4 km from Saignon, 10 km from Castellet, 11 km from Vaugines, 12 km from Roussillon, 33 km from Cavaillon, 38 km from Manosque, 50 km from Aix-en-Provence and from Avignon
GPS : Longitude : 5.397778 E - Latitude : 43.875557 N
Altitude : 229
Population : 11500
The world capital of crystallized fruit; the area's natural resources have allowed for the development of a thriving arts and crafts sector, with notably the renowned faïence fine (tin-glazed pottery) of Apt, the natural pigments, the ochres and of course the delicious fruits confits (crystallized fruits). In the heart of the Luberon and its Regional Nature Park, the town of Apt (the name derives from Apta Julia, which was founded by the Romans, who developed an advanced civilisation by way of the Via Domitia, during the first century BC) is surrounded by lavender fields, cherry orchards, vines and numerous ochre quarries. Apt is a true symphony of aromas and colour.
What to see, what to visit: the Maison du Parc du Luberon (an information centre with numerous guides on the local fauna and flora); tours of the manufacturing centre of glazed fruit (its gift shop is open all year round, from Monday through to Saturday, 9am - noon and 2pm - 6pm, closed on bank holidays); the Sous-préfecture building (originally the residence of the bishops of Apt); the chapel of Sainte-Catherine (now a protestant temple). The cathedral Sainte-Anne (built in the 12th and 13th centuries on the remains of an older construction). Visit of an ochre manufacturer (all year round, by prior arrangement).
Activities available: numerous walking and mountain-biking circuits (the chemins de Grande Randonnée 6, 9, 92, 4, 97 pass through the Luberon), horse riding, cycling, rock climbing, treetop trail, potholing, fishing...
Provençal market: Saturday morning. Farmers' market every Tuesday. Festivities: fair every January. Festival of Sainte-Anne on the last Sunday in July, with offerings of bunches of grapes. Salon of the Santon-makers every December.
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