If you’re a Van Gogh fan or someone interested in connecting with art on a more intimate level, this tour offers an experience unlike any museum visit. Instead of seeing Van Gogh’s “Tree Roots” behind glass, you actually walk among the landscape where he painted his final work. It’s a quiet, reflective journey that feels more like a pilgrimage than a typical sightseeing stop. We really appreciate how this experience combines history, nature, and art in a deeply personal way.
What makes this tour especially compelling are the physical connection to the landscape—being able to touch the roots and stand where Van Gogh stood. Plus, the limited number of visitors and the well-thought-out narrative stops add to the feeling of a private, almost sacred walk. That said, it’s worth noting that the path is somewhat unadvertised and maintained privately, so it’s a quieter, less commercial experience. If you enjoy walking, meaningful history, and art that feels alive, this would be a great choice for you.
One thing to consider is that the walk lasts about 25 minutes, so it’s not a long trek but still requires some comfortable shoes. It’s also not suitable for those with mobility issues, as the terrain is natural and narrow. This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see Van Gogh’s landscape in its authentic form and are okay with a more contemplative, off-the-beaten-path experience rather than a glossy museum tour.
This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 2 Tours In Auvers Sur Oise.
Key Points
- Unique experience: Walk directly into Van Gogh’s last work, “Tree Roots,” and feel connected to his final moments.
- Limited crowds: Small group sizes and private maintenance mean a quieter, more personal atmosphere.
- Rich storytelling: The 12 narrative stops provide emotional and informational insights, enhancing the walk.
- Authentic landscape: Here, the actual roots and terrain are still alive—no reproductions or displays.
- Pricing: $23 per person, which we find to be good value given the intimacy and uniqueness.
- Flexible booking: Reserve in advance, cancel 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and pay later to stay flexible.
A closer look at the experience
Planning more time in Auvers Sur Oise? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Setting the Scene: A Site Like No Other
This isn’t your typical art tour. The site is located in Auvers-sur-Oise, just about 30 minutes from Paris by train, making it accessible yet far enough away to feel removed from the city’s hustle. The entrance is straightforward — a small gate at 46 Rue Daubigny on the right of the roots, marked by the numbers. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by a quiet, natural landscape that has remained relatively unchanged since Van Gogh’s time.
Unlike a museum, there’s no ticket booth or walls—just the roots and a trail that leads upward through history and landscape. This makes the whole experience feel more like a pilgrimage, a soulful walk rather than a sightseeing checklist. We’re told by visitors that it’s “an invisible museum,” and that sums it up well.
Walking the Path
The main trail begins with a gentle ascent through the landscape that Van Gogh knew so well. The path itself is narrow, dirt, and natural—don’t expect paved sidewalks here. As you walk, audio stops in multiple languages (including English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and more) guide you through 12 carefully curated narrations. These stops reveal the stories behind the roots, trees, and fields, creating a poetic ascent from the roots to the wheatfield that Van Gogh famously painted.
The audio stops are designed to evoke emotion and deepen understanding, making the walk perfect for those looking for a reflective experience. As one reviewer mentions, “Very worthwhile even if it takes around an hour to get there from Gare du Nord,” because the journey itself adds to the experience.
The Touching Experience
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to touch the roots. Standing among the actual landscape that Van Gogh painted allows for a tangible connection to his final work. Many visitors describe this as a profoundly moving part of the experience, feeling a bond with the artist and his last days.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Narrative Stops
Each of the 12 stops offers a different perspective—historical, artistic, and emotional. They tell stories about the landscape, Van Gogh’s life, and his final moments. The last path, from the roots up to the wheat field, feels like a symbolic journey—like Van Gogh’s own ascent through his last days.
Guided Tour and Group Size
The tour includes a live guide in English or French, making it easy to follow and ask questions. The group is limited to 8 participants, which keeps things intimate and allows the guide to focus on individual experience. The guided component lasts about 45 minutes, and the entire walk, including the narrative stops, takes roughly 25 minutes.
Cost and Value
At $23 per person, this experience offers solid value, especially considering its uniqueness and the limited group size. It’s not just a walk; it’s an emotional journey that feels meaningful, not commercialized. Visitors like Justine, from France, say, “What an emotion to follow in the artist’s footsteps,” and Anton, from Switzerland, found it to be “very worthwhile” despite the travel time from Paris.
Accessibility and Practicalities
Since it’s a natural trail, comfortable shoes are recommended. It lasts about 25 minutes, making it manageable even with a busy schedule. But keep in mind, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to terrain and narrow paths.
Who will love this tour?
This experience appeals most to those who appreciate art and history but want more than just a viewing. If you’re interested in feeling connected to Van Gogh’s world in a physical, emotional way, this walk could be profoundly meaningful. It’s perfect for quiet types who value storytelling and nature over large crowds.
Travelers seeking a deeper, more personal connection with Van Gogh’s final days will find it especially rewarding. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy contemplative walks in beautiful outdoor settings, away from busy tourist spots. If you’re after a casual sightseeing experience, this might feel too understated, but if you want to truly understand the man behind the paintings, it’s a rare chance.
Final thoughts
This tour offers a rare opportunity to stand on the very land that Van Gogh painted during his last days. The emphasis on authentic landscape, touching the roots, and following a poetic narrative makes it uniquely touching. The price is reasonable for such an intimate, well-guided experience that feels more like a personal journey than a commercial attraction.
While it doesn’t feature the bells and whistles of larger art museums, that’s part of its charm. It’s about feeling history in your bones and connecting with Van Gogh in a way photographs or museum visits can’t provide. The quiet atmosphere, limited group size, and meaningful storytelling elevate this walk from an ordinary excursion to something truly special—whether you’re a dedicated art lover or just curious to see where Van Gogh’s final brushstrokes fell.
If you’re someone who enjoys reflective, nature-infused experiences that foster a sense of connection, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.
Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time !
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s primarily a contemplative walk on natural terrain, so young children might find the narrow, dirt path less suitable. It’s best for older kids or adults who enjoy quiet, meaningful walks.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour with the narrative stops lasts about 45 minutes, and the walk itself is roughly 25 minutes.
Can I do this tour on my own?
Yes. The site is maintained privately, and you can walk the trail independently, but a guided tour with narration adds context and depth.
Is there an entrance fee?
The ticket includes entry and the guided tour, costing $23 per person.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Reservation is encouraged, especially since group sizes are limited to 8, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
Is the path accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the terrain is natural and narrow, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
What languages are the audio guides available in?
Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Dutch, Korean, and Italian.
How easy is it to reach the site from Paris?
It’s about a 30-minute train ride from Gare du Nord to Auvers-sur-Oise, followed by a short walk.
What makes this site different from a typical museum experience?
It’s not a museum; there are no walls or reproductions. The actual roots and landscape remain, allowing you to walk into Van Gogh’s final scene.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
While not explicitly stated, visiting during daylight hours in good weather will allow for a more contemplative and scenic experience.
This walk isn’t for everyone, but if you cherish meaningful, less commercialized encounters with art and history, it’s worth considering. It’s an authentic, heartfelt tribute to Van Gogh’s last days—one that stays with you long after the walk ends.
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