France is a beautiful destination all year round, so today we suggest walking on the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. Let’s see what we mean by that.

Question number 1: what is the largest city in France? No, it’s not Paris, think again… you’ve guessed it, it’s Arles. At the heart of Provence, with a surface of almost 760 sq km, it is the largest metropolitan territory in France. It is also included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with relics dating back to the 7th century BC scattered all over the town. The Theatre and the Arena are highlights of these times.

If you are interested in medieval history, on the other hand, you must enter the Cathedrale Saint-Trophime d’Arles, built in Romanesque style in the 12th century. From the adjacent Cloister you can access Place de la Republique.

You have the unique opportunity of learning more about the city and the region at the Musee Reattu, an art museum that features works by local painter Jacques Reattu, Picasso, Dufy, Cesar and many others. Now, the museum is worth a look, even though during his stay in town, Vincent described it in… less than flattering terms, shall we say.

And finally we come to Vincent. The great 19th century painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles in a famous yellow house from 1888 to 1889. He painted some 300 works here, marking his most prolific, if not the happiest, period of his life. It was here that he created most of his important works, but also a place of extreme unhappiness, seeing the decay of his health which would lead to his final mental breakdown one year later.

In the gentle light, however, Arles looks happy and beautiful. If you are not lodged in town for your holiday, you can take a Paris transfer to Arles and enjoy a great ride and a tour.