Visiting Vincent

 Arles is one of the most famous Vincent locations. I had the opportunity to visit there in December 2023. I caught a train from Avignon, where I was staying for four days. The people at the Avignon Visitors Centre were very helpful and gave me timetables, maps and information about the journey.  The train was late, but usually they run almost every hour. Once on the train it was an easy trip to and from Avignon and took less than half an hour.  If you are interested in visiting the Vincent sites in Provence, and like me, prefer to use public transport, Avignon is a good base. It is a lovely city with interesting historic sites and easy access to both St Remy and Arles.  First stop was the Vincent Van Gogh Foundation, where I picked up a map of Vincent sites in the city. There were nine sites on the map and I found eight. Here is my adventure 1. The easiest site to find was the former hospital. Now called Espace Van Gogh, it features a recreation of the garden to reflect Vincent's

I was most surprised last year to find three Vincent's at the Musee Rodin in Paris. I was also very jet lagged when I saw them. The most famous one is of course the painting of Pere Tanguy. So here I was, having arrived in Paris that day after a 23 hour flight from Sydney. I was too excited to sleep so decided to walk around the city to burn off some excess energy. I ended up at the Musee Rodin, one of my favourite places in Paris. It was my third visit to this remarkable place which changes every time I see it. And I saw my first wild creature in Europe. A rabbit scurrying in Rodin's garden.  I must admit I was feeling a lot like Alice that day. As I wandered through the great sculptor's home I turned a corner. And there, just hanging around, was Vincent. Pere Tanguy- Wow. what a find! And another Vincent! Wow What an amazing thing. And yet another... Suddenly, I'm in a room, alone, surrounded by Vincents...It was mind blowing.

Last year I was lucky enough to spend about 8 days in Paris. I had visited Montmartre before, but had found it a horrible place full of tourists and touts. I thought it was a bit stressful. However, this time, I stayed away from Sacre Coeur and walked the side streets. I also visited the amazing Musee de Montmartre, which is an innovative and fascinating museum.   The musee's emphasis on Montmartre history is unique, and its collection of lithographs amazing.It introduced me to a whole new world of Steinlein and Ibils and the great lithographers and etchers of the 19th Century. In addition you can walk in Renoir's garden. As an Australian, I don't get to walk in the footsteps of French impressionists that often.  The last vineyard of Montmartre Of course I also went looking for Vincent (and some juggling balls, but that's another story.) And I found him! Or rather the house that he and Theo shared in Paris. Here is the plaque

I popped down to Melbourne to see this exhibition a few weeks ago. It was a Monday, very crowded, but no major lines. It was a great exhibition. The paintings are arranged according to the seasons and it has a nice selection of Vincent's work.  I certainly recommend a visit if you have the opportunity. Sorry about the tilted photos, it was crowded. Vase with Honesty- 1884 Pine Trees at Sunset- 1889 (one of my favourites) Reaper1885 Terrace of a Cafe at Montmatre- Paris 1886 The Garden of the Asylum at Saint Remy- 1889 ( I kept going back to this. Beautiful) Blossoming chestnut tree- Auvers sur Oise - 1890 My personal favourite - Melancholy 1883 ( what a beautiful poignant drawing!) Horse Chestnut tree in blossom-1887 Olive Grove with two olive pickers