If you’re planning a trip to Provence and have a soft spot for Van Gogh, this tour promises a thoughtful journey through the landscapes and places that shaped his art and life. We’ve looked into the experience, and while we haven’t been on it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty compelling picture.
It’s a well-rounded half-day outing that balances art, history, and scenic views—all in a small-group setting that feels intimate and personalized.
What really caught our eye are the expert guides who seem passionate about Van Gogh and the region, and the beautiful stops like Saint-Paul de Mausole and Arles, which are steeped in history and visual inspiration.
Excellent fun and super interesting walk through the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles and charming St Remy. Whether or not you’re an art fan, this tour includes local architecture, history, and lore. A pretty comfy van with enough stops. Eat before you go. Our guide Martine was a great driver and the best guide. She’s great!
We had a good time,The guide was friendly. very informative. We enjoyed it and recommended. thank you you
Our guide Matilde was very knowledgeable and helpful. Arles and St Remy were great! I wish the City of Arles had more prominent things about Van Gogh but that has nothing to do with the tour. Tour was great!
However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is about six and a half hours long, with a fairly packed itinerary, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing in a small group.
This experience appears to be a good fit for art lovers, history buffs, and travelers who appreciate the convenience of organized tours. If you like learning about Van Gogh’s life while seeing the actual places he painted, and you’re okay with a structured day, this could be just right.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Van Gogh in Provence Tour
- Starting Point and Duration
- Transportation: Comfort and Convenience
- The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do
- Guides and Expertise
- What’s Included and What’s Not
- The Review Landscape
- The Price and Value
- Who Should Book This Tour?
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Avignon
Key Points
- Small-group format offers a more personalized, engaging experience.
- Visit iconic sites linked to Van Gogh’s life, including Saint-Paul de Mausole and Arles.
- Reproductions of Van Gogh’s paintings help bring the artist’s world to life.
- Expert guides enhance storytelling, making the details about Van Gogh and Provence more vivid.
- Comfortable transport by climate-controlled minivan makes the day easy and relaxed.
- Good value for the price considering the sites visited and the insights gained.
An In-Depth Look at the Van Gogh in Provence Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Avignon.
Starting Point and Duration
The tour kicks off early in the morning at 8:00 am from the Office de Tourisme d’Avignon. For just over six and a half hours, you’ll be immersed in Van Gogh’s world, visiting a handful of historically and artistically significant locations. The small size of the group—limited to 8 travelers—means fewer crowds and a chance for the guide to tailor the experience a bit more to the group’s interests.
Transportation: Comfort and Convenience
Your journey begins with round-trip transport in a climate-controlled minivan. This is a definite plus, especially after spending time wandering in the Provençal sun—no overheating or cramped bus rides here. Plus, the vehicle’s size allows for easy access to smaller streets and parking spots, which can be a challenge in some of these historic towns.
Excellent tour. Arnaud was very informative and helped us get the best out of the tour. The visit to the asylum was very serene and thought provoking.
Personal experience of Van Gogh in his later life. It was a very good tour of Van Gogh’s time in Arles and St. Remy.
If you are lucky enough to have Nicholas as your guide, you will have a wonderful experience. He has a wealth of knowledge about the region but also about a lot of other things, like wine and the environment necessary to grow the vines. Everything about this tour is enjoyable. We had just the right amount of time to take in each specific attraction while still allowing us the opportunity to wander a bit on our own afterwards .
The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do
The tour is segmented into several key stops, each offering distinct insights into Van Gogh’s life and the region’s beauty.
Stop 1: Arles (Approx. 2 hours)
The day starts with a visit to Arles, a city famous for its Roman antiquities and for being a significant place in Van Gogh’s story. You’ll see the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, still used today for concerts and festivals, giving you a taste of the ancient history that surrounded Van Gogh during his time here.
Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the chance to see the actual settings Van Gogh painted, with comments like “the psychiatric hospital at St. Remy de Provence was a memorable experience,” which shows how these locations are more than just scenic spots—they’re pieces of history that directly connect to Van Gogh’s art.
Stop 2: Place du Forum
A quick stop here gives you a closer look at the Café La Nuit, which Van Gogh famously painted. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a moment to imagine what it might have felt like to sit there as Van Gogh did. Reviewers liked how accessible these sites are, and some mention how walking through these streets feels like stepping into Van Gogh’s paintings.
Wonderful for art lovers especially those who want to explore the life and surroundings of Van Gogh. Our guide, Jos was very knowledgeable about the subject as well as the geography and history of the locales that we visited. He was fluent in English and very enthusiastic and funny. I highly recommend this tour!
Flo was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable regarding the life of Van Gogh. The trip was well paced. We had plenty of time to visually participate in each aspect of the tour.
Our guide Flo was very knowledgeable about the history of Van Gogh and the area! We really enjoyed the tour.
