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 treasury 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 market at Apt is 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 and galleries
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.
There is a gallery dedicated to the local speciality - the Faience d'Apt - at 20 rue Eugéne Brunel (see Faïencerie d'Apt for details).
Attractions nearby
The villages and scenery of the Luberon region make it one of the most visited and most attractive regions of France. See the Luberon guide for information.
You can find more travel ideas in the Vaucluse guide and the Provence guide.
Arrange a visit to Apt
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Hotels in Apt
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Map of Apt and places nearby
Visit near Apt with France This Way reviews
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt
It is true that Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt is larger and less visited by tourists than many of the Luberon villages, but find the time and you will discover another scenic small town
Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt guide
Roussillon
As well as the orange houses of the village you can explore the ancient ochre mines just below Roussillon
Roussillon guide
The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon
The Ochre mines of Roussillon are eroded into beautiful colours and shapes and fascinating to explore
The Ochre Footpath of Roussillon guide
Bonnieux
Less visited than some of the Luberon villages, the upper town in Bonnieux and the views from the top of the hill make it very pleasant to visit
Bonnieux guide
Lacoste
The small village of Lacoste, one of the most beautiful in the Luberon, stands below the castle of the Marquis de Sade
Lacoste guide
Chateau de Lacoste
The chateau de Lacoste is an 11th century castle in Provence, known for its connection with the Marquis de Sade
Chateau de Lacoste guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vaucluse
Tourist classifications for Apt
Apt is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Apt, Provence, 84400, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.8769, longitude 5.39694
Plan your visit to Apt, Vaucluse
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Luberon: regional natural parc (7 km)
- Roussillon: most beautiful village (9 km)
- Colorado Provencal: site of natural beauty (9 km)
- Jardin de la Louve: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Lourmarin: most beautiful village (13 km)
- Menerbes: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes): religious monument (16 km)
- Gordes: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Ansouis: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron): religious monument (19 km)
- Gorges de la Nesque: site of natural beauty (19 km)
Market days in Apt, France
Regular market(s) are held in Apt each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Apt (Francais)