Issue No.26

Apt in the department of Vaucluse, Provence
is a largish town with an inner old town. It’s
famous for its crystallised fruit, is awash with
gorgeous little shops and home to a fabulous
Saturday street market. Founded by the
Romans in the 1st century BC, it’s in the
heart of the Luberon Nature Park, between
the mountains of Vaucluse and Luberon.
What to see and do in Apt
Me, I’m happy to wander the sun-baked
streets, ogle the private mansion houses,
laze around the tinkling fountains and
cooldown in the shade of one of the many
little treelined squares. The town is great for
those who love to browse the boutiques,
galleries and art shops, take a break at a café,
eat a lavender ice cream and contemplate
how it’s possible to make an ice cream taste
so heavenly. But there’s plenty more to do
for a day in Apt including a museum of
history and archaeology
Foodie heaven
It probably won’t surprise you to discover
that Apt is classified a “site remarquable du
gout” (a place of wonderful tastes).
Saturday morning is market day year-round
in Apt. It’s one of the biggest in the area and
a classified “Exceptional market.” If you don't
want to stick out like a tourist get there by
8am, and definitely not after 9.30am! Apt
market has been going for some 900 years.
Incredible to think when you stand there
picking out the most delicious honey and
jams, herbs and cheeses, that in the 13th
century, our ancestors were stood there
doing the same thing! Normally quite sleepy,
Apt bursts into life on Saturday mornings, get
there early if you need to park your car.
Apt is an absolutely treat for fans of street
markets.