Discovering Charming Apt, France, from Roman History to Modern Day

Apt is famous for its Saturday market and candied fruit (fruit confit), but many visitors miss the town’s historical legacy and cultural charm. A stroll through this mid-sized Luberon town reveals treasures like a Roman-era wall, medieval towers, and beautiful Belle Époque buildings. Here are a few reasons to visit Apt and explore its must-see sites.

Apt’s Walkable Centre

When I suggested meeting with Jen and Chris Mallon, the owners of Cent Cinq holiday rental apartments, for a walk around Apt, I didn’t expect the temperature to soar to 36 °C. However, on that scorching Monday afternoon, the streets were quiet, making it an ideal time for a visit. This calm urban center contrasted sharply with the lively Saturday market, allowing us to appreciate Apt’s evolution from Apta Julia in Roman times to its current status as the “Capitale du Luberon.”

Apt, with a population of just over 10,000 residents, is the largest town in the Luberon Valley. It offers many small city amenities, including a wide variety of restaurants and shops, accessible public transport, medical clinics, and municipal offices. Despite these conveniences, you can escape from the town center within just a few minutes to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the Luberon Valley.

Download the map of Apt here.

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Dive into Apt’s Historical Wonders

Apt’s history dates back to the Paleolithic era, with artifacts displayed in the Musée d’Apt’s Apta Julia Annex. Before the Romans, a Celtic-Ligurian group called Les Vulgientes settled in the area, benefiting from the Calavon River for crops and livestock. In 45 BC, the Romans destroyed the settlement and rebuilt it, naming it Apta Julia, the only town with that name between Rome and Cadiz. Apt’s coat of arms features a sword and belt, symbolizing Julius Caesar’s legacy.

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Apta Julia was situated along the Roman road known as the via Domitia and featured impressive architectural structures such as a forum, thermal baths, and a large theatre. Unfortunately, unlike the well-preserved monuments found in Arles and Orange, these historical sites were not maintained by the local municipality. Today, few visible remnants of the Roman settlement remain along the banks of the Calavon River.

The settlement was an important Roman center, with period remnants found about six meters below the present height of Apt. Excavations have confirmed a Roman theatre that could hold around 6,000 spectators, with its stage located against the exterior wall of the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne.

Musée d’Apt (website)
14 Place du Postel
84400 Apt
Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Pays d’Apt Tourisme (website)
788 Avenue Victor Hugo
84400 Apt
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 74 03 18

La Maison du Parc du Luberon à Apt (website)
60, place Jean Jaurès
84400 Apt
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 04 42 00
Closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Travel tip: On a hot day, head to the lower level, where it’s cooler, and explore the collection of geological treasures from the area.

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Cultural Highlights in Apt

Apt’s historical center is a captivating mix of private residences, retail shops, restaurants, and even a cinema located inside an old church. While a visit to the sous-préfecture may not be appealing to everyone, the building itself is a stunning Belle Époque structure situated on Place Gabriel Péri, contributing to the unique charm of Apt’s historical center.

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In the late 19th century, leading up to World War I, Apt’s economy thrived due to a robust agricultural foundation that included wine production, black truffles, and orchards. The local specialty of candied fruits also contributed significantly to its prosperity. Although the silk trade in the Luberon was on a smaller scale compared to that of Lyon, it still played an important economic role. Wealthy industrialists and merchants established residences in Apt during this time. These Belle Époque homes are distinctive for their elegant architecture, intricate ironwork on railings and windows, and often, beautifully designed gardens.

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Your first view of the Cathédrale Sainte-Anne may be the bronze statue of Mary or the impressive dome; this church is a must-see attraction in Apt. The Cathédrale Sainte-Anne showcases architectural styles that date back from the 11th to the 18th centuries. Since 1846, it has been recognized as a historical monument. The western façade, where visitors enter the church, measures 42 meters wide, making it one of the largest in the region. While there used to be a cloister, a crypt, and a cemetery on the site, only a few tombs remain today.

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Apt for Food Lovers

The Apt market is a vibrant and somewhat chaotic experience, with stalls overflowing with produce, fresh fish, steaming paella, local cheeses, honey, and charcuterie, along with Moroccan specialties scattered throughout the city streets. The Saturday morning market in Apt is not only the largest in the Luberon Valley but also a living testament to the city’s rich history, dating back to the 12th century. This marché Provençal offers everything you could desire: delicious fruits and vegetables, olives, cheese, wine, honey, flowers, and colourful tablecloths. The list is extensive. During the peak summer months, nearly 500 vendors showcase their goods—if you can’t find what you’re looking for, it may not exist! Discover more about this market, which ranks among the top 100 in France.

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The production of candied fruit in Apt dates back to the time of the Popes in Avignon (1309 to 1376), who enjoyed crystallized fruit as gifts. By the 19th century, this specialty had gained popularity in England for use in fruitcakes and desserts. The candied clementine is particularly eye-catching, resembling a glass paperweight. While Apt is famous for its candied fruit, other producers in the region also create it. Want to know more about the history of candied fruit and where to find it?

Or follow this recipe and make your own candied clementines:

Candied Clementines (Clementines Confits) with Moroccan spices

This dessert can be made all year! When I am in France, I buy clementines from Corsica. I can find clementines (sometimes known as Cuties in the U.S.) throughout the year in Los Angeles. It’s a simple dessert that can be served by itself or cut in julienne strips and served on top of ice cream, yogurt or a pound cake (The French version of a pound cake is Quatre Quart)! Please note that the clementines will be a burnt orange colour once they are candied because of the Moroccan spices.

Check out this recipe

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Touring from Apt

Apt is a charming destination year-round, especially in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasantly warm. Public transportation is available in the town center and to nearby urban areas. Biking through the Luberon Valley is a great way to explore the local villages, while a car is recommended for sightseeing in Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, or the Alpilles. There are several public parking lots conveniently located near Apt’s town center.

Touring from Apt

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Why Visit Apt?

Apt offers charm and a taste of the region, whether your interests lie in France’s rich history, Provençal architecture, or regional cuisine—all within a pedestrian-friendly town center.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).