en
en
Go early in the morning, when the light begins to caress the Alpilles hills and the shutters of Saint-Rémy slowly open onto a peaceful day. It was here, among cypress trees, olive groves, and a dazzling blue sky, that Vincent van Gogh painted some of his most powerful works. A time of solitude and creation, sheltered from the world yet close to the Provençal essence. More than a century later, this charming little town has become a place of artistic memory and contemplation — without ever losing its authenticity.
In May 1889, after a turbulent period in Arles, Vincent van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum, a former monastery converted into a psychiatric hospice. He spent just over a year there, cared for by benevolent doctors and inspired deeply by the surrounding landscape.
Today, the establishment on the outskirts of Saint-Rémy is open to the public. Visitors can see a reconstruction of Van Gogh’s room, its cloister, and the flower-filled gardens where he often sat to paint.
👉 Plan your visit: Saint-Paul de Mausole – Official Website
During his stay, Van Gogh produced more than 150 paintings and 100 drawings, including some of his most famous works. He explored the surrounding landscapes, capturing the vibrations of nature, the play of light, and the shifting colors of sky and stone.
Among his masterpieces created in Saint-Rémy:
- *The Starry Night*, painted from the barred window of his room,
- *Irises*, with their vibrant blues, painted in the hospice garden,
- *Olive Trees*, where twisted trunks take on a dancing form,
- *Wheatfield with Cypresses*, *The Siesta*, *Road with Cypresses and Starry Sky*...
👉 See a selection of his works at the Van Gogh Museum – Saint-Rémy Paintings
The town of Saint-Rémy has created an open-air walking trail marked by reproductions of Van Gogh’s paintings installed exactly where they were created. The route begins in the town center and continues to the hospice, winding through olive groves, cypress trees, red earth paths, and dry-stone walls.
Each stop is accompanied by an explanatory panel linking the landscape to the painting. A poetic stroll, accessible to all, revealing how profoundly the Alpilles nourished the artist’s tormented soul.
👉 More information: Destination Pays d’Arles
It was likely in Saint-Rémy that Van Gogh achieved a form of pictorial calm. The simple architecture, crystalline light, and contrasts of color — everything here fed his painting, offering him a broader, more serene language without losing intensity.
The Alpilles became a silent muse, a refuge of wild beauty that shaped both his gaze and his brushstrokes. More than landscapes, Van Gogh painted emotions infused into nature — an intimate fusion between the external world and his inner life.
Beyond the asylum and the Van Gogh Walk, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers several places dedicated to the artist:
- **Estrine Museum**, in the historic center, with a multimedia room on Van Gogh’s universe and contemporary art exhibitions.
👉 Visit the Estrine Museum website
- **Van Gogh Art Center**, in the Maison de Santé, highlighting the connections between art, healing, and creativity.
- **Art galleries and studios**, continuing this living heritage in the old town’s narrow streets.
But Saint-Rémy is not only about the past. Today it is a true artistic hub, home to painters, photographers, and ceramicists. Its lanes are filled with renowned galleries, its terraces welcome writers and travelers, and its squares pulse with cultural events year-round.
The memory of Van Gogh still lingers, like an inspiring breath for those who create, dream, or simply love to be surrounded by beauty.
People come to Saint-Rémy for Van Gogh’s paintings… and stay for the light, the silence, and the timeless elegance. Living here means embracing a daily life enriched by culture, nature, and inspiration.
Whether you are an artist, an art lover, or simply in search of beauty, real estate in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers exceptional opportunities: restored Provençal mas, village houses with patios, or modern villas with views of the Alpilles.
👉 Explore houses for sale in Saint-Rémy with Agence des Alpilles and imagine writing your own Provençal chapter… following in Van Gogh’s footsteps.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.