no alt text

Bucket list experience:

A portrait of Van Gogh set on a pillar, by a stone wall
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Mention art in Provence, and two names immediately spring to mind: Cezanne and Van Gogh (see bios below). But the region offers so much more than the duo who created the iconic images of its lovely landscapes.

Although Provence can’t match the explosion of contemporary art along the neighbouring Cote d’Azur, new foundations, galleries and museums have sprung up, notably in Avignon and Arles, with outstanding collections.

Van Gogh 

Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) 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).

Cezanne 

Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was born and died in Aix-en-Provence. A so-called ‘Post-Impressionist’ painter, he is credited with laying the foundations of modern art by bridging the gap between the 19th-century Impressionists and the later works of Cubist painters like Picasso. His style was highly unique and distinctive, using planes of colour and small brushstrokes to create complex paintings on natural forms that inspired both Matisse and Picasso.

One of his favourite landscapes to paint was the Montagne Sainte-Victorie Mountain, which overlooks Aix. He created a now world-famous series, exhibited in different art museums around the world. See a catalogue of his most famous works on Wikipedia.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Angladon Museum

Avignon, Provence, France

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

Close up of a a book on the biography of the painter Van Gogh
Experience

Estrine Museum

Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France

In an 18th-century mansion, this museum bases its exhibits on Van Gogh’s complaint that living artists were unfairly ignored. It has a fine permanent collection of 20th- and 21th-century works, along with a Van Gogh interpretation centre.

Best for ages: 18+ | £6

Website >
Overview >

Granet Museum

Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

A must for any art lover, this museum holds one of Provence’s top art collections, including works by Cézanne, Rubens, Rembrandt, and the Collection Planque.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Van Gogh Tour of Provence from Avignon

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]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
History and Van Gogh in Provence from AIX-EN-PROVENCE

History and Van Gogh in Provence from AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Aix-en-Provence

Visit the main historic cities and places Provence is famous for. Small group tour. Kind and professional driver/guides. Fully air/condition...

€124 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Van Gogh in Arles & St Remy, Wine Tour in Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon

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]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Private Provence Tour: In the Footsteps of Van Gogh

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]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand Hotel Roi Rene

Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

Stylish hotel with a swimming pool and gardens, in walking distance of lovely Aix-en-Provence. Great for those self-driving around Provence.

Official star rating:

Hotel Cardinal

Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

A handsome 18th-century townhouse, furnished with traditional Provencal antiques and full of 18th-century charm, in the heart of Aix-en-Provence.

Official star rating:

La Maison d’Aix

Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France

Cutting edge interior design, welcoming touches and an intimate number of guests converge in this luxurious, boutique townhouse hotel – perfectly located in the centre of Aix.

Official star rating:

Grand Hotel Nord Pinus

Arles, Provence, France

A stylish, storied hotel full of character and charm in the historic heart of Arles. Rich in local history, and a favourite of visiting bullfighters.

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.

Website >
Overview >

Round-ups that include this experience