Van Gogh from Paris to Provence

Through winding streets and sunlit fields, trace the path of a restless spirit in search of meaning and beauty. From Paris’s hidden corners to the golden light of the south, walk in the footsteps of a genius reshaping the world he saw.

Discover the treasures of Auverssur-Oise and Montmartre’s quiet alleys before travelling to Arles and Saint-Rémy. Stand among the fields that inspired so many works, from the Saint-Paul Asylum to the ancient bridge at Langlois.

YOUR EXPERT TOUR LECTURER

Dr. Peter Higginson

Peter specialises in the art and culture of early modern Europe, and the modern period. He has taught numerous university courses abroad and has wide experience in leading cultural tours to different parts of Europe including Bilbao, Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, and further afield to Cuba.

His enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment have earned him rave reviews from the many clients who have travelled with him over the past seven years.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Take the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon walking tour with Peter of the Van Gogh neighbourhood, including two places of residence, an art supply shops, cafes and various studios in the Montmartre area. Welcome drink, talk from Peter, and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Morning guided visit of the Musee d’Orsay. Afternoon in Auvers-sur-Oise to visit the village cemetery and graves of Vincent and his brother Theo, then visit the Maison de Van Gogh.

Day 3: Train from Paris to Avignon. Visit the Abbaye de Montmajour where Van Gogh spent time in the summer of 1888 drawing and painting the abbey ruins, including the famous Sunset at Montmajour. Then transfer to the hotel. Evening talk from Peter and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Walking tour of Arles with Peter, taking in many of the sights that Vincent painted, including the old hospital grounds where he was treated after cutting off his ear, and the Place Lamartine area (Starry Night over the Rhone). In the afternoon visit the Amphitheatre and Alyscamps.

Day 5: Morning guided tour of Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum where Vincent voluntarily admitted himself in May 1889, with time in the Van Gogh Field. Evening transfer to Arles, for a private visit of the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles followed by a drinks reception. Afterwards we will have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Transfer to Avignon Station for return train to St Pancras via Lille.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 22 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return standard class Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Novotel Bercy, Paris, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Three nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Hotel Gounod, Saint Remy de Provence, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and first night dinner with wine at the hotel
• Third night dinner at a local restaurant 
• Fifth night dinner at a local restaurant 
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees 
• Two talks by Dr Peter Higginson
• Dr Peter Higginson and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement £599
• Holiday insurance 
• Standard Premier upgrade on Eurostar. On the Eurostar this constitutes upgraded seating and light meal with complimentary drink
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: All clients are responsible for handling their own luggage, including carrying it on and off the trains and lifting it onto the luggage storage racks, which may be located overhead. Therefore, all luggage must be of a manageable size and should not exceed 15kg in weight.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTELS

Hotel Novotel Bercy, Paris
A modern four-star hotel centrally located and just a short walk from the Seine and Parc de Bercy. Easy access to main sights.

Hotel Website

Hotel Gounod, Saint Remy de Provence
Hôtel Gounod is a beautifully restored 18th-century coaching inn nestled in the heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, just steps from the collegiate church and the town’s vibrant centre. Steeped in history, the hotel was once the residence of composer Charles Gounod, who penned his opera Mireille here in 1863. Today, it offers a harmonious blend of Provençal charm and modern comfort.

Hotel Gounod, Saint Remy de Provence Website