Enter the painting, touch the roots and go back in time !

Enter Van Gogh’s Last Scene for Just $23

This unique tour offers an intimate journey into Van Gogh’s final work, Tree Roots, painted on July 27, 1890. For only $23 per person, you walk through the landscape that inspired the painter in his last hours. The tour lasts about one day, starting at 46 Rue Daubigny in Auvers-sur-Oise, just 30 minutes from Paris by train.

What makes this experience stand out is its direct connection to Van Gogh’s actual environment. You won’t find reproductions or museum walls here. Instead, you walk along the very landscape Vincent Van Gogh touched and painted, touching the roots and exploring the wheat fields that feature in his final masterpiece. This tour is ideal for those interested in art history, personal storytelling, and nature, but it’s not suited for visitors with mobility restrictions due to the terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Only site in the world where visitors can walk into a Van Gogh painting
• Limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience
• Includes a guided tour with 8 narrative stops in multiple languages
• Duration: About 25 minutes of contemplative walking
• Price: Just $23 with optional guided accompaniment
• Booking: Reserve in advance, cancel up to 24 hours before

The Significance of Van Gogh’s Final Painting and Its Landscape

The tour revolves around Vincent van Gogh’s last work, Tree Roots, painted shortly before his death in 1890. The landscape still exists today, with the sloped hillside and roots remaining as they were in Van Gogh’s time. The path climbing through this terrain offers a rare chance to stand at the artist’s viewpoint and see the scene as Van Gogh saw it.

This experience is a poignant homage to Van Gogh’s final days and an opportunity for visitors to connect physically and emotionally with his last artistic expression. The terrain is natural and unspoiled, lacking modern embellishments, making it feel like a pilgrimage rather than a typical tourist attraction. The site is maintained by a private association, adding to its exclusive and authentic feel.

Walking the Roots and Reaching the Wheat Fields

The trail begins at 46 Rue Daubigny and leads through 12 narrative stops, each offering emotional and informational stories about Van Gogh and the landscape. The stops are designed to deepen understanding and evoke reflection, culminating in a view of the wheat fields Van Gogh famously painted.

The walk is gentle but requires comfortable shoes due to the dirt paths and natural terrain. The audio guide is available in several languages, including English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Dutch, German, Italian, Korean, and more, making the story accessible to a global audience.

The Guided Tour Experience and Its Personal Touch

The tour is led by a passionate guide who provides detailed narratives at each of the 8 stops, transforming a simple walk into a poignant storytelling experience. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures a calm, personal atmosphere where questions are welcomed and the guide’s passion shines through.

The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, during which the guide explains the connection between the landscape and Van Gogh’s paintings, offering visual comparisons to deepen the understanding of his artistic process and emotional state.

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Logistics and Meeting Details

Participants meet at 46 Rue Daubigny on the day of the tour. The location is conveniently close to the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent his last days, making it easy to combine with other visits in Auvers-sur-Oise.

The tour includes entry tickets and the guided experience. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a quiet, contemplative walk through nature. The group size is kept small for intimacy, and reservations are encouraged to secure a spot.

Visiting Auvers-sur-Oise and Its Artistic Environment

While the main focus is the Roots and wheat fields, Auvers-sur-Oise itself offers a rich artistic atmosphere. The town is 30 minutes from Paris by train, making it an accessible destination for a day trip. The proximity to famous artistic sites like the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived briefly, adds historic context.

The setting offers a peaceful escape, away from bustling city streets, with the natural landscape providing a perfect backdrop for reflection on Van Gogh’s final days and his intense connection with nature and color.

The Experience Provider and Its Role

The Sauvegarde du site des Racines Van Gogh manages and maintains this site, ensuring its authenticity and preservation. As a recognized member of the Van Gogh Europe Foundation, the organization emphasizes respect for the landscape and Van Gogh’s memory. Their work guarantees the site remains accessible and meaningful for future visitors who seek a genuine connection with the painter’s last environment.

How This Tour Compares to Other Van Gogh Experiences

Unlike typical museum visits or reproduction-based experiences, this tour places you directly at Van Gogh’s final landscape. It offers an authentic, physical connection to his last work, which is not promoted or advertised by the city but maintained privately for those who seek a soulful, personal encounter.

Other similar experiences, like visiting Giverny or Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers, are available, but this one particularly emphasizes the landscape itself. It’s suited for art enthusiasts and those seeking a contemplative, meaningful walk through Van Gogh’s last environment.

The Value of the Tour and Its Limitations

At $23, this experience provides excellent value for the opportunity to stand where Van Gogh stood and touch the roots of his last painting. The small group size, audio guides, and personal storytelling make it a wealthy, intimate experience.

However, the terrain may be challenging for visitors with mobility impairments, and the natural paths mean it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor walking and seeking a thoughtful, emotional connection with Van Gogh’s final scene.

Final Thoughts on the Van Gogh Roots Walk

This tour offers a rare chance to walk into a Van Gogh painting and touch the landscape that inspired his last work. The cost-effective price, personal guided approach, and authentic environment make it a must-do for Van Gogh fans and lovers of artistic history.

While it’s a short, contemplative walk, the emotional resonance and connection to Van Gogh’s final days make this more than just a sightseeing trip. It’s a poignant pilgrimage that invites reflection on art, mortality, and nature.

If you want a meaningful, quiet experience that goes beyond the typical museum visit, this tour in Auvers-sur-Oise is an outstanding choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience, including the guided tour and walk, lasts about one day, with the walking portion around 25 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers entry to the site, a guided tour with 8 stops, and access to the audio guide in multiple languages.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The natural terrain and walking paths make it best suited for those able to walk comfortably; it’s not ideal for visitors with mobility impairments.

How do I reserve a spot?
Reservations are recommended, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is available in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Participants meet at 46 Rue Daubigny in Auvers-sur-Oise, on the right of the “Roots” gate.

How accessible is the site from Paris?
The site is 30 minutes from Gare du Nord in Paris by train, with a short walk from the station.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking along dirt paths and natural terrain.

Can I combine this tour with other visits?
Yes, it is close to the Auberge Ravoux and other artistic sites in Auvers, making it easy to extend your exploration.

What makes this tour different from other Van Gogh experiences?
This is the only site where you can walk into a Van Gogh painting and physically touch the landscape, offering a more personal and authentic connection.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby