Last May (I know I know it's a long time ago haha) we had another one day trip around Paris. This time we went to Auvers-sur-Oise. As usual, this trip is the result of my googling about one day trip from Paris, and I found this village, which is the place where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. And I was like, OK WE HAVE TO GO THERE! Because he is one of my favourite painter. So, the main purpose of this trip is remembering Van Gogh.
Not a lot of people know (including me before) that this small village is the place where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days from May - July 1890. So if you are a fan of his works, a trip to this village is a must.
Maison de Van Gogh
The first place that we visited is Maison de Van Gogh. This place is actually a restaurant and his room is located on the top floor.
On this place, we can visit Van Gogh's last room, the room where he finished some of his last paintings and also the room where he died. It was truly mixed feelings when we entered the room, excited but also sad because I can almost feel his loneliness. The room is almost empty without any furnitures because the owner of the building removed everything after he died.
Ticket: 6€ with tour guide
Photos are not allowed inside.
La Maison du Docteur Gachet
The main reason Van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise is to visit his doctor and also a friend, Docteur Gachet, to get a treatment. Docteur Gachet was a doctor and also an amateur painter. He was also friend with some other painters than Van Gogh, like Cezanne and Pissarro. His face is on one of Van Gogh's famous painting.
Ticket: Free, no guided tour but you can ask some informations from the staff inside.
Paintings
Vincent Van Gogh created around 70 paintings during his two months living in Auvers-sur-Oise including some of his famous works. We followed the map to visit the real spots where he painted them and to see how the place changed.
The Village
I can say that Auvers-sur-Oise itself, despite from its story about Van Gogh, is a charming village. It is calm and beautiful. I mean look at those cute houses and alleys, and of course the river :)
Vincent Van Gogh's Tomb
The last place that we visited and also the closing of our trip is Van Gogh's tomb. It's also located inside the village, near the field where he painted some of his best works. His tomb is laying with a small sunflower beside with his brother's, Théo.
Soooo, if you're planning to visit Paris, fan of Van Gogh and have some free days, I suggest you to visit Auvers-sur-Oise. It will only take you an hour train ride from Paris (Gare du Nord). And if you have navigo pass, you can use it for the train!
See you on the next one day trip!
