In 1888, Vincent van Gogh left the cold, gray winter of Paris and traveled to a little town in the south of France named Arles. He was seeking inspiration and sunshine. 125 years later, our family unknowingly followed in van Gogh’s footsteps and ended up in the same town that van Gogh fell in love with…
During van Gogh’s 2-year stay, he painted over 300 paintings in and around Arles. The city of Arles has created a van Gogh walk with a map and markers directing the way. During our stay, we retraced van Gogh’s footsteps to find nine of the places that he used as inspiration for his paintings. Although several of the places are relatively similar many have changed significantly due to war and time. Jason also swears that van Gogh had fish eye vision, as there is no way the normal human eye could have been able to capture all the angles that he created in his pictures.
After staying a month in Arles, I can see why this town was a muse for van Gogh. The sun, the twisting streets, the Roman ruins and muted colored houses could bring out the artist in anyone. Here are the nine van Gogh’s paintings along with photos of how these places look as of January 2013.
“The Langlois Bridge With Women Washing” 
“Café Terrace at night”
“Tranquetaille Bridge”
“Starry night Over the Rhone”
“The Yellow House”
“The Arena”
“Alyscamps”
“Public Garden Entrance”
“Espace”
Kerri:
I taught art literacy as a volunteer at an elementary school in Beaverton in the 1980’s- I remember Vangough as one of my favorites It is amazing to me an artists gift in expressing their world through their gifted eyes/mind. Of coarse the sadness as you know most lived in poverty and never realized their fame nor the extreme fortune others have gained from their sad and tormented lives So glad you have had this experience I see a book in the making from your family. I hope you do publish one – it would be much better than eat, love and pray or whatever that books name
Thanks Kaye! I have only recently discovered how much I actually like Van Gogh’s works after seeing “Starry Night over the Rhone” in the Orsay. The thick brush strokes bring it to life. It is sad to think about what a tortured life Van Gogh did live.
I am so glad we started this adventure though and been able to see many amazing sites, culture, paintings and enjoyed some great food.
Wow! What an awesome experience to take that walk. I think walking in the paths of those who walked before us is fascinating. I felt that way when we were at Versailles and I’ve become somewhat obsessed with Marie Antoinette. I’m so sorry that we weren’t able to make it to the south of France on this trip, but one day we will get there. Thank you for sharing the photos of his work and what the sites look like today. Wonderful!
Patti, I think that you would love southern France. While Paris is loaded with great museums, southern France has some amazing sites. it was fun retracing van Goghs steps and comparing what it looks like now to what he saw.
Wow, what a neat post! I wasn’t really very familiar with Van Gogh’s work. It’s so neat to see it now and then. It really helps me understand his creativity and talent. You should do more like this for other artists!
Will do…It was very interesting to see the places that Van Gogh painted and how they have changed and stayed the same.