Tourist attractions in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

Discover the rich historical heritage and hidden treasures of Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, an authentic village in the heart of the Luberon. With its archaeological remains, distinctive buildings and a fascinating history running through the centuries, this destination offers a unique insight into the Provençal past.

Wander the medieval streets, admire ancient castles and chapels, and explore archaeological sites that bear witness to the pre-Roman and Roman civilisations that shaped the region. Whether you’re passionate about history, architecture, or are just looking for a cultural walk in a beautiful landscape – Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt will take you on an unforgettable journey, between nature and heritage.

Tourist attractions and cultural heritage

An exceptional historical heritage

  • Medieval centre and ancient streets (from the Middle Ages to the 18th century)
  • Oppidum of Perréal: site inhabited in antiquity, first pre-Roman, then a Roman oppidum
  • Celtic traces: burial mounds (tumuli), remains of fortification walls
  • Traditional bories (dry-stone huts)
  • Medieval castle (remains from the early Middle Ages):
    • Massive fortress with machicoulis on an imposing rocky point.
    • Three fortified city walls (11th, 13th and 16th centuries), which demarcated the original medieval village.

Religious monuments and buildings

  • Parish church of Saint-Etienne (neo-Romanesque, rebuilt in 1862).
  • Former parish church (Romanesque, 11th century).
  • Chapel of Saint-Saturnin, part of the castle (Romanesque, 11th century).
  • Chapel of the Pénitents Blancs (Romanesque, ruins).
  • Chapel of Sainte-Radegonde (16th century, on the hill of Perréal).
  • Church of Croagnes (of Romanesque origin).
  • Chapel of Saint-Pierre d'Agnane.
  • Chapel of Sainte-Madeleine de Croagnes (17th century).
  • Convent Saint-Maupin (Ordre des Hospitaliers, 16th century).
  • Eleven Stations of the Cross and 15 other oratorios spread across the municipality.

Civil monuments and architecture

  • Tour de la Guérite (or Tour de l'Horloge, 12th century).
  • Hospital from the 17th century.
  • Former hospital.
  • Fountain from the end of the 18th century (close to the townhall).
  • Three windmills (early 18th century, restored and set in beautiful surroundings).

Archaeology and prehistory

  • Remains of the bones of prehistoric mammal species, found on the eastern flank of Perréal.
  • 27 species discovered, including the Paleotherium (displayed in the Lyon Museum).
  • Several Neolithic cemeteries, including the Grotte la Lave.

Castles and remarkable sites

  • Remains of the ancient village of Agnane.
  • Castle of Bourgane and its gardens
  • Castle of Croagnes, a remnant of a medieval community.

History of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt

A village with a millennial history

  • Referred to as "Sanctus Saturninus” in the 10th century.
  • The name of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt likely stems from the martyrdom of Saint Sernin, the first bishop of Toulouse in the 3rd century. In Provençal language, Sernin was transformed into Saornin, then Savornin.
  • Another hypothesis states that Christian worship of the Roman god Saturn, god of harvest and seasons, led to the name Saint Saturnin.
  • In 1794, after the French Revolution, "lès Apt" was added to distinguish the village from other villages having the same name.

A disputed fief through the centuries

  • 1190: Fief of the d'Agoult family.
  • 14th century: Seigniory divided between the Comtat Venaissin (western section) and the County of Sault (eastern section).
  • 1302: Fief of the Puyloubier family.
  • 1406: In the hands of Guillaume du Luc.
  • 17th century: Under the authority of the Vins family.
  • 1739: Passed to the Monclar family.

An important place for agriculture and religion

  • Marl used to be mined from the Perréal hills for the production of fertilisers.
  • 1851: The miracle of Saint-Saturnin, a religious event that caused a stir within the Catholic world, shortly before the famous miracle of Lourdes.