This is probably a long shot, but just curious if anyone here has signed up for this tour? I haven't been back to France since 2012 and am getting super excited about this trip. I'm a huge fan of Van Gogh and am interested in following his footsteps throughout France.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14815 posts
I'm not on your tour BUT I have a number of "Van Gogh in Arles" websites bookmarked from when I did a Road Scholar tour to the area. I hope you are staying at Le Calendal hotel as it puts you right in the midst of things. If you look at the map of the Van Gogh sites, it's right at the corner of blue areas indicating the Arena and the Roman Theater. His view of the Rhone at night is literally just downhill, past the Arena and to the river.
https://www.arlestourisme.com/assets/files/pdf/patrimoine/circuit_van_gogh.pdf
https://www.arlestourisme.com/en/follow-van-goghs-footsteps.html
https://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/vincent-van-gogh-walking-tour-6917.html
(I did not download the app even if it was available then. I did map out my own DIY walk!)
https://jenonajetplane.com/van-gogh-in-arles-art-route/
(This one has a few sites in Saint-Remy which is not very near.)
Anyway, I loved being here! Such a neat little town. Have a terrific time on the tour.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1079 posts
We did this tour before Covid and if I remember correctly our city guide for Arles pointed out several locations where Van Gogh had lived, painted, etc. There were also plagues all around Arles that showed where each painting had been created. Unfortunately, at that time, none of his originals were in Arles. It’s a great tour, have a wonderful time.
Posted by
northern CA
2812 posts
I did a private guided tour in Arles with a licensed guide who is recommended in one of the earlier editions of RS's book. If you try searching in the box above you will find my review.
We got along so well that after she got off work that night we went to a photography exhibit together at the abbey Montmajour where Van Gogh would set up his easel to paint the field scenes of hayricks and you can see those fields for yourself now. It might be rainy in October so plan accordingly.
Posted by
OP
Irvine, CA
110 posts
Oh my gosh, thanks for all the amazing tips and suggestions everyone! I have noted everything and am even more excited now, lol. I visited both the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and Rijksmuseum, which is what inspired me to continue on to Paris/Provence this year.
Posted by
2 posts
We did this tour in May of 2024. It was wonderful! Highlights were the cave art and the canoe trip! If you get Claire as your guide she is fantastic and includes lots of extras and customizations where it makes sense. Have a great time!