Overview

This is my second visit to the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh in Arles; I’m pleased to say that it did not disappoint despite the fact that there aren’t many actual Van Gogh paintings there but the one that they did have, was my very favourite Van Gogh: ‘Starry Night Over The Rhone’ so I loved seeing it again, I find it very moving. There isn't a permanent exhibition of Van Goghs here; I don't think that he museum actually owns any of his works but they are lent out to them from other institutions to exhibit but perhaps I'm wrong about this. The last time that I was there, they had his ‘Sunflowers’ amongst others; this time, the theme of the expo was ‘Les Etoiles’ and so we had ‘Starry Night Over The Rhone’ and lots of other star -themed art influenced or connected with the stars. It was a great expo with lots of varied styles of art and it really captured the beauty of the night and I believe, the magic that Van Gogh felt in the night and stars.

Transport & Parking

The museum is right in the middle of Arles and we couldn’t find any parking on site; the museum recommends the following car parks nearby (where we parked) and gives an estimate of distance: The Fondation is located in the heart of Arles where traffic is difficult and not recommended: P1 – Hortus (68 spaces), 11 min walk / 850 m P2 – Cirque Romain (500 spaces), 11 min walk / 1,4 km P3 – Sixte Quenin (174 spaces), 11 min walk / 900 m P4 – Ancienne Caserne (500 spaces), 11 min walk / 950 m P6 – Gare SNCF (200 spaces + 22 bus spaces), 14 min walk / 1,1 km P7 – Centre (500 spaces, indoor), 9 min walk / 750 m P9 – Minimes (450 spaces), 23 min walk / 1,8 km There are also buses and trains to Arles from other areas of France.

Access

The access to the Foundation was good with level access from the courtyard, automatic doors and lifts to all areas of the foundation, including up to the viewing point on the roof looking over Arles old town. The art was at a good height for me in my wheelchair and the staff were very helpful throughout. Audio guides are also available for the expo. The lifts were a bit tight for my powerchair but staff were very happy to help with this, also, the gift-shop was a bit tight for turning in my chair, but again, staff were eager to help me access everything.

Toilets

The disabled toilets were clean and spacious with grab rail, no red cord but perhaps there is an alternative in France?

Staff

The staff were very friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who can get there, I've loved it both times I visited and I'll certainly be back next time I'm in Arles.

Photos