In the centre of the Luberon Regional Nature Park is the medieval town of Apt, which is well past its heyday. Nevertheless, it is well worth a visit if you want to get away from the tourist crowds. The history of Apt is eventful and has left traces everywhere, dating back to the Mesolithic period.
Apt is the economic centre of central Provence and is best known for its candied fruit. Lots of orchards surround the village of Côtes du Ventoux. On Saturdays, you can visit a large market in the centre of Apt, which has been awarded the title of Marché classé de la France.
Sightseeing in Apt
Sainte Anne Cathedral
The former cathedral of Sainte Anne in the Rue des Marchands is a remarkable example of Provençal church architecture. It was built in the 12th century as the cathedral of the former bishopric of Apt and has been repeatedly extended over the centuries in the current architectural styles. The basilica is protected as a historical monument.
Crypts
The lower crypt is the remains of a Roman building from the 1st century, which was used for religious purposes in the Carolingian period. The crypt consists of a corridor leading to a vault in which, according to local tradition, the veil of St Anne was found. The upper crypt from the 11th century consists of a small nave about 8 metres long, which closes with an apse.
Bell tower
Next to the church is the bell tower, which was built between 1561 and 1563 in the Gothic-Provençal style. The tower above the southern alley houses a peal of five bells. These bells are still rung by hand, which is very rare for a cathedral.
Museums in Apt
There are two museums in Apt: the Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie and the Musée de l’Aventure Industrielle with an exhibition on the economic and industrial history of the region.
The moving history of Apt
Prehistory and antiquity
Mesolithic materials have been found near Apt during archaeological excavations, proving that hunter-gatherers frequented the area between 9,000 and 6,000 BC.
The present-day village originated around 50 BC, when Romans settled here and founded a town that would later become one of the most important cities in Gallia Narbonnaise. The town was inhabited by around 10,000 people. It was named Apta Julia in honour of Julius Caesar and reached its greatest prosperity in the 2nd century. Apt was given a forum, a triumphal arch, a capitol, temples, thermal baths and a theatre that was the same size as the one in Orange, of which unfortunately only this replica still exists:
Middle Ages
From the 6th century until the year 1000, people retreated to the higher areas to defend themselves against invasions. In the 9th century, the town was administered by the Counts of Apt – a century later, jurisdiction was divided between the counts and bishops. During this time, the town was surrounded by city walls and led an intense life, supported by a flourishing trade. In the 14th century, Apt benefited directly and indirectly from the establishment of the papacy in Avignon.
Renaissance
In the 15th century, Apt experienced a brief period of real prosperity until Provence was annexed to France. At the same time, the Waldensian Wars of Religion took place, which had a serious impact on the entire Apt region. In the 17th and 18th centuries, intellectual life flourished in Apt and produced a number of local scholars. In 1789, Apt took part in the preparatory work for the reforms and adopted the principles of the Revolution.
In the 19th century, numerous industries settled in Apt: Ochre, earthenware, millinery, wax, candied fruit, iron, sulphur. Today, Apt is the capital of a landscape characterised by agriculture. Candied fruit and ceramics are important trade goods. As the centre of the Luberon Nature Park, Apt is home to the park administration and visitor centre.
