Les 2 Suds sur Arles

A haven of serenity that inevitably evokes Van Gogh. Always beautifully adorned with flowers, you can stroll around, have a drink, or sit under the arches...and seize the day!

A very beautiful, well-maintained garden. It's a shame about the arches of the yellow building overlooking it; they could use a good restoration.

That courtyard, which inspired the painter, is a gem.

Located in the courtyard of the former Ancien Hôtel-Dieu hospital, where Vincent van Gogh received treatment during his time in Arles, L'espace Van Gogh is a captivating stop that brings one of art history's most iconic scenes to life. The garden from Van Gogh's 1889 painting, "Le Jardin de l'Hôtel de Dieu," has been meticulously recreated, faithfully reproducing the artist's brushstrokes and color palette, giving visitors the feeling of stepping right into the painting. With its yellow-arched porticos, symmetrical flowerbeds, and central ornamental pool, the vibrant atmosphere Van Gogh captured on his canvas remains vividly preserved today. It offers a truly impressive atmosphere for tracing the turbulent yet productive period of the painter's life in Arles and witnessing his artistic legacy. Despite being in the heart of the city, sitting and relaxing in the shade of the porticos surrounding the cistern garden and watching the Mediterranean light play on the flowers is a truly delightful experience. Today, the complex houses a public library, exhibition spaces, and charming souvenir shops, offering both Van Gogh-themed memorabilia and an opportunity to explore the architecture of the historic building. It's a spiritual cultural route not to be missed by those who want to follow in Van Gogh's footsteps through the narrow streets of Arles and feel the deep connection between his paintings and their setting.

We visited the aquarium on a non-school weekday, booking admission in advance, so we didn't have to wait in line. Additionally, we booked a guided tour with an expert to better understand the organization of the place. Our guide, Martina, was fantastic; she allowed us to understand the care and dedication behind the glass of the tanks visible to the public. She explained in great detail the characteristics of the animals and their care, proving truly knowledgeable in every aspect. We took the guided tour first and then toured the aquarium independently, which allowed us to fully appreciate what we saw. Of course, the animals would be better off in their habitat rather than in tanks with limited space, but aquariums often contain animals that would have no chance of surviving in the wild or are perhaps on the verge of extinction. The aquarium's important work is also to preserve species, and here there are truly countless, all meticulously cared for. We reached the aquarium by public transportation, which drops you off just steps from the entrance. Fortunately, there weren't many people inside, so we were able to fully enjoy the view. We also reported incidents of rudeness among visitors, often children, but in our opinion, the responsibility doesn't lie with the facility, but rather with us, the parents/guardians. Based on our experience, we highly recommend a visit!

A very pleasant garden, perfect for strolling.

Relaxing and peaceful. Very pleasant.

L’Espace Van Gogh is a cool stop if you’re interested in Van Gogh and his time in Arles. The courtyard and setting are attractive, and there’s enough historical connection to make it worthwhile without needing a huge amount of time. Probably most interesting for Van Gogh fans, but still a pleasant place to wander through.

Photographic Encounters in Arles

Another must-see: Van Gogh, for its immersive atmosphere and cultural history.