Provence 7-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Van Gogh Walk in Saint-Remy
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
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.
Don't miss
In Saint-Remy, be sure to visit the Van Gogh rooms in the Musee Estrine, 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.
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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours
Getting there & doing it
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.
When to do it
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
Half-Day Van Gogh Tour of Provence from Avignon
Avignon
Enjoy a small-group tour from Avignon to follow the steps of Van Gogh with an experienced guide. During this half day tour we will guide you...
€75 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [16 ratings]
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Van Gogh in Arles & St Remy, Wine Tour in Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon
Avignon
In Arles, discover the sites well preserved and painted by Van Gogh (Le Cafe la Nuit, Le Jardin de l'Hôtel Dieu).
In Saint-Rémy de Provenc...
€142 | Rating 4.01 / 5 [64 ratings]
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Private Provence Tour: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh
Avignon
Walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh in Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on this private day trip from Avignon. See where the famous ar...
€209 | Rating 4.11 / 5 [9 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Chateau des Alpilles
Saint-Remy, Provence, France[2.3 miles]
An elegant, historic 19th-century chateau hotel just outside historic Saint-Remy, set in glorious grounds.
Official star rating:
Baumaniere Hotel
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[5.4 miles]
Legendary country hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant, in a magical setting just below Les-Baux-en-Provence.
Official star rating:
Hotel B Design & Spa
Paradou, Provence, France[6.5 miles]
An intimate retreat: ultra-contemporary, minimalist hotel secluded in the olive groves under the Alpilles. Expect high design luxury suites, a spa and a gourmet restaurant tucked under the Les Baux-en-Provence castle.
Official star rating:
Hotel Le Colbert
Avignon, Provence, France[18.8 miles]
Quirky, bohemian and great value boutique hotel conveniently located within easy walking distance of Avignon’s attractions. One for the budget-conscious traveller.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Ancient Glanum
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[0.3 miles]
The best-preserved Roman city in Provence, near Saint-Remy, amid landscapes painted by Van Gogh.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Chateau des Baux-en-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.6 miles]
An atmospheric, ruined 10th century castle teetering atop the craggy Alpilles mountains, rich in Provence feudal history and panoramic landscape views.
Best for ages: 4+ | £15
Angladon Museum
Avignon, Provence, France[19 miles]
A superb private art collection in a townhouse, including the only Van Gogh in Provence. There are also paintings by Chardin, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Modigliani, Sisley and Picasso.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Palace of the Popes
Avignon, Provence, France[19.5 miles]
The world’s biggest Gothic palace was home to popes during their 14th-century exile from Rome. Seven reigned here until 1377, in a colourful period of greed and depravity.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
St-Paul-de-Mausole
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[0.1 miles]
The asylum where Van Gogh spent 1888-89 is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque, and today specializes, appropriately, in art therapy. His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
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Experience
Olive oil tasting at Moulin Castelas
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.6 miles]
In the stunning setting of Les Baux, learn all about Provence’s greeny-golden nectar on these free tastings of these award-winning oils. Open all year-round, but short walks through the olive groves and visits to the mill are also offered from June to September.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours
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Experience
Les Alyscamps
Arles, Provence, France[19.7 miles]
An evocative, romantic Roman burial ground – once the most famous cemetery in medieval Europe. It’s the burial site of the legendary St Trophime and the first bishops of Arles, and remains an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostela.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Petit Palais Museum
Avignon, Provence, France[19.7 miles]
Papal Avignon was the centre of the European art for decades, and over 300 works of (mostly) Italian medieval and renaissance paintings and sculptures commissioned by the wealthy prelates of the church, including a Botticelli Madonna, are displayed in this 14th-century palace.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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