This is a perfect springboard for visiting other places in Provence.
St Remy is set in the heart of the parc naturel regional des Alpilles.
There are magnificent walks suitable for all levels of ability with views south towards the mediterranean and north towards Mont Ventoux.
You can spot rollers from Africa and eagles that are resident in the hills.
For cyclists the Alpilles has many quiet and picturesque routes and it is a short drive to Mont Ventoux for those who like extreme challenges.
An important Roman site above the town of Saint Rémy, with an outstanding collection of architectural monuments and ruins.
Nearby is the Hôpital Saint Paul de Mausole where Van Gogh stayed and painted Starry Night and paintings of irises and cypress trees.
You can visit his room and the beautiful, secluded gardens and cloister.
One of the most remarkable perched villages in France, inhabited from around 6000 BC onwards, you can climb to the medieval citadel at the top for outstanding views or visit the old Roman bauxite quarries that house spectacular exhibitions.
Other attractions in the surrounding area are Nîmes, where you can visit the impressive Roman buildings and see contemporary art exhibitions at the Carré d’Art;
the old papal town of Avignon with its spectacular Papal Palace; and the old Roman town of Arles where Van Gogh and Gauguin painted together, with its amphitheatre, Odeon and outstanding archaeological museum.
At Aix en Provence, the home of Cézanne, you can visit his last studio and see excellent art exhibitions at the Musée Granet and the Hôtel de Caumont.
Also nearby: Marseille, the Pont du Gard, Orange with its open air opera in the Roman amphitheatre, the theatre festival in Avignon and the music festivals of Aix en Provence and La Roque d’Anthéron (all in July/August)
