Aix to Van Gogh's Provence: Private day trip

Over the centuries, Saint-Remy (also called Saint-Paul de Mausole) is a psychiatric facility that was once a monastery. Now, it still serves patients and hosts a museum dedicated to Van Gogh’s time in residence. The artist admitted himself in the late 1800s, and during his stay, produced over 150 paintings of the surrounding scenery, including the iconic “Starry Night”. Visitors can see a reconstruction of his bedroom, and roam the Romanesque Cloister and Gardens, dotted with the same olive trees and Irises that appear in many of his paintings. Opening hours vary seasonally, and the site closes annually in January and early February. Summer hours are 9:30 to 18:30 daily from April to September, with more limited spring and fall hours. Verify opening hours and purchase tickets online: https://www.saintpauldemausole.fr/

The stunning landscapes of Les Baux-de-Provence were once home to powerful lords, and now welcome visitors to some of the prettiest villages in France. These sights are thought to have inspired Van Gogh’s interpretations of the south, and it's easy to see how as you meander through the village streets, passing stone houses, artisan shops, and enticing galleries. See the Chateau des Baux, the ruins of a fortress housing medieval exhibitions, and then head to the Carrieres de Lumieres for immersive art shows that frequently feature Van Gogh’s work. Or, simply stroll around and enjoy the views of olive groves bathed in the intense Provencal light Van Gogh captured so expertly.

Arles was Van Gogh’s home from 1888 to 1889, and he painted some of his most famous works here. Visitors can follow a series of yellow plaques and easels through town to see the exact spots where he created these masterpieces. Some of the most recognizable paintings from his time in Arles are the sunflower paintings, “The Yellow House,” and “The Night Cafe”. Head to the Place du Forum, the site of “The Night Cafe”, to enjoy a now-Van Gogh-themed cafe, then see the Trinquetaille Bridge, where he created “Starry Night Over the Rhone”. Or, visit the hospital courtyard he depicted while receiving treatment for his severed ear.