
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery
The asylum where Vincent van Gogh found inspiration and created masterpieces, now a working center for art therapy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, not overcrowded

Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery
Best Time
Peaceful, not overcrowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The asylum where Vincent van Gogh found inspiration and created masterpieces, now a working center for art therapy.
"Walking around and seeing the vantage points from where he painted the masterworks you’ve seen forever was pretty special. "

🚶♂️ Allow an Hour
Allocate 45-60 minutes for your visit to fully absorb the atmosphere and history.
🖼️ Use the Guide
The provided paper guide tells a great story and enhances understanding of Van Gogh's time here.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Van Gogh's Room
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole
Step into the space where Van Gogh lived and painted, offering a powerful connection to his art and struggles.

Inspiring Gardens
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole
Wander through the serene gardens that provided Van Gogh with peace and artistic inspiration.
Patient Art Gallery
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole
See impressive artwork created by current patients, continuing Van Gogh's legacy of art therapy.
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Planning Your Visit
Van Gogh's Sanctuary
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Allow an Hour
Allocate 45-60 minutes for your visit to fully absorb the atmosphere and history.
🖼️ Use the Guide
The provided paper guide tells a great story and enhances understanding of Van Gogh's time here.
📸 Capture the Vibe
Take plenty of pictures to remember the spaces that inspired Van Gogh's masterpieces.
➡️ Nearby Glanum
Combine your visit with a walk up to the ancient Roman site of Glanum.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Allow an Hour
Allocate 45-60 minutes for your visit to fully absorb the atmosphere and history.
🖼️ Use the Guide
The provided paper guide tells a great story and enhances understanding of Van Gogh's time here.
📸 Capture the Vibe
Take plenty of pictures to remember the spaces that inspired Van Gogh's masterpieces.
➡️ Nearby Glanum
Combine your visit with a walk up to the ancient Roman site of Glanum.
💖 Art Therapy Legacy
Appreciate the ongoing use of art therapy, a practice Van Gogh benefited from.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery deeply moving and inspiring, particularly for its connection to Van Gogh's life and art. The peaceful gardens and the ongoing art therapy program are highlights, offering a unique glimpse into both history and healing. Some note that the informational materials could be improved, but the overall experience is considered powerful and worthwhile.
"Very interesting to see where he created some of his best and most memorable work. Impressive to walk through the house, spaces and gardens that inspired him to paint his work. The house is nicely set, giving you a good idea of the spaced he resided in. 9 euros for entry, free for kids under 12. One feedback is that they brochure/info can be improved, they just give you a printed paper as information."
Elana Podvalniuk
"MUST for van Gogh fans! A working rehabilitation house with paintings from actual patients are as impressive the copies of Van Gogh's strumming about the space. Beautiful, peaceful, and somewhat haunting."
Michael Wolfe
"Had a brilliant visit! It was very inspiring and being where Van Gogh created some of his wonderful painting was quite powerful for me. It was just nice to be able to sit in the garden and enjoy the surroundings. It was busy but not overcrowded, visited on a Wednesday in the afternoon."
isabelle strode
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole is located near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Many visitors arrive by car, as it's situated in a scenic area. Public transport options might be limited, so consider checking local bus routes or opting for a taxi or ride-share service from Saint-Rémy.
Yes, it's accessible from major towns in Provence. If you're staying in Avignon, you can rent a car or explore public transport options.
Parking is generally available near the monastery, though it can get busy during peak tourist seasons. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a spot.
While Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a popular day trip from Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Mausole is further south in Provence. It's more feasible as part of a dedicated trip to the Saint-Rémy area.
The walk from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole is approximately 30-40 minutes, offering a pleasant stroll through the Provençal countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is typically around 9 euros for adults. Children under 12 often get in for free.
Booking in advance is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any updates or special advisories, especially during peak season.
Opening hours can vary, but they are typically open until around 6:00 PM. It's crucial to verify the exact closing time on the day of your visit to ensure you have enough time.
Yes, children under 12 have free entry. The gardens and the historical aspect can be engaging for older children interested in art history.
Photography is generally permitted inside the monastery and its grounds, allowing you to capture the inspiring spaces.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary draw is experiencing the asylum where Vincent van Gogh stayed and created many of his iconic works, including his room and the surrounding gardens.
You can see Van Gogh's former living and working spaces, the beautiful gardens that inspired him, and an exhibition of art created by current patients.
It is a functioning psychiatric rehabilitation center that uses art therapy, a practice that Van Gogh benefited from. Parts of the facility are open to visitors.
Most visitors spend about 45-60 minutes exploring the site and absorbing its atmosphere.
While formal guided tours might not be extensively advertised, a provided paper guide offers valuable information and tells the story of Van Gogh's time there.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer beautiful light and scenery, and the views from Van Gogh's former room provide a unique perspective. Capturing the architectural details of the monastery is also rewarding.
Photography policies for patient artwork can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff on-site to ensure you are respecting privacy and guidelines.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and functioning institutions for privacy and safety reasons. It's advisable to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A versatile camera that handles both indoor and outdoor lighting well is ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for capturing the essence of the place.
Generally, photography is allowed in Van Gogh's room to help visitors connect with his experience. However, always be mindful of others and avoid flash photography if it's disruptive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Those Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Van Gogh's Time at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole
During his time here, Van Gogh painted over 150 works, including iconic pieces like 'The Starry Night,' 'Irises,' and numerous self-portraits. The monastery provided him with a studio space and access to the grounds, allowing him to translate his inner world onto canvas. Visitors can still see the vantage points from which he painted these masterpieces, offering a profound connection to his artistic journey.
It's important to remember that Saint-Paul-de-Mausole is not just a historical site but also a functioning psychiatric hospital. The institution continues to offer art therapy to its patients, a practice that Van Gogh himself found beneficial. This dual nature makes a visit particularly poignant, highlighting both the artist's struggles and the enduring power of art in healing.
The Legacy of Art Therapy
This tradition continues to this day. The monastery remains a working rehabilitation center, utilizing art therapy as a core component of its treatment programs. Visitors can witness this legacy firsthand by viewing the impressive artwork created by current patients, which often reflects a similar emotional depth and artistic skill seen in Van Gogh's work.
The integration of art into mental health treatment at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole serves as a powerful reminder of art's ability to heal, communicate, and foster well-being. It offers a unique perspective on the asylum's mission, extending beyond its historical connection to Van Gogh to its ongoing contribution to mental health care.



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