We were enchanted by St Remy de Provence upon arrival. All plans to rush off on our full day’s itinerary were cast aside the minute we started strolling in St Remy. The town is dreamy and lively. Cobbled streets. Plane trees swaying in the incessant mistral wind. Locals shopping, balancing woven baskets bursting with produce. Baguettes tucked underarm. Classic Provençal life.
Where Is St Remy de Provence?
Saint Rémy is located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’ Azur in France. It is nestled in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range. The Alpilles, which means “Little Alps,” are known for its limestone peaks, olive groves, and vineyards. Vincent van Gogh was inspired by the stunning landscapes and Provençal light here in St Remy de Provence.
St Remy is 15 miles (25 km) south of Avignon and 15 miles (25 km) northeast of Arles. Both cities are the perfect locations to do a day trip to Saint Remy de Provence. St Remy de Provence is 48 miles (78 km) from Aix-en-Provence which is also a great base for exploring the region.
7 Compelling Reasons To Visit St Remy
1. Flaner Through Old Town
Bring your sauntering spirit to St Remy de Provence. There is no other speed that can do justice to this charming historic town. Stroll in the preserved center past heritage mansions, stop at a café, browse the boutiques. Follow the Vincent van Gogh walk. Gaze at the birthplace of the prophecy-maker, astrologer, apothecary, and physician Nostradus who was born in St Remy de Provence in 1503. Linger in a charming square. Soak up some “joie de vivre” and sink into the relaxed yet vibrant way of life. It’s magical.
2. Experience A Provençal Market
Markets in Provence are well-known for their lively atmospheres, fresh produce, gorgeous flowers, and artisanal goods. Browsing a market in Provence is an essential element of any trip to Provence France.
Arrive in St Remy de Provence on a Wednesday morning, market day, and immerse yourself in the vibrant weekly market. Stalls spill into the roads, street musicians garner a crowd, and locals greet each other with the customary French bises, a kiss on each cheek.
Fragrant lavender, olive oils, colourful Provençal fabric, handmade pottery, and an abundance of fresh produce burst from the market stalls. Not only is it a feast for the senses but a deep dive into French culture.
On a chilly May morning with the mistral wind howling, the sun was bright and we browsed the stalls and bought clothing and gifts. This was our introduction to St Remy as we followed the narrow, cobblestone streets, and chatted to vendors. We were simply mesmerized by the market in St Remy de Provence. It was completely seductive.
The St Remy de Provence Market: Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3. The People Watching Is Outstanding
People-watching is one of my favourite pastimes in a new location! Arriving on market day, was like being on a movie scene. Locals arrived on bicycles, greeted neighbours, tucked baguettes under their arms, filled their colourful woven baskets, and stopped for coffee at the corner café. Market day. An integral part of the local way of life. A people-watching extravaganza! Locals shopping, balancing woven baskets bursting with produce.
4. Follow The Van Gogh Trail
Vincent van Gogh loved painting in the south of France. You can feel his presence in Arles and also here in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The stunning landscapes in this part of France fueled Van Gogh’s creativity and still today we marvel at his paintings. It was here in St. Rémy that he voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in 1889, to seek support for his mental health struggles.
The Van Gogh trail in St. Remy de Provence is a walking route that includes 21 reproductions of his paintings. The panels are located where Van Gogh painted and include excerpts and quotes from letters he wrote to his brother, Theo, and others. The panels are written in both French and English.
The Van Gogh walk takes about an hour to complete if you plan to walk the entire way.
Find a trail map at the St Remy de Provence Tourist Office on Place Jean Jaurès. The opening hours are 9:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m in peak season. The office is closed from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Visit The Saint Paul de Mausole Asylum
Vincent van Gogh committed himself to the Maison de Santé Saint-Paul de Mausole in 1889 and stayed a year. It was an incredibly productive period for Van Gogh. He created more than 150 drawings and 150 paintings including some of his most famous works such as “Starry Night,” “Cypresses,” and “Irises.”
Visitors can explore the Romanesque cloister of the monastery, the beautiful gardens and the room where Van Gogh stayed.
Follow the Van Gogh trail to see where the artist set up his easel. The cypress trees, olive groves, and blooming flowers evoke scenes depicted in some of his masterpieces.
