Auvers Sur Oise stands out as a must-visit for lovers of art and history. This charming village, with its authentic atmosphere, offers a deep connection to some of the most famous painters—especially Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. What makes it remarkable is the chance to walk through actual sites depicted in paintings and to follow the footsteps of these legendary artists. One of our favorite experiences is the small-group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris, which combines art, history, and a touch of personal reflection in a day trip. The guided visits to Monet’s home and Monet’s tomb, plus Van Gogh’s room, create an intimate connection to their lives and works.
If you’re after a more interactive and physically engaging activity, the Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time! tour offers an immersive journey through Van Gogh’s landscape, touching the actual trees and walking through wheat fields. This experience stands out by allowing you to touch and feel the environment that inspired Van Gogh, making it more than just a sightseeing tour. Both tours provide distinct ways to connect with the art and history embedded in Auvers Sur Oise.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the two top-rated tours. Each offers a unique way to experience this artistic village, helping you choose based on your interests, budget, and how deeply you want to engage with Van Gogh and Monet.
1. Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris
For around $257 per person, this 10-hour small-group tour from Paris offers a captivating immersion into the lives of Monet and Van Gogh. The tour starts at the Café des Dames, then moves through key sites including Monet’s home in Giverny and his final resting place, which the guide highlights with stories about his life and work. The small group size—typically limited to fewer than 10 people—ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of time to ask questions and absorb the atmosphere.
A highlight is visiting Monet’s house and gardens, where the vibrant landscapes that inspired the Water Lilies are just as stunning in person. The tour also visits Van Gogh’s room in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his last months. Walking through the town, you’ll learn about his final days and see where he created some of his last works. The visit to Monet’s tomb gives a poignant farewell to these two giants of art, making it a deeply reflective experience. The guide, speaking excellent English, shares insightful stories that bring each site to life.
This tour is ideal if you want an art-focused day trip with a comfortable pace, meaningful insights, and the chance to see Monet’s home and Van Gogh’s final resting place firsthand. The price reflects the comprehensive nature and expert guiding, making it good value for serious art lovers who want depth without DIY hassle.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a well-organized, intimate experience combining Monet’s gardens, Monet’s tomb, and Van Gogh’s space, this tour ranks high for its thoroughness and personal touch.
2. Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time!
At just $23 per person, this immersive journey offers a completely different experience. It’s a full-day guided tour starting at 46 Rue Daubigny, where you’ll walk through the very landscape Van Gogh painted. This tour emphasizes tactile and emotional engagement, allowing you to touch the actual trees and imagine what inspired Van Gogh’s famous works like the wheat fields and the olive groves.
The tour covers 12 emotionally charged stops, each with its own narrative, from the roots to the wheat fields, culminating in Van Gogh’s last path. It’s designed to give you a sense of Van Gogh’s personal journey and his connection to the land. The guide’s storytelling makes this an emotional voyage, inviting you to step back in time and feel what Van Gogh experienced during his final days. The small-group format (or private option) ensures personalized attention.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on, introspective activities rather than traditional sightseeing. It’s ideal if you want to connect physically and emotionally with Van Gogh’s environment, and if you’re interested in a meaningful, story-driven experience. Reviewers mention the profound impact of walking Van Gogh’s last steps and feeling connected to his world.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re seeking an emotional, tactile experience that turns Van Gogh’s landscapes into a personal memory, not just a photo opportunity.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. If you prefer a comprehensive art history experience with visits to Monet’s home and tomb, the Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris offers excellent value. It’s well-suited for art enthusiasts who enjoy guided insights and a relaxed pace.
Conversely, if you want to immerse yourself physically and emotionally in Van Gogh’s landscape, the Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time! tour delivers a profound personal connection. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate stories, touching history, and direct engagement with the land.
Both tours have their charm—just pick the one that best matches your curiosity, budget, and how you like to experience art and history.
Final Thoughts
Auvers Sur Oise offers a fascinating glimpse into the final days of Van Gogh and the life of Monet. For art lovers seeking a more comprehensive trip, the small-group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room tour provides a rich, guided experience. If you’re after a deeply personal journey, the touch-and-feel tour makes Van Gogh’s landscapes feel immediate and real.
Both options are worth booking early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. Whether you want a structured art day or an emotional walk through Van Gogh’s final landscape, Auvers Sur Oise has something memorable waiting for you.
