Arles and Van Gogh: the back story

About Arles and Van Gogh: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the French Riviera Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Arles is west of the Riviera, on the Rhône, about 2–2.5 hours by road from Cannes and nearer from Cassis. Van Gogh painted here in 1888–89, and Paul Gauguin joined him in the Yellow House on 23 October 1888 for about nine weeks (Van Gogh Museum).

Van Gogh

The Espace Van Gogh occupies the former Hôtel-Dieu, whose garden he painted; the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles shows his work (+33 4 88 65 82 86).

Roman Arles

The Roman amphitheatre still stands at the heart of the town.

Arles is a long day from Nice; it works best from Cassis or as an overnight.

Getting there

About 2–2.5 hours by road from Cannes; by train via Marseille.

Our advice: stay a night and walk the town in the evening light Van Gogh came for.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Arles and Van Gogh: the back story before you go.