Van Gogh and Arles: intimately linked stories

The town of Arles was an important stage in the career of the painter Vincent Van Gogh. His legacy in the city is particularly strong. In Arles, Van Gogh found the inspiration to transform his vision of painting. Van Gogh and Arles are first and foremost a story of colors.

Van Gogh, a unique Impressionist artist

When we hear "Van Gogh", we immediately think of the Flemish painter who cut off his ear. Vincent Van Gogh, who eventually adopted France, is considered one of painting's greatest geniuses. His works were attempts to express the intimate chaos he experienced. They were completely ignored during his lifetime. Today, however, they are among the most sought-after works in the world. Indeed, his research into form and color has left an indelible mark on the history of painting.

Van Gogh and Arles: what's the connection?

After 2 years in Paris at Gauguin's side, Van Gogh's story with Arles lasted 14 months, in 1888/1889. He was then 35 when he settled in the little Rome of the Gauls, and more precisely in the famous Maison Jaune. He painted 2 seascapes of Arles, a view of the village and produced 9 drawings. Inspired by the light and colors of the Provence seasons, he made color the subject of his paintings. The Sunflowers series is a magnificent legacy of this. During his stay at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, he wrote to his brother: "I'd like you to spend some time here, so you can get a feel for it. After a while, the view changes, you see with a more Japanese eye, you feel color differently". Van Gogh and Arles is also the story of a mythical and misunderstood painter who cut off his own ear. Incredible and spectacular reaction to his brother's wedding. Incredible and spectacular: words that can also be used to describe his work. He went on to paint over 200 canvases and hundreds of drawings.

Arles, in the footsteps of Van Gogh

These traces are numerous: Van Gogh's presence is still very strong throughout the city. Here are two emblematic examples.

The Van Gogh Foundation in Arles

It's a space dedicated to the artist's work and legacy, but not only. It also features rarely-seen paintings by Picaso. Located almost on the banks of the Rhône, this beautiful modern museum houses 7 works by Van Gogh. The rest of the museum pays tribute to his life, his contemporaries and the artists who drew inspiration from him. Visitors describe the visit as magical, enchanting, disturbing and playful. These contrasts are once again consistent with the painter's personality.

Espace Van Gogh

Closer to the summer garden, the Espace Van Gogh is located in a vast quadrangle. This hospital, formerly known as Hôtel-Dieu, was home to the painter, who depicted it in several of his paintings. Today, the space is dedicated to the artist's memory. Its bucolic garden and colorful walls inspire creativity, calm and meditation. It's an invigorating place for visitors, bathed in color, where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. An exhibition is on offer, either around the cloister or in one of the rooms. We advise you to book a guide to help you understand Van Gogh's work.

Walking through a Van Gogh painting

Those who saw the film Beyond Our Dreams will remember Robin Williams' slides through a colorful landscape made entirely of paint. The region Van Gogh painted doesn't quite offer this experience, but you can still walk in the artist's footsteps. And observe the landscapes he used to paint his canvases. Beyond Arles, the region abounds in the colors and contrasts that so fascinated Vincent Van Gogh. Less than 45 minutes away, the Auberge Cavalière du Pont des Bannes offers you an opportunity to observe these landscapes, and many others. Who knows, perhaps they'll inspire you to create your own interpretation of the place: in paint, in poem, in photos. Or simply in your memory!

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