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APT

The Luberon Capital

Apt : 2000 years of history for a tiny capital city

On the northern side of the Luberon mountain, Apt is located somewhere in between the Durance river valley and the Rhone valley.

Apt is a small and typical provencal city : weekly markets, local products and a worldwilde reputation for candied fruits. For sure you will eat well in this area !

As you walk in its small shady streets, you will be seduced by its old cathedral, nice squares and fontains and the green background of the Luberon mountain. No doubt. You are in the heart of Provence !

Download the local touristic map of the town.

You can also download the schedule for the local electric bus here.
›› See the bus timetable

The heart of the Luberon

Located in the heart of the Luberon at the foot of the northern slope of the massif, Apt stands out as the capital of the Luberon. This pleasant typical Provencal town is famous for the quality of the produce of its soil. Apt is honored to be ranked "Site remarquable du goût", it is so for a good reason, Apt being is the world capital of candied fruit! Advice to gourmets! You are here in a country where you eat well! Connoisseurs know that on Saturday morning it is the place to be to fill up your basket with local products. You will find an exceptional assortment of local products: honey, vegetables, sun-drenched seasonal fruits, goat cheeses, etc. And all with the Provencal accent of the vendors! What to remember most from this market where people admire the colourful stalls of all kinds of products (terroir and craft, is the atmosphere and authenticity). Your steps will be punctuated by the song of the cicadas as well as by the musicians who play from one street to another. You will not know where to turn and your senses will be amazed. Note immediately in your travel diary!

A land of craft

Apt is also an artisanal land, thanks to its clay soils, its ochers and a long pottery tradition. The potters of Apt invented the "terres mêlées" or the "marbrure Aptésienne". It is a clever mix of colored clays covered by a transparent glaze. Today, you will find artisans who still carry on this tradition in Apt.

The old Town

This city will also seduce you with the charm that emerges from the small streets of the old town with its many squares occupied by majestic fountains, mansions and ramparts that are part of the decor! And to top it off, in the background, the landscapes of the Luberon sprayed with lavender on one side and on the other the Monts de Vaucluse where the hills are tinged with ochers in the foreground. No doubt you are indeed in the heart of our beautiful Provence!

 

Where is the market place ?

When ? The Saturday morning market occupied most of the old town.  

Where ? From la Bouquerie square until le Cours Lauze de Perret around the Marchands street, you will find almost 500 stands of vegetables, fruits, goat cheese, cloth and more.

To the sound of street musicians, every saturday morning, all year long it is possible to come here and buy local products in a nice and mediterranean atmosphere.

Note that there is also a smaller market of local producers in Apt every Tuesday mornings.

 

 

Apt, capitale mondiale du fruit confit Crédit photo - Office de tourisme Pays d'Apt Luberon

Iconic sites

 • Saint Anne Cathedral

The most remarquable monument is located in the heart of the old town. This religious building has more than 1000 years of history. Indeed the very first reference of the building is to be found in the records of the Cathedral in 835 After Christ.

• Tour de l’Ho

The last remnant of the medieval rempart is a XIV century tower : The tower of the Hospital.

• Place du Septier

This little square in the heart of the old town is surrounded by former private mansions among which the consular palace of Albertas. Build during the XVII century, it is a beautifull exemple of Provencal Baroque style.

 • Museum of Apt

This museum traces the industrial history of the region of Apt : Ocres, earthenware and candied fruits. These industries used to be the flagship of the region.
The museum is located in a former candied fruits factory. The museum of Apt has open a room dedicated to archeology. As the Luberon was populated since the prehistorical times.

• Luberon natural park House

On Jean Jaurès Square, the house of the park is located in a XVIII century private mansion. The house of the park is open to the public all year long. It is a indispensable visit during your stay in the region if you want to learn more about the local geology, fauna and flora.

Thanks to a permanent exhibition and a tiny museum of geology, you will learn more about our territory and why it is a biosphere reserve and a global UNESCO geoparc. The entrance to the museum is free.

Points of view

Fabulous view of the town
From the Saint Michel's church

Panoramic view 
From the rock in Saignon

A 360 degree view to the Luberon and the Mont Ventoux
From the Salignan's windmill

Hiking trails around

›› Find all the hiking trails in the Luberon on "Chemins des parcs" website

Pratical information

Tourist information office of Apt

788 Avenue Victor Hugo
84400 APT
T. +33 (0)4 90 74 03 18
www.luberon-apt.fr

›› See the opening hours of the tourist information office

Town hall of Apt

Place Gabriel Péri
84400 APT

T.+33 (0)4 90 74 00 34
www.apt.fr
 

Bus line and bus timetable

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​Move in Apt with the free bus

›› Download for free the timetable of the two lines in Apt

Where to sleep and eat in Apt ?

Find the hotels in Apt and around ›› Hotels

Find the restaurants in Apt and around ›› Restaurants