Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

Saint-Paul de Mausole is a former monastery in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Several rooms of the building have been converted into a museum to Vincent van Gogh, who stayed there in 1889–1890 at a time when the monastery had been converted to an asylum.

The monastery was built in the 11th century. Franciscan monks established a psychiatric asylum there in 1605.

In the aftermath of the 23 December 1888 breakdown that resulted in the self-mutilation of his left ear, Vincent van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole lunatic asylum on 8 May 1889. Housed in a former monastery, Saint-Paul-de-Mausole catered to the wealthy and was less than half full when Van Gogh arrived, allowing him to occupy not only a second-story bedroom but also a ground-floor room for use as a painting studio.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Maroosh De (7 months ago)
Very worthwhile to visit. Van Gogh walk is overrated. I'd skip esp in this heat. But this monastery/asylum was very much worth it. It's crazy to walk through spaces once occupied by him. He stayed here for a year. There is no original artwork here or at the museum in saint Remy. But visiting the museum before was very helpful in keeping us informed. Also, at the museum they give you a coupon type thing that gives you €3 off at the entrance here. Do it.
IMHO (7 months ago)
Very enjoyable,I arrived early to escape the heat (mid summer) and was pleasantly surprised that there were just a handful of other tourists,so very peaceful, particularly when I had Vincent's room to myself.I'll let the photos do the talking..
Gisele Tonello (8 months ago)
Great place to visit, not only if you appreciate Van Gogh! Very peaceful and charming backyard. You can visit Van Gogh's room. I just think they should have tried to keep the landscape more similar to what it was by the time he lived there. The view from his room has nothing to do with his gorgeous paintings anymore.
Charlene Elliott (13 months ago)
Visit the asylum where Van Gogh lived for a year and painted such peices of art, Starry Night. The building is beautifully kept as is the courtyard and gardens. Information of the paintings he completed whilst staying at the asylum were scattered throughout the walk. Ypu get to go inside Van Goghs actual bedroom and look down at the beautiful gardens, where he got his inspiratiom. We paid 7€ per adult, under 12 was free. Parking is directly outside the building so very handy! A lovely shop inside where you can purchase books, prints, stationary etc for very reasonable prices. We went in Feb and it was very quite. We only stumbled across another couple so if you want to miss the crowds go in the winter months.
Taewoo Kim (14 months ago)
Retracing Van Gogh footsteps. you can feel how he felt in here. Garden is peaceful. Highly recommend to visit ?
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