Apt

Apt is located in the heart of the large national park, Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron, between the two large mountain ranges Plateau de Vaucluse and Montagne du Lubéron.

A holiday in Apt offers fantastic nature experiences and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities in the very mountainous and lush surroundings.

Apt is renowned for its high quality local products and is proud to be classified as a ‘site remarquable du gout’ (a place of outstanding flavour). Apt specialises mainly in candied fruits, truffles, pottery and bottled lavender essence. The local market in Apt offers a rich selection of local products and attracts a sea of shoppers every Saturday morning.

The old town is extremely charming with its narrow streets, old stone houses, small shady squares and beautiful fountains, large plane trees and boule courts.

In the centre of the old town is the cathedral, Cathédrale Ste. Anne, which partly dates back to the 12th century, but the Chapelle Royale, which is of most interest, was first erected in 1660 in memory of Anne of Austria who made a pilgrimage to Apt. In the sacristy is a shrine with St Anne's shroud.

In the park, a well-restored 17th century mansion houses the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron, where you can get in-depth information about the area with details on walking, hiking, flora and fauna. Apt is also one of the few places in the region where the old ochre mines are still working.

Inspiration for your holiday:

Attractions:

Remains of the old city walls, including a large fortress tower

12th-centuryCathédrale Ste Anne, Chapelle Royale Ste Anne from 1660

Bell tower from the 16th century

Musée archéologique: arch aeological museum with prehistoric flint and stone tools, Gallo-Roman figures and mosaics from the same period, pottery from Apt and Moustiers including works by Apt potter Léon Sagy (1865-1939).

Maison du Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron located in a well-restored 17th century mansion in the park: maps of walking and hiking routes in the area, guided excursions to the Lubéron villages, information on the flora and fauna of the Parc Naturel Régional du Lubéron.

Activities in Apt

There are good opportunities for outdoor activities in the Vaucluse area, see for example the following websites: http://www.provenceguide.com/gbcdt/index.asp http://www.hautvaucluse.com/pdf/guidea.pdf (Guide to activities and attractions in the Haut Vaucluse area).

Walking and hiking in the area.

Rock climbing.

Cycling: Challenges for everyone, from elite athletes to families with children. There are several great tours to other towns in the area, a wealth of less demanding mountain routes and the tough Mont Ventoux. Bike hire is available in the town.

Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the area, 4 in the department of Vaucluse and several in the neighbouring southern department of Bouhes du Rhône. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region: http://www.ffgolf.org/.

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