Just 30 kilometers from Paris, the rustic charm of rural France can be appreciated in Auvers-sur-Oise. This picturesque village is nestled between the River Oise and a chain of rugged cliffs that once provided the stone for Paris’s famous boulevards. If you’re only visiting for a short time, find out how you can enjoy your stay in Auvers-sur-Oise.
VISIT THE CHURCH AT AUVERS SUR OISE
Twenty-two signposts on two separate trails show where famous artists have set up their easels in Auvers-sur-Oise. Each of them compares their masterpieces with the real-life scenes they depict. The Church of Auvers, which dates back to the 11th century, has been eternalized thanks to an enigmatic painting by Van Gogh, The Church of Auvers, and is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit. The church was built on a hilltop to commemorate the death of King Louis VI’s eldest son, and is surrounded by the historic center.
DISCOVER THE HOUSE WHERE VAN GOGH SPENT HIS LAST DAYS
The small attic of the Auberge Ravoux, in the Maison Van Gogh, is a chilling place. It’s the only Van Gogh residence to have remained intact, and it’s where the artist spent the last seventy days of his life. Apart from a chair, a tiny window and a few scratches from the nails he hammered in to hang his wet canvases, no furniture remains. There’s not much to see, but there’s everything to feel. The idea is to furnish the room with your own emotions and reflect on Van Gogh’s legacy. It’s incredibly authentic, and the tour is followed by a short poetic film.
TAKE TIME TO DINE AT THE AUBERGE RAVOUX
An artists’ café since 1876, the Auberge Ravoux is the perfect place for an afternoon meal. It serves the same classic dishes as those served on Van Gogh’s age-polished oak table. The decor is tender and timeless, with illustrations on tea towels that pay homage to the days when Van Gogh was short of canvases. The house specialty is a leg of lamb marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked for seven until tender enough to eat with a spoon. Portions are generous, but be warned, the place can sell out two weeks in advance. So be sure to make a reservation.
IN AUVERS SUR OISE, TAKE AN ART CLASS AT THE ATELIER D’ART CRÉATIF
The Atelier d’Art Créatif is ideal if you want to escape the afternoon sun. You don’t need any experience to take part, just the enthusiasm to be creative and let your imagination run wild in a fun three-hour workshop. All painting materials are provided, and you’ll leave having decorated a lightweight wooden plaque small enough to slip into a suitcase. The workshop is located at 48 rue Daubigny, which is convenient if you’re heading to the Musée Daubigny afterwards.
TAKE TIME TO VISIT THE ABSINTHE MUSEUM
There’s no art without absinthe, as the Musée de l’Absinthe’s extensive collection demonstrates. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by an aromatic garden whose plants are used to create the powerful alcoholic beverage. After touring the garden, you’ll trace the history of this legendary “green fairy”, from its medicinal origins to its mythical heritage, rich in rituals that were banned in 1915 due to the drink’s potency. It was said to induce madness. Afterwards, you can brave a tasting of this once-banned muse in the museum café next door. Or you could just buy a jar of absinthe mustard! Yes, it does exist!
IN AUVERS SUR OISE, GRAB A BITE ON THE PORCH
While other café-terrasses in Auvers-sur-Oise fill up quickly, especially in the sunshine, Sous Le Porche has four different dining areas. So you’re sure to find a place for an evening meal. In fact, a second, hidden terrace at the back offers three courses. Tables on the main square are reserved for drinks, but it’s amazing to think you’ll be dining in the spot famously painted by Van Gogh in L’Hôtel de Ville d’Auvers.
TAKE IN A CONCERT AT CAFÉ DE LA PAIX
Evening entertainment options are fairly limited in Auvers-sur-Oise.However, live music concerts and cultural events are organized in some of the town’s venues, such as the Café de la Paix, which doubles as a bar and opens until midnight twice a week. Founded in 1900, this lively bar-brasserie boasts the largest TV screen in the region (7.5 m x 2.5 m) and is dedicated to soccer, with space for 180 fans. Nights here are enlivened by a vibrant and varied program of events including tango classes, improv comedy, open mic and concerts.
SPEND THE NIGHT IN A VAN GOGH-THEMED FARMHOUSE
The best way to enjoy this picturesque village is to spend a few days taking a leisurely stroll through its ancient streets. And staying overnight is highly recommended. The most authentic place to stay is a 500-year-old farmhouse that has recently been renovated to become the magnificent Gite les Tournesols. Pushing open the rigid barnyard doors, eaten away by centuries of farming, you’re greeted by 18th-century grandfather clocks and other curious relics. The theme of the four self-contained apartments is Van Gogh. And with the exception of the windows, everything is original, the old beams supporting the basement once filled with asparagus.