Southern France is a feast for the eyes: bright lavender fields, deep turquoise sea, clear blue skies. And Provence’s ravishing looks are nothing new. Along with its tourists, this region has long attracted artists, too. Provence particularly inspired several artists of the Post-Impressionist movement, and with Provence Tour, you can follow in their footsteps. Art aficionados will adore exploring the places that welcomed and inspired Post-Impressionist artists such as Paul Cézanne and Vincent Van Gogh. Here are some of the places to explore to learn more about these Post-Impressionist artists.
L’Atelier de Cézanne – Aix-en-Provence
Located in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne’s art studio provides a peek into his genius. Cézanne both started and finished his life in this town (1839-1906), and his influence remains in Aix. You can even see his statue overlooking the fountain of La Rotonde. Near the end of his life, Cézanne spent his time in his Aix studio creating still lifes. Our guide will give you a private tour about the life of Paul Cézanne and his influence on the Post-Impressionist movement. His unassuming studio is tucked away in a labyrinth of a forest, and you’ll see clearly why Cézanne found his inspiration in Provence.
Sainte-Victoire Mountain
For some, it’s the lavender fields. And for others, it’s the Mediterranean sea. For Cézanne, it was the Sainte-Victoire Mountain that inspired so much of his work. He created 44 oil and 43 watercolor pieces of this mountain, according to Cézanne en Provence. After learning about his life and history at his studio, you can simply profit from this place in nature where he found inspiration.
Our driver will take you to the Domaine de Saint Ser, where you will have a private wine tasting. You’ll be able to visit its vineyards and olive trees and inhale the fresh air of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
Ancien Hôtel Dieu – Arles
Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh spent only 14 months in Arles, but his influence on this southern French town endures. After a stint in Paris, he moved to Arles in February 1888, according to the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Here he lived with fellow artist Paul Gauguin in a yellow house for several months, but eventually, they parted ways. That year, he famously cut off his ear in this house and eventually was admitted to the Ancien Hôtel Dieu, a hospital in Arles.
During your time with Provence Tour, we’ll take you to this old hospital, now turned into a cultural space paying homage to Van Gogh. You can explore the old hospital’s garden and imagine what Van Gogh experienced all those years ago. Even during his hospital stay, he didn’t stop painting, and you can see this garden that inspired Ward in the Hospital.
Our guide will give you a private tour of Arles and delve into the history of Van Gogh in this small town. Throughout Arles, you’ll find small stands featuring photos of his work with background information.
Today much of Van Gogh’s masterpieces have been dispatched to different museums and galleries. But many of these pieces were painted during and influenced by his time in Provence. He created nearly 200 paintings during his short time in Arles, according to Go South France.
Carrières des Lumières – Les Baux-de-Provence
You may have already been to a slew of museums featuring world-renown art. Been there, done that, right? Think again: the Carrières des Lumières seeks to help you experience art in a new way. Instead of simply admiring paintings in a traditional gallery, Carrières des Lumières presents digital expositions accompanied with music. They rotate their exhibitions, and this year you can visit their From Vermeer to Van Gogh: the Dutch Masters exhibition. In this multi-dimensional expo, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of Van Gogh inspired by Provence in a new way.
This art space is located in the darling village of Les Baux-de-Provence. After your time with Van Gogh, you can wander this town’s hilltop castle ruins.
Provence may be one of the top destinations for tourists, but it has attracted artists over the centuries, too. Artists during the Post-Impressionist movement such as Cézanne and Van Gogh took refuge in Provence. Here they looked to the region’s landscape, culture and colors for inspiration. Provence is peeking out from behind those paint strokes of whimsical swirls and soft colors. At Provence Tour, we’ll be delighted to show you the luxury and inspiration of our region. We’re certain that you’ll be just as enchanted as Cézanne and Van Gogh.
Provence Tour offers unique and glamorous experiences as we showcase magnificent and rare highlights of the charming region of Provence.
Our private drivers have expert knowledge of the region and will happily guide you and answer any questions you may have about the area. Indulge in an authentic and customized guided day tour with an opportunity to see Provence’s hidden treasures, such as the lavish lavender fields, various picturesque villages, and significant historical sites.
