Written / Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network | Source / MOOK Editorial Department
Auvers-sur-Oise is located in the northern suburbs of Paris. It became an extraordinary town because the Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh spent his final two months there, leaving behind numerous timeless artworks. In 1890, as his illness worsened, Van Gogh went to Auvers to seek treatment from Dr. Paul Gachet.
He stayed at the Auberge Ravoux. With the affirmation and care of Dr. Gachet, plus the ability to visit his younger brother Theo in Paris, Van Gogh's time in Auvers seemed much more bearable than his days in southern France. However, the good times did not last. At the time, Theo was struggling with the serious illness of his son and financial difficulties. Van Gogh seemed to feel that he had become a burden to his brother. The fear of a relapse of his old illness pushed him back to the edge of collapse, and he ultimately took his own life with a gunshot.
During the two months in Auvers, Van Gogh reached the climax of his life. He painted over eighty works at an astonishing rate of more than one per day, including many well-known pieces such as *Portrait of Dr. Gachet*, *The Church at Auvers* (L’Eglise), and *Wheatfield with Crows*.
Visiting the actual Auvers Church reveals that its exterior is not as colorful as depicted in Van Gogh’s paintings. (Image provided / MOOK Editorial Department)
1. Auvers Church
In Van Gogh’s painting, the Auvers Church features green pillars, an orange roof, and blue windows—but in reality, it isn’t nearly as colorful. Also known as Notre-Dame Church, the building was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries and was designated a historical monument in 1915. Van Gogh painted the church from its rear side. Approaching from the town center, you must climb a set of stairs before seeing the church’s façade. This stone staircase was also listed as a historical monument in 1947.
2. Daubigny’s Garden
Charles-François Daubigny (1817–1878), a painter whom Van Gogh greatly admired, bought this plot of land opposite the train station decades before Van Gogh arrived in Auvers. Van Gogh created several paintings titled *Daubigny’s Garden*. Currently, the garden is not open to the public, but there is a sign indicating Van Gogh’s painting near the courtyard. A two-story house overlooks the garden and also provides a view of the top of Auvers Church, just as vibrantly colored as in Van Gogh’s original artwork.
Daubigny’s Garden is not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside. (Image provided / MOOK Editorial Department)
3. Auberge Ravoux (Van Gogh’s Residence)
Van Gogh stayed here at a rate of 3.5 francs per day. Today, the first-floor restaurant still serves his favorite dish—*Marinated Herring and Salmon with Warm Potatoes*. Van Gogh’s room was on the second floor, a space of less than two tatami mats with a small window. Now, there isn’t even a bed—just a chair commemorating the past. The third floor houses an audiovisual room dedicated to Van Gogh’s life.
Auberge Ravoux was where Van Gogh lived during his time in Auvers. (Image provided / MOOK Editorial Department)
4. Dr. Gachet’s House
It was Dr. Gachet’s passion for painting that brought Van Gogh to Auvers for treatment. Dr. Gachet’s home sits on a hill, with a yard full of flowers and chickens and ducks. The house is filled with Impressionist paintings and antiques. Van Gogh sometimes dined at the Gachet residence and painted portraits of the family. Dr. Gachet, resting his chin in his hand, appears somewhat melancholic, while his daughter, who played the piano, looks rather radiant.
Dr. Gachet’s house still stands on the hill, where Van Gogh would occasionally visit. (Image provided / MOOK Editorial Department)
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