© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com/
Commerical town with weekly market in the Luberon
Apt lies at the heart of the Luberon and became a Roman colony thanks to its position on the Via Domitia - the Roman road built in France to link Italy to Spain.
Its location along this road allowed Apt to develop into a successful market town as traders took advantage of the transport routes. And this market provides the main reason to visit Apt today.
The busy and bustling market is held on Saturdays. It's one of the best in Provence and has been awarded the label of 'exceptional French market'.
You'll find many of the streets lined with stalls selling a huge range of locally grown produce, from truffles to melons and tomatoes. Traditional Provençal linens, clothing, arts and crafts, wicker baskets, flowers and candied fruits are among the many items you can purchase.
A smaller Farmers Market takes place on Tuesday mornings.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
The old town has plenty of character with an ancient cathedral, narrow alleyways and some magical fountains.
The Cathedrale de Sainte Anne has its origins in Roman times (the lower crypt dates back to AD 1) and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times during its history. The clock tower was built in the 16th century in a Provençal-Gothic style.
There are a couple of museums in the town - the Industrial Museum follows the development of pottery in the region, all thanks to the quality of the clay in the surrounding areas. Apt is famed for the 'faience' style which is tin-glazed earthenware that originated in Italy. The museum also shows the history of Ochre pigment, also found in the surrounding rocks, and the still-popular production of candied fruits.
The Archaeology Museum is built upon the ruins of a Roman theatre and features items from the Roman period as well as religious and medical objects from the past 500 years.
The Palais Consulaire Colin d'Albertas is a fine example of a Baroque Palace and is open for guided visits on Thursdays in July and August.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
Building of this old mansion began back in 1715 when the first stone was laid. It was not fully complete until 1748, after all three stages of the building were finished.
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
Despite being rather commercial there are a couple of nice restaurants in the town of Apt. The small nearby town of Gargas, just ten minutes drive from Apt, also has several rather delightful eateries.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Fresh hearty meals prepared with love. Vegetarians catered for at this restaurant come deli come bio food shop.
Enjoy imaginative yet authentic French cuisine at Pierre Reboul's funky restaurant in Aix. The menu is redesigned every six weeks together with matching wine.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
Apt is situated in the Luberon National Park and there is a visitor centre located in Apt. Attached to the centre is a Geology Museum where you can find out about local fossils and the geological landscape.
The National Park offers many hiking trails and footpaths and a number of cycle routes, as well as a dedicated Mountain Bike Park which features jumps, trails and tracks. Treetop adventures, horse-riding, paragliding, rock climbing and sailing in a nearby lake are all available.
There is a 9-hole golf course in Villars a couple of miles north of Villars.
The area is split into two areas - one for the 1-5 years age group, and the other for 6-12 year olds.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This easy and gentle 3km walk is perfect for families as most of the route is shaded by large billowing trees with ideal spots for picnics, wondeful views and interesting forestry along the way.
Roussillon is a wonderful little village located about 10km outside of Apt. This gorgeous walk that explores the Ochre cliffs of Rousillon is relatively easy and will be enjoyable for everyone. Not to be confused with the Ochre Trail, which which has a visitor fee for entry into the park.
This lovely hike in the Luberon region of Provence is great for most abilities of walkers. Stunning views and landscape on every part of the trail will make the 2hr 30 minute walk well worth it. Walking along the top of the large rocky cliff you can see for miles and enjoy the cool breeze.
Explore the source of Le Riou that winds its way down the hillside eventually flowing into the mighty Durance
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
Whether you are camping, glamming it up in a luxury hotel or looking for charming B&B you will find something to suit everyone in Apt and the surrounding area of the Vaucluse and the Luberon.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
The Lieutenant is an apartment for rent for holidays in Provence, located on the 1st floor of a pretty country house in Bonnieux.
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
This fully restored nineteenth-century farmhouse for holiday rental is located 3 km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Stone house with pool for rent in Bonnieux - La Prairie du Luberon
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
There are several budget options within Apt offering basic accommodation.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
This B&B leans against Bonnieux, a charming village built in the Middle Ages. The heart of the village is within walking distance and has many shops and restaurants.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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