The village of Auvers-sur-Oise is located just 27 km northwest of Paris. This one of the many suburbs of the French capital is remarkable for keeping the history of the last 70 days of the great Van Gogh's life. This quiet and picturesque place has become next and, as it turned out, the last abode of the 37-year-old artist and his brother Theo.
The two-story house where Van Gogh lived and created his masterpieces also has a special history. In the middle of the 19th century, it was a residential private house. But in 1876, it eas transformed into the artists' cafe. Rooms on the second floor were rented out for housing. In 1890, one of these rooms was occupied by Van Gogh.
Now there is a mini-hotel «Ravoux», and the owners of the building saved the artist's room as a «memorial place». Now it's a kind of a museum. Just like one hundred and forty-five years ago you can eat delicious food on the first floor of the house. And this restaurant even has the same oak tables and chairs that stood here in the 19th century. Moreover, you can sit at the table where Van Gogh often had diner, or even visit his room for a fee.
The building of the hotel is considered to be a French historical monument. This is the only place of Vincent’s residence preserved to this day thanks to caring owners who honor his talent.
Tourists who appreciate the works of Van Gogh come to this suburb from Paris just to enter the tiny, 6-meter room N 5 located under the roof. It seems that the aura of the artist still fills the room. And, of course, tourists are eager to try delicious village food and wine.
You can also watch a film about the last days of Van Gogh's life. But even though tourists have to pay an entrance fee, they still often have to stand in line. Chair, bed, wardrobe… The artist was content with such a simple interior. In fact, the rest of the hotel's rooms, which can be rented, preserve the simple spirit of that time.