Seeing Provence through Van Gogh's eyes
In spring 1890, Van Gogh left Provence to be cared for by a sympathetic doctor north of Paris. On July 27, he wandered into a field and shot himself. He died two days later.
His time there was short, but just as Provence influenced Van Gogh's work, Van Gogh made a huge impact on Provence. Walk in Van Gogh's footsteps and watch his paintings come to life.
From May 14 to September 11, the Fondation Van Gogh in Arles will host a special exhibit of 31 Van Gogh paintings, "Van Gogh in Provence: Modernizing Tradition." For more information, see www.fondation-vincentvangogh-arles.org.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Mas du Petit Grava is a vintage Provencal farmhouse 15 tree-lined minutes east of Arles with Van Gogh themes -- the hotelier is an expert on Vincent's life and art -- and a lovely garden and swimming pool (splurge, www.masdupetitgrava.net). Hotel du Musee is a quiet, affordable manor-home hideaway in Arles with a flowery courtyard and comfortable lounges (moderate, www.hoteldumusee.com).
EATING: The family friendly La Taverne du Forum has the best tables on the Place du Forum (13 Place du Forum, tel. 04 90 96 08 80). Near the Roman Arena, Le Criquet is a sweet little place serving Provencal classics with joy at good prices (21 Rue Porte de Laure, tel. 06 82 44 88 74).
GETTING AROUND: A free minibus circles the town, but in this flat city everything is within walking distance.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.arlestourisme.com.
========
(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2016 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
