Apt

Visit Apt, Provence

The town of Apt is located on the Coulon River at the eastern end of the Luberon Natural Parc north of Aix-en-Provence and east of Avignon - it is in a fine location with Luberon to one side and the Vaucluse hills to the other.

Perhaps best described as a 'lived in' town rather than a 'tourist' town, Apt has a long history dating back to Roman times - and each epoch has left its mark on the city, waiting to be revealed by the patient explorer.

Exploring Apt

The most important monument in the town is the baroque style Cathedral of Saint Anne, built over the course of several centuries (11th to 17th). There are lots of features to discover in the cathedral, including a good number of decorative stone carvings, two very ancient crypts, and the ornately decorated Chapel of Saint Anne. You can also visit the treausry in the cathedral sacristy.

In the historical centre of Apt around the cathedral there are a network of old streets and houses with interesting features, and open squares with quiet fountains to discover, still largely encircled by the original ramparts of the town.

You will notice in particular the two towers with their 'traditional' provençal ironwork campaniles such as the one on the original stone entrance to the city at Porte de Saignon.

Other features to discover include a small amount of excavated Roman ruins and a substantial tower in the ramparts called the Tour de l'Hôpital.

The main market is held on Saturday, and Apt also has a popular farmer's market on a Tuesday with an impressive range of produce available. The most important and impressive market in the region, it does mean that Saturday can also get very busy during the summer...but is also the best time to visit.

Apt museums

The main Museum of Apt includes two parts, the Musée de l'Aventure Industrielle which looks at important industries in the region such as ochre extraction and pottery manufacture, and the Museum of History and Archaeology.

A second museum in Apt, the Maison du Parc du Luberon, is dedicated to the Luberon region including fossil finds in the region.

Tourist classifications for Apt: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Apt, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Cucuron 12km; Lourmarin 13km; Menerbes 16km; Gordes 16km; Ansouis 16km; Oppedette 17km; Simiane-la-Rotonde 18km; Oppede-le-Vieux 19km; Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 22km; Sault 24km; Venasque 24km; Le Beaucet 25km; Pernes-les-Fontaines 30km; Mane 31km; Manosque 31km; Forcalquier 32km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Apt

Apt tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (9km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (9km) : Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (12km) : Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (16km) : Gorges de la Nesque - site of natural beauty (19km) : Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron) - religious monument (19km) : Gorges de Régalon - site of natural beauty (20km) : Jardin du château de Val Joanis - remarkable garden (22km) :

French version: see Apt (Francais)