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Apt


apt village luberon

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); visits to La Maison du Fruit Confit, our opening hours are as follows: open from monday to saturday from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 14h to 18h30 (april to september) - open from monday to saturday from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 14h to 18h and sundays from december from 10h to 12h30 and from 14h to 17h30 (october to March); 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.