I have just returned from a glorious trip to London and the south of France where I stayed in Arles , close to Van Gogh's "yellow house" . I wandered through his paintings in real time - the Alyscamps, the Cafe at Night [ still there]; and so many memorable works of Art. I walked along the pathways at St. Remy where Vincent painted over 150 works in his last year of life at St.Paul's asylum in St. Remy . The hospital is still there and continues as a working hospital , with Art instruction as a healing influence. I saw his rooms there, the window from which he looked out on the fields and painted.
I spent a day at the sea and another day in Nimes - a beautiful city with so much to see. [ I visited the Musee des Beaux -Arts while there- one room of incredible French impressionist paintings - all painters unknown to me but deserving of world prominance... so incredibly beautiful]...
A big surprise for me was the Musee Reattu in Arles - A collection of Picassos that I oggled over for a few hours [ and I've never been a huge fan until now]- 57 drawings that were donated in 1971. Also his portraits of his mother- beautiful [ and realistic ....].
Also of interest - an exhibition of Christian Lacroix - his links to Picasso. And then - special photos of Picasso in the area- he liked costumes [ and women] and there are curious photos of him with both .....
I could ramble on but all I can say is that this is a special part of France..... an Art Lover's dream and a great place to holiday [ sunny 30-35 degrees- great food and great wine , architectural history like nowhere else and of course the art]. I would highly recommend
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