T
August 2020
I would highly recommend staying at Cent Cinq to anyone wishing to explore the Luberon/Vaucluse region. The apartment is beautifully decorated with second-hand furniture that Jen and Chris have carefully sourced and restored as well as Chris’ own amazing photography of the region. The kitchen is modern and fully equipped with everything you would need and more, including, gratefully, a dishwasher. Although located at the centre of town, the apartment is not at all noisy. It is spacious, comfortable and secure; there are laundry facilities, bike storage and a shared internal courtyard - great for morning coffees or evening drinks. Apt is a lively old town and, contrary to one popular travel guide, not somewhere to simply pass through. The large local market held on Saturdays is unmissable and begins literally at the front door. It is possible to do most of your weekly shop there. If not, within spitting distance, there is a very good bakery, a boucherie, a vegetable shop, a fair few pharmacies and a bookshop. A short walk away on the outskirts of the town is the more general Intermarche. Other supermarkets are accessible by car. There are also several nice restaurants and bars which Jen and Chris can point you towards, ranging from simple creperies and pizzerias to more indulgent dining. Apt makes a fantastic base for visiting other towns and destinations in the region. You could see a great deal if you hire a car but, if you have time to enjoy the scenery and energy to get up the hills, Apt is situated on three well established cycle routes. It has at least three bike hire shops offering e-bikes (recommended) and push bikes (verging on masochistic). The most popular spots like Rouisillon, Bonnieux and Menerbes are at most a 1.5hr cycle away but well worth visiting are some of the smaller villages closer to Apt such as Villars, Saignon and St-Saturnin-Les-Apt. Alternatively, the buses from Apt are reliable and affordable and go between most of the local villages as well as long distance to Aix en Provence; Avignon and Marseilles. Jen and Chris are superb hosts. They are incredibly attentive, generous, patient and resourceful, willing to answer and or research any and all questions about the area and offer their own recommendations. It is clear that they have put their heart and soul into renovating the house and making it a home. It really is a joy to hear them talk in detail about the history of the house, much of which they are still uncovering. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending the summer with them and have every intention on returning as soon as I can!