Bonjour! Welcome to Apt, a peaceful market town in the heart of the Luberon, where the streets smell of lavender and candied fruit, and where locals have been gathering for the same Saturday market for nearly centuries. Unlike the tiny Provencal villages scattered around it, Apt is a real, lived-in town – a place where people actually work, shop, and go about their day. And that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. Curious what a proper Provençal town feels like once you peel back the touristy layer? Keep reading and discover the best things to do in Apt, France.
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Apt, France FAQ
Apt is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France, within the Vaucluse department. It’s close to popular Provencal villages like Roussillon, Gordes, or Bonnieux, and is only about an 1 hour drive from larger cities like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
Yes, but with a little caveat. Apt isn’t a picture-perfect Provençal village – it’s a working town with some industrial areas and ordinary apartment blocks. However, its historic centre is really lovely, and its famous Saturday market is one of the best in the region. Apt is a great place if you want to experience a more authentic side of Provence.
Apt is best known for its traditional market, held every Saturday and considered one of the largest and most famous markets in Provence. The town is also famous for its candied fruits, a local sweet specialty with a long history.
You can see the main highlights of Apt in around 2 hours, although you may want to stay a bit longer if you’re visiting on market day. Apt also makes a great base for exploring some of the most spectacular places in the Luberon.
Things to do in Apt, France
Wander Apt old town streets
The beauty of Apt is hidden away in its old town, tucked behind the more modern parts of the town. Once you step inside, the industrial edges disappear and you’ll find streets winding between tall historic houses with colourful shutters, cozy squares, and hidden passageways. There’s no special route to follow in Apt – and that’s the joy of it! Just let yourself wander and discover its charming corners at your own pace.
While wandering around, keep an eye out for the 16th-century Clock Tower with its distinctive wrought-iron campanile, and Porte de Saignon which marks one of the entrances to the historic center. And don’t miss the 12th century Sainte-Anne Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Provence. It’s particularly interesting for its two ancient crypts, one of which is supposedly home to the veil of Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary.
If you enjoy visiting museums or simply want to learn more about the town’s history, don’t skip the Apt Museum, located just a few steps from the cathedral. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions highlighting the crafts and industries that have contributed to the development of Apt. There’s also a collection of candied fruit labels and machines and equipment used in the confectionery industry. For current prices and opening hours, visit the apt.fr website.
In Apt old town you’ll also find a few cozy cafés, art galleries, and small shops selling regional specialties. Before long, you’ll understand that Apt doesn’t put on a show for visitors – it simply exists as a real, lived-in Provençal town. And that’s where much of its charm lies.
One more thing. You simply can’t visit Apt without trying its famous candied fruit, the town’s pride and joy. You’ll find several shops selling this local specialty, so pick one or two and give it a try! If you want to dive deeper into Apt’s candied-fruit tradition, head to La Maison du Fruit Confit on the western edge of town, where you can taste and buy different varieties while learning more about their history through the museum and guided tours.
Experience Apt Saturday market
If you can visit Apt on a Saturday, don’t hesitate to do so and experience its legendary market. The Apt Saturday market has been running since the 12th century and is classified as one of the most exceptional markets in France (Marché d’exception).
Every Saturday from around 8am, more than 300 vendors take over the streets and squares of the Apt old town, filling them with colorful stalls. And you’ll find pretty much everything here! Sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, olives, honey, lavender, spices, Provençal textiles, pottery, regional specialties, and, of course, mountains of candied fruit.
Remember to come early. The market attracts visitors from all over the region, so parking can become tricky and the busiest stalls quickly fill up with shoppers. Thanks to its impressive size, variety, and lively local atmosphere, visiting Apt Saturday market is genuinely one of the most memorable things to do in Apt.
Use Apt as your Luberon base
Honestly, one of the best things about Apt is where it sits. It’s located in the middle of the Luberon, which makes it one of the most practical bases for exploring the region. Within a short drive you can reach some of the most beautiful spots in Provence.
Just a short drive away, you’ll find many picturesque Provencal villages like Lacoste, Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, or Saignon. Vibrant big cities like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence are also about a 1-hour drive away.
Also, only 10 kilometres away you’ll find a colorful Colorado Provençal trail with dramatic ochre formations and with landscapes that strikingly resemble the American Southwest.
And if you’re visiting in summer (roughly late June to late-July), the lavender fields around the Luberon are in full bloom too!
Explore local attractions
How to get to Apt, France?
Apt is located about 55km from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, 10km from Roussillon, 20km from Gordes, and 15km from Bonnieux. The most convenient way to get to Apt is by car.
Where to park in Apt?
In Apt we recommend leaving a car in Parking Charles de Gaulle. It’s a free parking lot located at the entrance to the old town, near Porte de Saignon.
To Apt by public transport
You can reach Apt by regional bus, most usefully from Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. From smaller villages around transport to Apt is limited and the trip might be long. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you, visit the regional transport website Zou or rome2rio.com website.
As for trains, unfortunately, there is no train station in Apt. The closest ones are located in Aix and Avignon, about 45 kilometres away, and from there you can take a bus to Bonnieux. To learn more about train connections that interest you visit sncf-connect.com or rome2rio.com website.
Still, your best bet is to travel in your own or a rented car. For the best options, visit the rentalcars.com website.
Camping Apt
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Le Luberon or Aire Naturelle Les Joncquiers might interest you. They are located near to Apt.
Visiting Apt, France – Summing up
Apt is the kind of place that may not impress you with huge landmarks but wins you over slowly, street by street. From wandering through the historic center and exploring the famous market to trying local specialties, there’s plenty to make a visit to Apt worthwhile. Best of all, it’s the perfect base for exploring the wider Luberon. Enjoy!
Our opinion about Apt
For us, a visit to Apt was a day trip from nearby Orgon, where we lived for a few weeks. We combined it with a visit to the nearby Sault and Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt. We visited the town in early June, and during that time it was very peaceful with only a handful of other visitors around and plenty of locals going on with their lives. Exploring Apt took us about 2 hours.
After visiting, we can say that Apt probably won’t be love at first sight the way many Provençal villages are. We didn’t fall for it either, but it was nice to see a different side of Provence. Apt’s outskirts are quite ordinary, and while we were approaching the town nothing suggested that a lovely little historic center was waiting behind its walls. But we were pleasantly surprised!
Overall, we’d recommend Apt as a base for exploring the Luberon. It’s practical, authentic, and full of good food and local character. Just come with the right expectations and you’ll have a wonderful time here.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Apt?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Apt:
