There are many towns in France that were made famous throughout the centuries by boasting a loveliness that captured the eyes and imaginations of some of the most renowned and celebrated artists in the history of art. These towns already have impressive looks and plenty more going for them but if you are planning a vacation in France and you also want to enjoy particularly stunning places with a painterly beauty, then they really are a must. Plus, if you are an art history fan and an art-lover then these spots are not only like pilgrimage destinations of a sort but they might also inspire a great work of your own. So, follow these famous names to some of France’s most breath-taking towns...
Aix-en-Provence
Known as the, “town of a thousand fountains,” due to the little fountains that tinkle prettily in the background all over and add to the atmosphere of this already lovely ville, Aix-en-Provence is the hometown of Cézanne, the beloved post-Impressionism painter. Expect a delightful village ambiance, winding streets, pretty town squares, dappled light from between tree leaves, market stalls overflowing with brightly-coloured fresh produce, and locals chatting as they sit outside cafés. It is easy to see why such a beautiful place, with such colour and gorgeous light, produced a man who came to be known as the father of modern art. For those who spend any time in a vacation rental in Provence, we highly recommend a visit to this beyond charming town.
Arles
Just an hour away is another gem of a painterly town that is rather easy to fit into your itinerary if you have booked a holiday rental in Provence: Arles. A place that gave us one of the most flourishing and active points in Van Gogh’s career, Arles is full of sun-drenched cobbled streets, bursting blooms, and Roman ruins. Van Gogh fans will also appreciate that the local tourism office actually offers a map that will guide you to all of the spots that are known to have inspired him while he was living in the area, making it easy to follow in his footsteps and see the particular parts of this remarkable place that most captured his attention.
Giverny
The idyllic town of Giverny is now probably best-known as the location of Monet’s house and famous gardens. The pretty town itself and the impressive scenery that surrounds not only attracted Monet to the area but also various other Impressionist artists. So, those who find a villa in Normandy and decide to plan a day-trip to this incredibly picturesque town will quickly discover that it is an exceptionally magical place with lots to offer a tourist. Synonymous with inspiration and breath-taking beauty, Giverny has Monet’s house, studios, and beyond-famous gardens to explore in addition to the town’s Museum of Impressionism, various little galleries, spots painted by the likes of Monet including the charming old mill and the Collégiale Notre-Dame church, and more.
Collioure
Heading back to the south of France and the coast, there is the sweet little seaside town of Collioure, which has attracted the likes of Matisse, Signac, Picasso, and Dalí. Located in a pretty natural bay, with boats bobbing in the water and the pier neatly capped by the town’s former lighthouse turned church, and with the pastel hues of the houses set against the rich greenery all around and the deep blue of the sky and glittering waters, it is a truly picture-perfect beauty. With around 40 galleries in town and a Museum of Modern Art with works by Matisse, the looks and attractions of this pretty little town pack an unexpected punch, making it a must-see for art fans who book a vacation rental in Languedoc-Roussillon and want to plan a day-trip to town.
