Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Alpilles, and Salon-de-Provence

It was forecasted to rain today, but we got lucky. It remained cloudy and cool at about 15 degrees. After breakfast with fine French croissants, we drove to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is, like all the towns in Provence, a charming small town known for its history, picturesque landscape, and cultural significance. It is located about 20 kilometers south of Avignon, at the foothills of the Alpilles, a small mountain range known for its limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation.

Saint-Rémy has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Near the town are the ruins of Glanum, an ancient Roman city founded in the 1st century BC. The excavations include temples, thermal baths, and houses, providing insights into Roman life.

Beautifully restored houses, mansions from the Renaissance and the 18th century, chapels, and monasteries line the small, winding streets of the historic center. Boulevards adorned with ancient fountains, squares decorated with trees, and terraces of cafés and restaurants invite one to enjoy the Provençal art of living.

The community has been, and still is, a source of inspiration for many artists. Enchanted by the surroundings and the atmosphere of the town, many have settled here. One of the most famous connections of Saint-Rémy is to Vincent van Gogh, who lived here from 1889 to 1890. Van Gogh spent a year in the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery, a psychiatric institution where he recovered from a mental crisis. During his stay, he created some of his most famous works, including