In much the same way that the cult of the legendary “Maid of Orleans” Joan of Arc prevails in Rouen, the name of the Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh can be found everywhere in Auvers-sur-Oise. Today, the canvases of this painter adorn the best museums in the world and are considered priceless masterpieces of the art of painting. Vincent van Gogh, the author of the most expensive and famous paintings in the world, spent his last days in this French village 30 kilometers from Paris. Its narrow winding streets and old houses inspired Van Gogh to create his masterpieces, including seventy-six brilliant paintings, some of which can be seen in the art museum placed in the former castle of the nobleman Lioni. Since then, the town has remained almost unchanged: the government banned the construction of new buildings to conserve the picturesque surroundings as they were in the days of the famous French artists Pissarro and Gauguin, Monet and Cezanne. The town also preserved the old Auberge Ravoux, where the great artist died in the arms of his brother as a result of an unsuccessful suicide attempt, and the small Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Church, which can be seen in one of his last paintings. And, of course, the main attraction of Auvers-sur-Oise is the grave in the old cemetery, where both brothers, Vincent and Theo van Gogh, are buried. Theo died six months after his older brother. The widow ordered him to be buried next to Vincent, the closest person in Theo’s life.

Even today, the tombstones seem to be one solid slab, symbolizing the closeness of the brothers. Every year, the grave of the genius is visited by several hundred thousand tourists. However, it is still not possible to collect donations for its restoration, even with the help of philanthropists and museums. Therefore, there is a certain tradition among travelers: everyone visiting the famous cemetery should make a humble donation to the restoration of the grave and the small church, admired by Vincent van Gogh.