With its wealth of natural beauty, Provence has inspired legends such as Cézanne, Van Gogh and Pagnol. Here are some suggestions to include in your travel itinerary to discover the cultural face of this land of artists.
In search of Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence
A signposted itinerary has been set up to discover the life and work of the famous painter from Aix-en-Provence. It includes landmarks such as Cézanne’s studio, as well as the Musée Granet which houses 10 of his paintings. The Centre d’art Caumont and the Fondation Vasarely are also well worth a visit. To encourage budding artists, take a detour to the Gallifet Art Center.
Van Goghien landscapes in Arles
Like a tableau vivant, Arles immortalizes the landscapes painted by the artist with his ear cut off. This is your chance to see or revisit the Rhone quay, the Langlois bridge and the starry night. You can then stop off at the Fondation Van Gogh. Here, a number of contemporary artists pay tribute to Van Gogh’s legacy. You can continue your visit by exploring the gastronomic menu of a Michelin-starred restaurant, or simply enjoy lunch in a local bistro. If you’re a history buff, you’ll be interested in a visit to Montmajour Abbey or a stroll through the alleys of Les Alyscamps. These two must-see sites were also sacralized by the artist’s brush.
Van Gogh’s quest in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, every detail is a powerful tribute to Van Gogh’s genius. The Saint-Paul-de-Mausole cloister is the nursing home where he resided between 1889 and 1890. There’s even a reconstruction of the room where he was hospitalized. During your visit, take time to explore the Valetudo art gallery. Head to the Musée Estrine to visit the Van Gogh Interpretation Center. Learn more about the artist’s life and the turning points that marked his life.
La Ciotat, at the heart of the cinema
The Eden Théâtre, considered the oldest cinema in the world, is located in the commune of La Ciotat. While you’re there, treat yourself to lunch on the harbor. Afterwards, set off to conquer the Ile Verte and let yourself be captivated by its sublime landscapes. And don’t forget to take a stroll in the Parc du Mugel. You can also head downtown to explore the many artisan boutiques. And don’t miss the fabulous sunset from the beach at Anse de Figuerolles.
Aubagne: between the pages of Pagnol
To round off your stay in style, head to Aubagne to explore the land of Marcel Pagnol. Don’t forget to visit the house where the writer of Time of Secrets grew up. By exploring the settings of his childhood, you can discover scenes from his greatest films. In particular, you can take part in the summer tour “Marcel Pagnol d’Aubagne à la Treille”. If you’re traveling with the family, children will love “Le petit monde de Marcel Pagnol”. This institution is a living museum where you can relive the unforgettable moments of works such as the Trilogie Marseillaise and Manon des Sources.
Where to stay?
Enjoying a privileged location, Youcamp is a 3-star establishment located in Provence. It welcomes you between March and November.
This campsite is just as suitable for a tourist stay as it is for a relaxing getaway. It also offers 66 pitches. You can also rent a mobile home by the week or month. It’s worth noting that this establishment is equipped to welcome people with reduced mobility.