In 1888, Vincent van Gogh exchanged the busy life of Paris for Arles, drawn by the bright light and the tranquillity. There, he worked on both portraits and landscapes.

In Arles, he became friends with the postman Joseph Roulin, his wife Augustine, and their three children, whom he portrayed several times. During his stay, Van Gogh produced over 300 paintings.

The town of Arles

Arles is about a four-hour TGV journey from Paris Gare de Lyon. It is a remarkable little town: in the centre stands an amphitheatre built in the first century AD. The city is full of Roman remains, and some of them were painted by Vincent van Gogh.

In his letters to his brother Theo, he barely mentions the Roman ruins. He is, however, full of praise for the light in Arles: ‘The dome of the sky is a glorious blue, the sun has a pale, sulphur-yellow glow…’

In the footsteps of Vincent

In Arles, you can visit many of the places where Van Gogh stayed and painted. Your first step should be to go to the Office de Tourisme. There you can pick up a leaflet with a city map showing the eleven locations where he lived or set up his easel. At many places around the city, you will also find signboards showing the painting made at that spot.
Here is a selection of the most beautiful locations:

• Les Alyscamps. In 1888, Vincent painted this ancient cemetery dating from the first century AD. A beautiful autumnal scene.
  Address: Avenue des Alyscamps

• The Yellow House. Van Gogh rented this house and used it as both a studio and living space. In October 1888, the painter Paul Gauguin moved in with him. It was here that Van Gogh painted, among other works, his famous Sunflowers.
  During the Second World War, the house was badly damaged and later demolished.
  Address: Place Lamartine
• The garden at the hospital. In 1889, Van Gogh cut off his ear and was admitted to the Hôtel-Dieu hospital. It was a 16th-century convent with a very beautiful inner courtyard. He immortalised the garden from his room on the first floor. The courtyard is still beautiful today!
  Address: Place du Docteur Félix Rey

• The Yellow Café. On Place du Forum, you will find the café that Van Gogh immortalised in Café Terrace at Night. It looks different from 1888, but once the lights come on, the atmosphere is strikingly familiar.
  Address: 11 Place du Forum
• The starry sky over the Rhône. Van Gogh wrote in a letter to his sister that the night was often more colourful than the day. Here, he painted Starry Night over the Rhône and The Trinquetaille Bridge.
  Along the Rhône, you can walk and cycle and often enjoy beautiful skies and the starry night.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

From Arles, you can also visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on a day trip. You can cycle there, and there is also a bus that runs several times a day.

In May 1889, Van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole institution in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It was a former monastery that had been converted into a psychiatric hospital. He was given a small room overlooking the garden and the surrounding olive groves.

During his stay, he created more than 150 paintings, including the cypresses, the olive groves, and several versions of the institution’s garden.

The monastery still exists, and you can visit Van Gogh’s room and the cloister corridors. It is an impressive place.
Address: Chemin Saint-Paul

In the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will see signs at many locations showing the paintings he created there.

Museums in Arles

Musée Réattu - This is the main art museum of Arles, housed in a former monastery. It features works by the Arlésien painter Jacques Réattu, a collection of Picasso drawings, and changing photography exhibitions. Van Gogh once said of this museum: ‘The women here are very beautiful, that’s no joke, but the museum of Arles is dreadful (…)’.
Address: 10 Rue du Grand Prieuré

Vincent van Gogh Fondation - This museum shows what Van Gogh’s time in Arles was like. You will see modern art inspired by his style. The exhibitions change frequently.
Address: 35 ter Rue du Docteur Fanton

LUMA Arles - This is a major cultural centre on a former railway site, with the tower designed by Frank Gehry as its striking centrepiece. Stunning! Inside and outside, you will find art installations, photography, and experimental projects. One of the most innovative places in the city. You can also walk in the park when the museums are closed.
Address: Parc des Ateliers, 35 Avenue Victor Hugo

All European locations and museums

There is a partnership between the heritage sites connected to the life and work of Vincent. There is a beautifully designed, comprehensive website with all locations in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and London, as well as a calendar showing all exhibitions.
All Van Gogh locations and events