Vincent van Gogh left the Monastère St-Paul de Mausole in May 1890 and moved to Auvers-sur-Oise where he also had a very productive two-month period until he ended his life.
Saint Paul de Mausole: 2024 Entry: 8€
2024 Hours: February 5, 2024 to March 31, 2024: 10:15 a.m. to 12; 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
April 1, 2024 – Summer hours: 9:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Traveller Tip: Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece “Starry Night” is not to be confused with “Starry Night Over The Rhone” which he painted in Arles.
6. Visit The Ancient Ruins of Glanum
The Romans were alive and well in St. Remy de Provence back in the 3rd century BC. Stroll down the “main street” and pass amazing remains of a once thriving city. Look for Roman baths, the forum, the marketplace, and temples. The triumphal arch (AD 20) and the mausoleum (30 to 20 BC) mark the entrance to the archaeological site.
Follow the trail up the hill for great views over the entire site.
The Archaeological Site of Glanum:
Opening Hours 2024: April 1 to September 30 9:30 a.m to 6 p.m.; October 1 to March 31 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Closed: Every Monday and January 1, May 1, November 11, and December 25
2024 Entry Cost: 9€
7. Visit A Museum In St Remy de Provence
The Estrine Museum
The Musée Estrine, housed in a charming 18th-century private mansion (hôtel particulier), has an interpretive space dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. The Estrine Museum hosts temporary exhibitions often displaying works by contemporary artists inspired by Van Gogh.
The Musée Estrine has a lively schedule with guided tours, artistic workshops, concerts, and seminars. Don’t miss the gift shop!
Location: Place Phillipe Latourelle, St Remy de Provence
2024 Opening Hours: May to September 10 am to 6 pm; February, March, November, December 2 pm to 5:30 pm; April and October 10 am to noon; 2 pm to 6 pm
Open daily, except Mondays
2024 Entry Fee: 7€
The Hôtel de Sade
Love archaeological sites? This hôtel particulier on rue du Parage, houses the most important archeological finds from the Glanum site. The interior courtyard has the remains of ancient thermal baths!
Opening Hours: June 16 to September 17, 2024 from 9:30 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 6 pm. Closed Mondays.
2024 Entry Fee: 5€
Le Musée des Alpilles
This small museum on Place Favier is housed in a Renaissance era hôtel particulier. An historic monument, the Musée des Alpilles is dedicated to promoting local heritage. Visitors explore local landscapes and traditions including traditional costume.
Opening Hours: October 1 to March 31, from Wednesday to Saturday 1 pm to 5 pm; April 1 to September 30 Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 1 pm; 2 pm to 6 pm.
Closed January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
2024 Entry Fee: 5€
Things To Do Near St Rémy
- Avignon: Avignon is a fantastic base to explore Provence with its UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon.
- Arles: Arles is not to be missed with its charming ambience and rich Roman heritage.
- The Camargue: Visit the Camargue Regional Nature Park full of flamingoes and wild white horses
- Les Baux de Provence: Les Baux de Provence is a stunning medieval village known for its impressive hilltop castle and panoramic views over olive groves.
- The Luberon: The Luberon is filled with stunning landscapes and charming villages, some of them known as “The Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
- Aix-en-Provence: Aix-en-Provence known as “The City of A Thousand Fountains” is enchanting.
- Les Carrières de Lumières: Located near the Château des Baux-de-Provence, the Carrières de Lumières or Quarries of Light is an immersive art exhibition set in former limestone quarries beneath the Alpilles Mountains. Similar to Atelier des Lumieres in Paris, the giant projections of famous artworks make for a memorable experience.
Events St Remy de Provence
- Fête de Transhumance: On May 20, 2024, head to Saint Remy for the 40th edition of this festival where the sheep (approximately 3000) take 3 laps around town on the way home from their winter grazing spot to their summer home in the mountains. Will you stay for the Shepherd’s Lunch?
- Jazz Festival in Saint Remy: Time your visit to St Remy de Provence for the 16th edition of the Jazz Festival from September 19, 2024, to September 21, 2024
St Remy de Provence is unforgettable. It is the perfect place for an authentic Provençal experience. I can’t wait to go back!
Until next time,
