Walking In Van Gogh's Provence

Make your own way to Avignon. If you are taking the train from Paris, it's very likely that you're already following in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh (he made his way from Paris to the south of France by train). At the time, Avignon was a key railway hub. Van Gogh's journey from Paris to Arles in February 1888 marked a turning point in his career, as his time in Provence was one of the most productive periods of his life.

Hopefully you will have time to explore the medieval bastion of religion and power politics that Avignon is. Try to visit the Palais des Papes, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, with the interactive 'histopad tour'. Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. There is also the famous 'pont' in Avignon, sung about by generations of French children. Its narrow design was in order so that no more than one or two riders abreast could cross the River Rhone at a time and could be controlled. The city is also filled with interesting cobbled streets, churches, gardens and of course plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Accommodation: Our normal hotel is an attractive 2* residence very close to the train and bus stations and in a quiet street close to the town's ramparts. It offers rooms designed with different cultural universes in mind: Provencal, Moroccan, African, Indian.

Avignon: covered market very morning, except Mondays ----

Transfer with your luggage from Avignon towards the Alpilles to Saint Remy de Provence. On your warm-up walk, discover Saint Rémy de Provence, the adopted home of the Marquis de Sade and Van Gogh. You can visit the Greco-Roman site of Glanum (closed Mondays).

Accommodation: Set only a stone’s throw from the old city gates of Saint Rémy de Provence our 3 star hotel where we stay for two nights is hidden in a quiet courtyard, and whose old buildings surround a swimming pool. A simple and very comfortable hotel within a short walk of Saint Rémy’s monuments and quiet landscapes immortalized by Van Gogh.

St Remy de Provence: market on Wednesdays & Saturdays ----

Walk from St. Remy into the Alpilles Mountains, with great views of the Rhone Valley all the way to the Luberon. This is the hardest walk of the tour with some steep, stoney sections but the views are terrific! Walk up to a mountain cliff wall with weathered holes for a different view of Provence. The day can be made easier and a couple of hours saved, by missing out the circular ridge section of the walk. Take the time to visit the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery. It’s the psychiatric asylum where Vincent van Gogh admitted himself in May 1889, following a mental health crisis in Arles (including the infamous ear incident). He stayed there voluntarily for just over a year, until May 1890 and he famously created there nearly 150 paintings & 100 drawings within that year.

Ascent 550m/Descent 550m

St Remy de Provence: market on Wednesdays & Saturdays ----

Back to the ridge of the mountain, you follow a track through the brush among thyme and citrus flowers with open views of the mountains to the north and the flat lands to the south. You then descend a winding track through a forestry path and reach the village of Maussane through the olive groves. Ascent 270m/Descent 290m

Accommodation: For two nights we use a family run hotel with great character in the heart of Maussane (with swimming pool).

Maussane: market on Thursdays ----

From Maussane, you stroll through the golf course and then via a hidden path, you climb up to the Medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Les Baux is home to the famous Carrières de Lumières, a vast former stone quarry turned immersive art venue. Van Gogh’s works have been the subject of spectacular digital exhibitions here, where his paintings are projected on the towering stone walls to music—a powerful and emotional way to experience his art in the region that inspired it.

Exiting the village from its medieval gate, you descend back into the plains and via canals and olive groves you return to Maussane. Ascent 250m/Descent 250m

This morning, you'll be transferred to the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence, where your walk begins. After a gentle climb to the rounded summit above the village, enjoy a scenic and undulating stroll along the ridge. You'll follow the entire western edge of the Alpilles mountains, taking in sweeping views as the path gradually descends into the plains below.

Your walk concludes at the beautiful Romanesque chapel of Saint Gabriel, a serene and historic landmark nestled in the Provençal landscape. From here, you’ll be transferred to Arles—a town forever linked to Vincent van Gogh.

It was in Arles that Van Gogh produced some of his most celebrated works, including The Yellow House and Starry Night Over the Rhône. The vivid colours and dramatic light of the region deeply inspired his art, and you’ll soon see why as you explore the area.

Ascent 100m/Descent 350m.

Accommodation: In Arles stay at a comfortable 3* hotel in the heart of the historic city, close the roman arena and roman theatre.

Arles: market on Wednesdays & Saturdays

Depart Arles after breakfast.

Please ask your consultant about the option to add an extra night in Arles. It will give you the opportunity to discover more of its Roman sights, make a day visit to the Camargue, or of course follow in Van Gogh's footsteps and have a drink at the yellow cafe made famous by the artist. There is a Van Gogh Foundation to visit and you may ask from the tourist office for the Vincent van Gogh trail map (€uro 1). Up until today, the town is still filled with art and art galleries.