but also the Apt faience factory, the former Carmelite Convent (Ripert-de-Monclar square), the Romanesque Sainte-Anne Cathedral and its crypt (dating from 1052), the royal chapel Sainte-Anne and its treasure, or the massive 16th century Tour de l'Hôpital. Take a break in the city's green lung, the Public Garden: this shaded place is a small treasure chest of softness ideal for a walk or a picnic in the freshness of its vegetation.
Classified as a "remarkable site of taste", the village is famous for being the capital of candied fruit. Once offered as a gift to the Popes of Avignon in the 14th century, these sweet delicacies are one of the jewels in the crown of Aptésian gastronomy. To taste it, nothing beats going to its Saturday morning market: known as one of the most beautiful in Provence since the Middle Ages, this authentic market is really worth a visit. At any time of the year, you can fill up on seasonal fruits and vegetables: peaches, melons, asparagus, tomatoes, but also honey, candied fruits and goat's cheese embalm the atmosphere of this colourful market.
No doubt about it: here you are in the heart of Provence. All your outings will be punctuated by the splendour of the panoramas of Apt and its surroundings: whether you are on horseback, on foot or by bike, you will love walking on the many marked paths in the town. To the sound of the cicadas, and against the backdrop of the fragrant lavender fields and the wonderful hills with golden reflections of the Luberon, these hikes will be all the more exceptional! For the whole family, on hot summer days, the Apt lake is the ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Although swimming is not allowed, you can canoe or kayak, walk along a trail around the lake and relax in the shade of its trees. By bike, we strongly recommend the "Voie Verte du Cavalon" cycle route, along the river (37 kilometres) or the Lavender Route: from the Luberon highlands to the blue plains as far as the eye can see, this fragrant and intoxicating excursion will delight young and old alike. The historic Pont-Julien, the Ochre trail in Roussillon, the Bruoux Mines in Gargas, the amazing Provencal Colorado of Rustrel, but also the small perched villages of the Luberon such as Gordes ("Plus Beau Village de France"), Saignon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Oppède-le-Vieux, Saint-Saturnin, Ménerbes, Murs, Grambois or Cadenet are to add to your visit list. Finally, are you one of those holidaymakers looking for sensations? In this case, opt for hot air balloon rides over the Luberon and Colorado Provençal: in the early morning, you can contemplate breathtaking panoramas over the entire region... (beautiful) memories guaranteed!
We discovered and rediscovered wonderful places and spots: Gordes, Roussillon, L'Isle sur Sorgues, La Fontaine de Vaucluse and of course Apte with its narrow streets and its big Saturday morning market.