Not far from Apt, in the middle of the fruit-growing region, hides the small Santonne chapel, which you should not miss. It offers a unique spiritual space, completely different from anything you’ve ever seen before. As befits a real insider tip, it is also not easy to find. But you shouldn’t shy away from it, because you will be rewarded with a great experience.
The Santonne Chapel is open all year round from 7 am to 8 pm.
How to get there
1210 Chemin de la Santonne, 84400 Apt
From Apt, take the D113 towards Buoux. At Claparèdes, turn right into Chemin de la Santonne. The chapel is almost at the end of the road. It is on the right, below the road. You can easily recognise the small bell tower from the road.
The Chapelle de la Santonne
The chapel is privately owned and was built by its builder Roger Petit on his own land. Roger Petit, an English teacher and art lover, created this little gem in the 1960s after fighting in the Algerian war. During the war, he resolved to build a chapel if he came back alive. And he stuck to it. With the help of various craftsmen from the region, he realised this work of art made of stone, glass, wood and ceramics – directly above a spring.
The artistic design of the chapel does not follow any particular style. It appears very close to nature by avoiding straight lines and symmetries. The colour scheme and the lack of right angles give the room a flair reminiscent of buildings by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The centre of the room is formed by an abstract figure of Jesus that appears to be growing out of a tree. Above it is a round opening that allows light to shine on the figure. The room has a very simple design and is incredibly full of energy.
The chapel is no less impressive from the outside. Modelled in waves of stone, it blends into the terraced landscape as if nature itself had created it.
Tip
You can park there directly – there is space for one or two cars.
But perhaps the best way to get there is on foot. I found a circular route near Apt that takes you past both the Chapelle de la Santonne and the Château des Torettes: https://www.alltrails.com/de/route/france/vaucluse/chapelle-de-la-santonne-chateau-des-tourettes#