Apt is a working market town in the Luberon, straddling the Calavon river between cherry orchards and lavender fields. It's not a manicured tourist village: the old centre is functional rather than pretty, and the main attraction is the Saturday morning market, which is one of the largest and most authentic in Provence. We rate Apt as a practical villa base for the Luberon, cheaper than Gordes or Bonnieux and better placed for the weekly shop. The honest caveat is that the town itself doesn't detain you long beyond market day.
Why Stay in Apt
- Saturday market: A genuine Provençal market stretching through the old town. Local cheese, lavender honey, tapenade, fruit from the surrounding orchards. It's the real thing, not a tourist production.
- Central Luberon position: Bonnieux (15 minutes), Roussillon (10 minutes), Gordes (20 minutes). All the famous perched villages are within easy reach.
- Value: Apt is cheaper than the tourist villages. Restaurants and shops serve locals rather than visitors.
- Not a beauty spot: The town lacks the hilltop drama of its neighbours. The suburbs are commercial. You'll want to be out exploring most days.
Things to Do in Apt
The Saturday market fills the old town from early morning. Arrive by 9am for the best produce selection. The truffle market (winter) is also significant.
Visit the Maison du Parc for information on Luberon walking trails. The ochre trail at Roussillon (10 minutes) winds through red-orange cliffs. Bonnieux (15 minutes) has a Friday market and views across to the Vaucluse mountains. Gordes (20 minutes) is the most photographed village in Provence; the Sénanque Abbey with its lavender field is nearby.
For an active day, cycle the Véloroute du Calavon, a flat cycle path along the old railway line through the valley. Bike hire is available in Apt. The Mines de Bruoux (10 minutes north) are underground ochre quarries open for guided tours. Saignon, a small village on the hill above Apt, has a rooftop viewpoint and a couple of good restaurants.