The Best of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt in the Luberon

Last Updated on 21st July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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A magical destination in the very heart of Provence, a wander around Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt feels somewhat like stepping straight into the heart of a fairytale. Boasting crumbling castle ruins, pretty in pastel shuttered houses, and breathtaking vistas of the Provençal landscape below, here’s your ultimate guide to the best of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt.

St Saturnin lès Apt is a ‘village perché,’ which means perched village and is typical of the French countryside.

As its name would suggest, the perched village is typically nested on the side of a hillside and were often fortified, constructed just below a chateau. The villages also usually feature a lavoir (public wash basin), small chapel or church, and numerous narrow streets.

Sandwiched between Apt (to 9 km to the South of St Saturnin) and Sault, and nestled in the Vaucluse Mountains (Monts de Vaucluse) one of the most beautiful towns in Provence is to be found in the Luberon region of the Vaucluse department in the South of France and has been inhabited since Roman Times.

Nearby towns of note include Gordes, Roussillon, Saignon, and Simiane-la-Rotonde.

Though a little more off the beaten path than some of the other more frequented villages in the area, this town is well worth a second look and has a population of just under 3000 permanent residents (though this number swells somewhat in the summer months).

The beautiful hilltop town that’s best visited as an overnight stay as then you can dine in the restaurant in town and climb up to the castle in the morning before it gets too hot in the day. The entirety of the village is built on a rock and overlooked by a medieval château and two 17th-century windmills.

The best time of the year to visit is between May and September when everything is actually open and the weather is at its best. There is a weekly market held every Tuesday morning where you can purchase fresh produce and local artisanal wares.

Best things to do in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

Wander around the town

Truth be told, one of the simplest charms of Saint Saturnin lies in the ability to walk around the town on foot and allow the little intricate architectural details to reveal themselves to you. Particular highlights include orange stone fountains, wrought iron balconies, narrow streets, and ancient doorways.

Saint Hubert 

If there is one place you should eat in town, it’s at the Saint Hubert, which is located in the historic town centre and offers up a somewhat fine dining experience. A set three course menu is priced at a rather reasonable €42.

There is an entrée, main, and dessert with a few options available, though it’s impossible to say exactly what will be on the menu as it changes frequently and is seasonal.

Drinks, including fun cocktails which offer up a local regional twist on firm favourites, are available for an extra fee. Be sure to book your dinner in advance as the restaurant is quite small and fills up fast! There is a vegetarian option on the menu.

Saint Etienne Church 

The Saint-Etienne parish church is situated in a rather elevated position in the town and can be seen from pretty much all over St Saturnin. The actual church was only constructed as recently as 1860, though there has been a Place of Worship on site since much earlier.

Porte d’Ayguier

Once upon a time, the entirety of St Saturnin would have been enclosed in ramparts and protective walls. Today, only one sole former gate to enter the town survives in the form of Porte d’Ayguier. This medieval stone entryway can still be seen today and is well worth snapping a photo of.

Priory of Saint-Pierre d’Agnane 

Yet another historic structure in town is the Priory of Saint-Pierre d’Agnane. Located a short way from the historic centre of the village, the Priory was founded as early as the 13th-century.

It’s worth noting that the Priory is actually one of several ecclesiastical buildings in town, as well as a few abandoned chapels and some houses which belonged to members of the Knights Templar.

Walk to the castle 

Though a little bit of a steep climb up, I highly recommend heading up to the castle as it offers breathtaking views of the town below and the Provençal landscape sprawling out beyond that way into the distance.

The first attestation of a castle on site was in 1009 and it was from here that the rest of the village sprung up. Today, the castle lies in ruins but its crumbling remains can be visited for free by hiking up to the top of the hill from town. Once at the top, you’ll be re÷warded with simply breathtaking views.

Water reservoir

One of the most unusual sights on the way up to the castle is a water reservoir, perched high in the hills above the town of St Saturnin. This man-made water reservoir was created to collect rainwater, which in turn is translated into part of the town’s water supply. The dam was built in 1863.

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