Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh,that tormented genius with the flamboyant sunflowers, lived in Paris for two years before becoming the painter of Provence we all know? Although the artist is often associated with the landscapes of the South, it was in Paris that his palette of colors broadened. For you, the editors of Paris Secret set off on a modern pilgrimage to follow in his footsteps. Follow the guide as we reveal our favorite addresses.
Van Gogh in Paris: two years, one legacy
Between 1886 and 1888, Vincent left the gray mists of Amsterdam and landed in Paris to join his brother Theo, an art dealer on rue Lepic in Montmartre. Here, in the beating heart of Parisian bohemia, he met Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissarro, Signac and Gauguin. A real change took place: no more dark tones, Van Gogh discovered the Impressionists, pure colors and brilliant light, and radically changed his style. His muse? The Butte Montmartre, still rural at the time, with its windmills, gardens and sloping streets. His canvases perfectly capture the spirit of the neighborhood before the buildings came along and turned everything upside down. But traces of this magical era still remain!
Not-to-be-missed spots for a 100% Van Gogh tour
The Musée d’Orsay
This is where you can see Van Gogh’s best-known canvases, including Starry Night on the Rhône, The Church at Auvers-sur-Oise, and many other nuggets. It’s THE place to admire the evolution of his painting. What’s more, the building itself (a former railway station) is a work of art in itself!
📍Address: Musée d’Orsay, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th arrondissement.
Montmartre cemetery
Less touristy than Père-Lachaise, this romantic cemetery is home to the tomb of Vincent’s beloved brother,Théo Van Gogh. Although Vincent is buried in Auvers-sur-Oise, a visit here pays homage to this unbreakable bond that changed the history of art.
📍Address: Cimetière de Montmartre, 20 avenue Rachel, 18e
Espace Dali + the streets of Montmartre
This is not a Van Gogh museum, but the Espace Dali, which regularly features exhibitions on his contemporaries. Afterwards, get lost in rue Lepic, rue des Saules, or around the Moulin de la Galette: this is where Van Gogh lived, observed and painted his famous version of the mill. Tip: a guided tour of “Montmartre des artistes” will take you past the house where he lived with Théo, at 54 rue Lepic!
📍Address: L’Espace Dalí, 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris
The Atelier des Lumières immersive exhibition
Get ready for a feast for the eyes (and ears). Thanks to 360-degree digital projections covering the space of this immersive museum in the 11th arrondissement, Van Gogh comes to life in images and music in a spellbindingdigital show . You can rediscover his masterpieces such as The Starry Night and The Iris in a hypnotic atmosphere. A cultural nugget for aesthetes and art lovers alike!
📍Address: L’Atelier des Lumières, 38 rue Saint-Maur, 11th arrondissement
🎟️ Tickets must be reserved in advance (they sell out fast!)
A trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, 1 hour from Paris
Fancy an arty weekend in the countryside? Head to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Van Gogh spent the last months of his life. You can visit Dr. Gachet’s house, the church he painted, and the modest room where he lived. Excitement guaranteed. Perfect for a day trip or an inspired Sunday!
📍Address: Access by train from Gare du Nord (line H)
Van Gogh in Paris: a technicolor renaissance
In just two years, Paris transformed Vincent Van Gogh. From his first dark canvases to his explosions of color, the capital played the role of revealer. Even today, we can follow in his footsteps, breathe in his era, and marvel at the magic of his work.