So, a guide is showing us a Roman triumphal arch and mausoleum alongside a country road outside St. Rémy in Provence. They’ve been there since the 7th century B.C. He’s going on in WAY too much detail about the Romans.

We turn around and walk up a short drive (photo above is the to the right of the drive) and right there is The Asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole where Vincent Van Gogh spent two years. Above, left, is a photo of one of the scenes he painted (Olive Grove, 1889). Unfortunately, the asylum was closed this day - normally it is open for small groups to see the room he stayed in and made famous in his painting, The Bedroom, 1889. But in the photo I took above, you can certainly see his inspiration, you can almost see his brushstrokes in the grass and trees! Standing there, in front of the olive trees, his painting looked more realistic than impressionistic.

Throughout Provence, wherever Van Gogh set up his easel to paint outdoors, there are podium-like signs with interpretive information, including an image of the painting done on that spot.

Favorite thing: I enjoyed looking at what Van Gogh saw, and standing where he stood.