In the footsteps of Van Gogh in Auvers

In 1890 Vincent Van Gogh settled in Auvers-sur-Oise. In this charming village north of Paris the artist found a favourable setting for his artwork. Under the watchful eye of Doctor Gachet, he completed over 80 paintings during the last 70 days of his life. Nearly 130 years after his stay here, the village still bears the mark of this artist, considered one of the greatest of all time.

Art in the open air

After you pick up a map from the tourist office, follow the marked path to discover the museums and important buildings in the area. While this 1.5-hour pedestrian circuit can be followed in any order, it’s best to start at the church, which was immortalised by Van Gogh in “The Church at Auvers,” now on display at the Musée d’Orsay.

At each site, panels display reproductions of the artist’s paintings. Adults and children will have fun trying to find the exact spot where Van Gogh must have stood when he painted, for instance, “Doctor Gachet's Garden in Auvers,” also visible at the Musée d’Orsay, or “Landscape with the Chateau of Auvers at Sunset.” In the village centre, the Ravoux Auberge known as “Van Gogh’s house, is another touching, must-see. You’ll especially admire the painter’s famous little bedroom. The circuit finishes at the cemetery, where the Van Gogh brothers are buried.