Travel bucket list idea:
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France
Vincent Van Gogh moved to Provence in 1888, during a time of ill health. He fell in love with the landscape and the rich light, and decided to stay and try to set up an artists’ colony.
Initially, he settled in Arles, where he created over 300 paintings and drawings, some of his best-known works – including the famous ‘Sunflowers’ paintings (now held in the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, National Gallery in London, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Sompo Japan Museum of Art in Tokyo).
The following year however, in 1889, after a bout of poor mental health, Van Gogh committed himself to the St-Paul-de-Mausole asylum just outside Saint-Remy. There he painted more of his masterpieces, including The Starry Night, now displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
As prime spots where Van Gogh lived and painted, the towns of Arles and Saint-Remy both regret not hanging on to any of Van Gogh’s original works while he was alive. To make up for it, each has set up a self-guided Van Gogh Walk, pinpointing the scenic spots where the master planted his easel.
In Saint-Remy, be sure to visit the Van Gogh rooms in the Estrine Museum, on Rue Lucien Estrine, as well as Vincent’s hospital room at charming St-Paul-de-Mausole, the priory-turned-asylum where Van Gogh was a patient.
The Saint Remy walk is self-guided and fairly straightforward. You can pick up information and a map at the Saint-Remy tourist office on Place Jean Jaures before setting out.
The walk traces a path around the village, with information boards that include photos of his paintings along the way. There’s a special website that shows the key points of interest, and the famous paintings that he did at each one, and the St-Paul-de-Mausole.
There are several local tour operators that will take you on the walk, either specifically or as part of a broader tour. The major plus is a knowledgeable guide, who’ll have information, insights and anecdotes on Van Gogh you won’t get if you go it alone.
Obviously, you can follow the walk at any time of year, but it’s most picture-perfect when Van Gogh’s favourite flowers are in bloom: go in April and May for the irises, or in late June to early August for the sunflowers.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Avignon
Price €80
Min age 0
Rating 4.77 / 5 [27 ratings]
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