Saint-Rémy de Provence is a pretty village in the northern foothills of the Alpilles Mountains. The tranquility of Saint-Rémy de Provence provided solace and inspiration to Vincent van Gogh, who spent a year in the village at an asylum.
Saint-Paul de Mausole is the hospital (located in an old Romanesque monastery) where Van Gogh stayed from 1889 to 1890 under the care of kind nurses. Tourists can visit the artist's room and see copies of the paintings he created here. Other reproductions of Van Gogh's paintings are on display at the Musée Estrine (8 Rue Lucien Estrine) along with an interpretive film that discusses the artist's life and works.
The Vincent van Gogh Trail indicates sites throughout the town that were painted by Van Gogh, although some imagination is required as the scenery has changed since the artist's time.
At heart a traditional Provençal town, Saint-Rémy de Provence is well known for its open-air markets. On Wednesday mornings, the Grand Marché Provençal (large market) spills out onto the main squares of the old town; on Saturday mornings a smaller farmer's market is held at the Place de la République. Tourists will enjoy blending in with the locals, wandering the cobblestone streets, and getting lost while admiring the stately old buildings.
Tourists will also find many other worthwhile things to do, such as attending a mass or organ concert at the Eglise Saint-Martin, rebuilt in the 19th century in Neoclassical style, or exploring the archaeological ruins at the Glanum Excavation Site, which has a Triumphal Arch from the 1st century BC dedicated to Julius Caesar.
Gastronomic delights abound in Saint-Rémy de Provence, and tourists will enjoy sampling the regional specialties. La Roma (33 Boulevard Marceau) is an Italian restaurant and salon de thé (tea salon) known for its crêpes, ice cream, and macaroons.
Chocolate lovers are advised to visit the Chocolaterie Joël Durand (3 Boulevard Victor Hugo), an upscale chocolate shop that offers tantalizing chocolate candies in delicate flavors. Le Petit Duc is a tempting shop that sells typical Provençal confections such as nougat (candy made with almonds and honey), crystallized violets, and calissons (sweet almond candies). In the nearby village of Paradou, Le Bistro du Paradou is renowned for its delicious cuisine.
Saint-Rémy de Provence is about 25 kilometers north of Arles and 20 kilometers south of Avignon, which makes the town an excellent base in the heart of Provence. Families seeking a countryside retreat near the village of Saint-Rémy will appreciate the Le Mas de l'Ange.
This beautifully renovated 17th-century stone farmhouse features typical Provençal pastel-painted shutters and cozy decor. The entire property is available for rent including eight bedrooms, a swimming pool, and private tennis court.
