With its mixture of Roman and Middle Ages edifices, this lovely lively town in the Luberon is regarded by many as the capital of the fruit confit, otherwise known as crystallized fruits or candied fruits.
Its Saturday market has also become a legendary entity, continuing since the 16th century. The narrow mediaeval streets of Apt are transformed into an absolute riot for the senses that isn’t replicated elsewhere with quite such intensity. The colours, the scents and the flavours are 100% Provençal, from lavender soaps to heaving hemp sacks of spices. A place that’s worth losing yourself in.
The market takes place literally all over the atmospheric town centre (officially at Place de Bouquerie), from 08:00 to 13:00 every Saturday throughout the year. If you’re bringing your car in July and August, there’s a special free shuttle laid on that allows you to park at the disused SNCF railway station (avenue Victor Hugo) or the parking de Viton car park (avenue de Viton) with shuttles going every half hour. There’s also a smaller farmers’ market on Tuesdays from 08:00 to 12:00 on Cours Lauze de Perret.
Tootlafrance Market Guide Interactive Google Map
(Click on a market to see opening times and details)
Afficher Tootlafrance Market Guide sur une carte plus grande
Video Report on Apt Market from 2012 (in French)