The Fascinating Medieval History of Apt

Over the last few weeks, we have got a little bit further under the skin of the local area, and it’s taken us to some very different places, most recently on a guided tour of the Cathédrale Sainte Anne, in the heart of Apt, focusing on its medieval history.

Each year the weekend of the ‘Journées du Patrimoine’ sees lots of events and tours taking place, which enable you to access some of the most historic buildings and spaces, free of charge, to learn more about the country’s heritage. One of the events on offer in Apt was a guided tour behind the scenes at the cathedral.

Continue reading this original contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer. The story of this beautiful cathedral built on Roman foundations with links to Queen Anne of Austria and King Louis XIV (the Sun King).

Discover Apt

Apt was a Roman town (Apta Julia), and our house sits on Roman remains from the 2nd century, located just on the edge of the site of the Roman amphitheatre. Today, Apt is a thriving market town – with the biggest market in the area every Saturday. It serves a big rural community, with schools and hospitals and is the capital of the Luberon, a stunning place to visit by car, on foot or by bike.

The primary market day is on Saturdays, with a smaller farmer’s market on Tuesdays. The market is an experience for all of the senses. Every Saturday, you find fresh produce, Provencal gifts, lovely cafes made for relaxing and a finish with delicious lunch from the shopping venture.

Where to Stay

Cent Cinq in Apt welcomes guests all year round for short and long stays. These newly renovated self-catering apartments are located in an 18th-century townhouse in Apt, a vibrant market town in the heart of the Luberon. Each apartment has a bedroom and bathroom and an open plan kitchen and living area and sleeps a maximum of 3 guests. Book Now!

Chez Manon is an 18th-century farmhouse (French “mas”) restored to reflect its provençal origins while incorporating modern comforts. It has a heated pool, professionally landscaped grounds, well-equipped open plan living and five comfortable bedrooms. Book your stay!

Au Coin des Amis is a gem of a village home in Rustrel, a quiet Luberon Valley. Dating from the 1700s, this fully-restored three-bedroom house is just this side of heaven. The 190 sm / 2,000 sq ft home was previously owned and elegantly and meticulously restored by an antiquarian. Booking now!

Julie Whitmarsh

Julie and her husband Andy started visiting the Vaucluse area 25 years ago & over the years have increased the amount of time they spend there with their growing family. She has a deep affection for the area, finding it is a great place to visit, where the whole family can relax and enjoy time together.

She longs for the day when she can ‘up-sticks’ from her home on Dartmoor & relocate to the Luberon and spend her days cycling, walking, visiting markets & brocante fairs and of course enjoying the local food and drink.

Her blog VaucluseDreamer gives her a space to highlight some of her favourite things about the area from places to visit to particular activities that she and her family all enjoy.

She hopes one day it will be a place where she can share the process of renovating a house in France, but at the moment that will have to wait.