Stop 3: Espace Van Gogh
This is where you see reproductions of Van Gogh’s works in the former charity hospital, which adds context to his life in Provence. Many travelers found it rewarding to see how the environment inspired his art, especially in the tranquil courtyard and the recreated bedroom at Saint-Paul de Mausole.
Stop 4: Saint-Remy-de-Provence & Saint-Paul de Mausole
The Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum is a highlight. Entrance is included to see the bedroom reproduction, and the site itself is remarkable for the collection of Van Gogh’s paintings created here, especially his Wheat Field series.
The reviews sing its praises, with travelers describing it as “a very good tour of Van Gogh’s time in Arles and St. Remy,” and “seeing the actual settings for Van Gogh’s paintings was very worthwhile.”
Final Stop: Arles (Optional extra time)
You’ll be given some free time to wander the streets of Arles, soaking in the atmosphere that once inspired Van Gogh. Many comments mention how much they enjoyed roaming independently after the guided parts, taking in the atmosphere and snapping photos.
Flo was a wonderful guide. Very attentive and knowledgeable. A lovely day to learn more about Van Gough
This trip was more than we expected. It was a real Van Gogh emersion. The exact location of some of the places he painted specific pieces was an unusual connection to a painter. The Roman antiquities were a convenient bounce. We enjoyed our guide who was very good and very french which added a lot to the overall experience.
Arles was beautiful. The tour guide was entertaining and informative. Interesting and fun tour. Thanks
Guides and Expertise
According to reviews, the guides are a major selling point. Names like Jos, Nicolas, and Florian come up repeatedly in positive feedback, often praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to share stories in a friendly, engaging manner. This makes the experience more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a storytelling session that makes Van Gogh’s life and art feel personal.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour price, around $115 per person, covers transportation, guide services, and entrance to Saint-Paul de Mausole. Food, drinks, and other monument entries are not included, so plan for a snack or lunch on your own if needed.
The Review Landscape
Most reviewers give high marks, praising the guide’s knowledge, the scenery, and the insights into Van Gogh’s life. People especially loved how the locations connected to his paintings helped them understand his story better. The small-group size is a hit for those who prefer a more intimate setting and more interaction with the guide.
However, not everyone loved every part. One reviewer felt the Arles segment was a bit rushed and not very memorable beyond the Roman ruins, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
Our tour guide was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable.. We learned a lot about Provence on the tour. He went above and beyond showing us extra sites that were not on the tour.
This tour would be hard to do on your own and probably require a lot of research. It makes sense to let someone as generous, knowledgeable and friendly as Ghislain take you privately around in the comfort of a van to stop and see places and spaces where Van Gogh painted quite a few pieces. The hospital was excellent to visit. The key places in Arles were also good. If you’re looking for a day trip to Arles you could always begin with this tour in the morning and then stay for the afternoon and catch the train back to Avignon yourself. Thank you Ghislain. You were excellent!
Mathilde was an incredible guide! She was knowledgeable and friendly and truly went out of her way to make sure we all had a good time. Highly recommend, especially for solo travellers!
The Price and Value
Considering the price, this tour offers a lot: multiple significant sites, expert guiding, comfortable transport, and an intimate group. If you’re an art lover eager to connect Van Gogh’s paintings with real-life locations, it’s a solid investment. The reviews indicate that guides go above and beyond by sharing extra stories and offering flexible options, which adds to the overall value.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is ideal for art enthusiasts wanting to see Van Gogh’s Provence with guides. It also suits travelers who prefer organized trips so they can relax and focus on the sights without worrying about navigation or logistics. Given the full day’s schedule, it’s best for those comfortable with a few hours of sightseeing in a small group.
It’s not tailored for very young children, and the walking involved is moderate, so consider that if you’re traveling with seniors.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive into Van Gogh’s artistic process or a leisurely day exploring on your own, this might not be the best fit. But for a balanced, insightful, and scenic day, this tour hits many of the right notes.
In the footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence from Avignon
"Excellent fun and super interesting walk through the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles and charming St Remy. Whether or not you’re an art fan, this ..."
FAQ
Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transport from Avignon in a climate-controlled minivan, making the day more comfortable and convenient.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time at each stop without feeling overly rushed.
What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guide, transport, and entrance to Saint-Paul de Mausole. Food and additional monument tickets are extra.
Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 4 are not permitted, but it's suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with the schedule.
How many people will be on the tour?
The group is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is this tour good for art lovers or families?
It’s especially well-suited for art lovers and those interested in Van Gogh’s life. Families with older children who enjoy history and art will likely enjoy it too.
In short, if you want to see the Provençal landscapes that inspired Van Gogh, learn stories from passionate guides, and visit iconic sites in a small-group setting, this tour offers a well-rounded and satisfying experience. It’s an easy way to connect with the artist’s world without the hassle of planning, making it an appealing choice for many visitors to Avignon.
