Arles : Walking Tour Arles in Vincent Van Goghs Footsteps

Discover the vibrant essence of Arles through the "Walking Tour in Vincent Van Gogh’s Footsteps." This self-guided exploration covers key locations that inspired the artist’s iconic works. As you navigate the picturesque streets, uncover Van Gogh’s artistic evolution and personal struggles, enhanced by insightful audio commentary. Prepare to be immersed in a truly enriching cultural experience that’ll leave you captivated by the Dutch master’s enduring legacy in this charming southern French town.

Key Points

• Self-guided audio tour highlighting key locations associated with Van Gogh’s life and work during his Arles period, including The Yellow House and Langlois Bridge.
• Commentary from art historians providing insights into Van Gogh’s mental health struggles and artistic evolution during his time in Arles.
• Flexible start time and duration of approximately 2 hours, covering a 3-mile walking route through the city.
• Interactive map with GPS tracking to aid navigation and enhance the overall experience.
• Availability of audio guides in English, French, and Italian, making the tour accessible to a wider audience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This walking tour in Arles follows in the footsteps of the renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh.

It’s an approximately 2-hour, 3-mile self-guided experience through the city’s landmarks that inspired Van Gogh’s iconic paintings.

The audio guide, available in English, French, and Italian, provides insightful narration and historical context.

The tour is priced from 751 CZK per group (up to 6 people) and features a flexible start time.

A downloadable map with GPS tracking ensures easy navigation between key locations like The Yellow House, Place du Forum, and the Alyscamps.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Features

The self-guided audio tour provides an immersive experience, with insightful narration that offers historical context and shares Van Gogh’s own words.

An interactive map with GPS tracking ensures easy navigation between the key locations. The tour offers flexibility – you can begin at your convenience.

Explore the sites that inspired Van Gogh’s iconic works, including The Yellow House, Place du Forum, and the Langlois Bridge.

Gain deeper appreciation for the artist’s life and artistic evolution through engaging commentary by expert art historians and local guides, as well as excerpts from Van Gogh’s personal letters.

Key Locations

As visitors embark on the walking tour, they can enjoy the locations that inspired Van Gogh’s iconic paintings.

They’ll see The Yellow House, where Van Gogh lived and worked, creating masterpieces like "The Bedroom."

The lively Place du Forum, featured in "Café Terrace at Night," showcases Arles’ vibrant nightlife.

The Langlois Bridge, a regional landmark, was the subject of one of Van Gogh’s paintings.

At the Espace Van Gogh, a former hospital turned cultural center, guests can learn about the artist’s life and struggles.

The tour also visits the ancient Roman necropolis of The Alyscamps that inspired Van Gogh’s work.

Educational Content

Engaging commentary from expert art historians and local guides enhances the walking tour’s educational content. Participants gain insights into Van Gogh’s life, mental health struggles, and artistic evolution during his Arles period.

The tour features:

• Excerpts from Van Gogh’s personal letters to his brother Theo, offering a glimpse into his thoughts and feelings.

• Soundscapes of the ambient sounds of Arles to further immerse visitors in the artist’s world.

• Historical context that brings the locations to life and connects them to Van Gogh’s iconic paintings.

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Practical Information

The walking tour begins at Place du Forum and concludes at Espace Van Gogh.

Audio guides are included, providing expert commentary, historical context, and Van Gogh’s personal letters.

Transportation, food, and drinks aren’t provided.

To secure your spot, you can reserve the tour and pay later.

The tour is self-guided, allowing you to start at your convenience.

An interactive map with GPS tracking is available for easy navigation between the key locations, including The Yellow House, Langlois Bridge, and the ancient Roman necropolis of The Alyscamps that inspired Van Gogh’s paintings.

The Yellow House

Van Gogh’s residence, The Yellow House, stands as a testament to his artistic vision and personal struggles during his Arles period.

This iconic building was the center of Van Gogh’s creative universe, where he produced some of his most celebrated works, including The Bedroom.

The tour offers insights into:

The tour offers insights into the history, rooms, and vibrant facade that inspired Van Gogh’s creative process in Arles.

• The history of the house and its significance in Van Gogh’s life

• Descriptions of the rooms where he lived and worked

• Discussions on how the vibrant yellow facade inspired his unique style

Exploring The Yellow House provides a deeper understanding of the artist’s creative process and the complexities of his time in Arles.

Place Du Forum

A bustling heart of Arles, Place du Forum is a vibrant square that captured Van Gogh’s imagination.

It’s where he painted his iconic work, "Café Terrace at Night," showcasing the lively nightlife.

The square’s lively atmosphere, lined with cafés and shops, offers a glimpse into the world Van Gogh experienced during his time in Arles.

As you wander the square, you’ll find the perfect spot to sit and observe, just as the artist did, soaking in the sights, sounds, and energy that inspired his masterpieces.

This is a must-visit location on the Van Gogh walking tour.

The Alyscamps

After strolling through the vibrant Place du Forum, the walking tour leads you to The Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis that captivated Van Gogh’s artistic sensibilities.

This historic site is known for its long, tree-lined avenue of sarcophagi and atmospheric ambiance.

As you explore The Alyscamps, you’ll:

• Marvel at the haunting beauty of the carved stone coffins lining the pathways.

• Discover the inspiration behind Van Gogh’s iconic painting "The Alyscamps."

• Imagine the solemn processions that once took place in this sacred burial ground.

The Alyscamps offers a profound connection to the past and a deeper understanding of Van Gogh’s creative vision.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Audio Device for the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own audio device for the tour. The audio guides are available to download, so you can easily access the content on your personal device during the self-guided walking experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is suitable for those with limited mobility, as it involves mostly walking at a leisurely pace. Participants can take breaks as needed, and the route is accessible with flat terrain. Guests should inform the provider of any special needs in advance.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not mention any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the price is listed as Kč 751 per group (up to 6 participants), which could be cost-effective for those traveling in a group.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Locations?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific locations. Customers can discuss their interests with the tour provider and have the audio guide tailored to highlight their preferred Van Gogh-related sites around Arles.

What Should I Bring With Me on the Walking Tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. The self-guided audio tour provides a downloadable map, so having a smartphone or tablet is recommended to access the interactive features during the tour.

Final Words

The "Walking Tour in Vincent Van Gogh’s Footsteps" in Arles offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to retrace the artist’s footsteps and gain a deeper understanding of his artistic evolution and personal struggles. With insightful audio commentary, interactive GPS mapping, and key locations like The Yellow House and Langlois Bridge, this self-guided tour provides an enriching way to explore the vibrant essence of Arles and Van Gogh’s legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: