Apt
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.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Provence
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Emperi Museum in the Chateau d'Emperi
An opportunity to discover Salon's heritage and view the work of contemporary artists in the regular exhibitions held at the Château.
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Fort St Roch, Sospel
This remnant of the second world war is a huge engineering feat made from lots of concrete and once housed machine guns and barracks.
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Musee Yves Brayer paintings, Les Baux de Provence
Opened in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum displays a hundred or so canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings representative of the artist's work.
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Musee de la Camargue
Located in the former farmhouse at Rousty Bridge the Camargue Museum reopened in November 2013 after a year of renovation.
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Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
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Fondation Vasarely
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'.
Dining in [locality]
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.
Restaurants in Provence
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
Events in [locality]
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.
Events in Provence
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
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.
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Where to stay in [locality]
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.
Hotels in [locality]
There are several budget options within Apt offering basic accommodation.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
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Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
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Villa Josephine B&B
Villa Josephine is located in the middle of the Var region of Provence on the outskirts of the market town of Lorgues.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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Villa for Sale
A newly built villa ideally located within walking distance from the town and beaches.
Price: €3,045,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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