St-Paul-de-Mausole, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Monastery in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Chevet de Saint Paul de Mausole
Chevet de Saint Paul de Mausole
CC BY-SA 2.0 / EmDee

Saint-Paul de Mausole is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave, because it isn't just a heritage monument-it is still, remarkably, a functioning psychiatric care site. Visitors are kept well away from clinical areas, but the public route through the monastery buildings, cloisters, and gardens offers a respectful, quietly powerful window into how care, place, and history overlap here. It's one of the must-see places in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence if you want an experience that feels genuinely rooted in the town's identity rather than simply “another attraction.”

The visit also works beautifully as part of a walking tour of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, especially if you're tracing Van Gogh's year in the Alpilles. You can step into a reconstruction of his room, follow the same botanical paths that still echo through his paintings, and see exhibitions that compare historical diagnoses and treatments with more modern approaches. The atmosphere is calm without being sanitized, and the combination of lavender-lined paths, Romanesque stone, and thoughtful interpretation makes the site feel both intimate and significant.

History and Significance of the Saint-Paul de Mausole

Saint-Paul de Mausole began as a monastic site, and that original purpose still shapes the emotional tone of the visit today. The Romanesque cloister and chapel carry the architecture of retreat: enclosed walkways, softened light, and a rhythm that encourages slow movement rather than quick sightseeing. That sense of quiet continuity becomes especially striking when you remember the site’s long-standing role as a place of care.

In the 19th century, Saint-Paul became firmly associated with psychiatric treatment, and its significance widened beyond religion into the history of mental health in Provence. What makes it unusual is that this mission has not become a “museum story” told entirely in the past tense-care continues here, and the public route is designed to keep that reality visible while protecting privacy and day-to-day operations.

Van Gogh’s year at Saint-Paul (1889-1890) is the chapter most visitors arrive for, and the site handles it with a rare balance of empathy and detail. Rather than leaning only on legend, the exhibits and spaces encourage you to think about environment, routine, and the small permissions that mattered-like being allowed to walk and observe the landscape that fed his work.

Things to See and Do in the Saint-Paul de Mausole

Start with the cloisters and church, because they set the tone: calm, contained, and visually beautiful in a way that doesn’t demand attention but rewards it. The exhibitions here are often the most affecting part of the visit, especially where they connect Van Gogh’s lived experience to the evolving language and practice of psychiatric care.

Next, spend time in the reconstructed room and the surrounding interpretive spaces. The power is in the scale-small, simple rooms that make the story feel human rather than monumental-and in the way the interpretation links daily life to the creative output we usually consume out of context.

Finally, give the gardens and the outdoor paths real time. The botanical route, seasonal flowers, and the open views toward the Alpilles aren’t just “pretty extras”-they are central to understanding why Van Gogh’s work from this period is so tied to plants, skies, and shifting light. Before you leave, the on-site shop is worth a look for patient artworks connected to contemporary art therapy, which adds a meaningful present-day layer to what could otherwise feel like a purely historical visit.

How to Get to the Saint-Paul de Mausole

The nearest airports are Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) and Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on Booking.com. From either, you'll typically continue by road toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, then follow signs for Saint-Paul and the nearby archaeological area.

Avignon TGV is the most convenient train station for long-distance arrivals, with frequent services from major French cities and straightforward onward connections. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. From Avignon, you can use regional buses to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, then take a local taxi or a short onward ride to reach the site if you don't want to walk from town.

Buses are practical if you're based in Avignon, Arles, or around the Alpilles, but they may be limited in frequency outside peak season, so it helps to align your visit with a sensible midday window. Driving is the simplest option if you want to combine Saint-Paul de Mausole with Glanum and nearby hilltop villages in one loop. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Saint-Paul de Mausole

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €9
  • Opening hours: (Summer) 05 April – 30 September: Daily: 09:30–19:00. (Winter) 01 October – 04 April: Daily: 10:15–17:15. Closed 05 January – 08 February.
  • Official website: https://www.saintpauldemausole.fr/
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a quieter, more reflective experience, or later in the afternoon when the gardens feel softer and less busy.
  • How long to spend: Allow 1.5-2.5 hours if you want to read exhibits properly, linger in the cloisters, and take the garden route at a relaxed pace.
  • Accessibility: Expect some uneven surfaces and historic thresholds, with the easiest access on the outdoor paths and main public rooms.
  • Facilities: There's an on-site shop, and you'll find more cafés and longer break options back in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Where to Stay Close to the Saint-Paul de Mausole

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Saint-Rémy-de-Provence so you can walk to museums, markets, and dinner; if your main focus is nature walks and early starts in the Alpilles, staying just outside town toward the foothills gives you a quieter base with quicker trail access. For an easy, central stay that keeps the old town at your doorstep, Hôtel Gounod is a reliable choice. If you want something calm and garden-like while staying walkable to the centre, Hôtel Sous les Figuiers suits a slower, Provençal pace. For a more indulgent reset with spa time after sightseeing, Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa works well while still keeping the town close.

Is the Saint-Paul de Mausole Worth Visiting?

Yes-this is one of the rare places where the “tourist visit” and the real, ongoing purpose of the site coexist in a way that feels respectful rather than staged. The combination of Romanesque architecture, thoughtful interpretation of care past and present, and the gardens’ quiet beauty makes it far more than a Van Gogh checkbox.

It’s especially worthwhile if you value context and atmosphere. You don’t just learn about Van Gogh here-you understand why this landscape, this routine, and this enclosed world mattered, and why the site’s continued mission gives the visit a depth you don’t find in more conventional museums.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole at 2 VC des Carrières in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a moving, peaceful visit to the former psychiatric asylum where Vincent van Gogh stayed and painted; visitors can tour the main rooms, doctors' offices, sisters' quarters, common areas, Van Gogh's bedroom, the cloister and gardens, and see displays about patient art and treatment, with informative paper guides provided on entry (admission mentioned in reviews as €9, free for under 12), limited on-site parking with a paid lot nearby, stairs to upper floors so not wheelchair accessible, and most guests recommend allowing about an hour to experience the site and its connections to Van Gogh and ongoing rehabilitation work.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, this visit works best with older children or teens who can engage with the idea that the site is both historical and active in the present. The gardens and outdoor paths are a strong entry point, because they keep the experience gentle and sensory before you choose how deeply to go into the heavier themes.

If you’re travelling with younger kids, keep the visit short and focus on the “beautiful place” elements: the cloister loop, the plants, and the open-air route. You can treat the interpretation as optional rather than trying to absorb everything in one go.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Saint-Paul de Mausole is quietly moving in a way that feels intimate rather than dramatic. The cloisters and gardens encourage a slower pace, and the site naturally lends itself to reflective conversation, especially if you’ve been visiting brighter, more bustling Provençal stops.

It also pairs well with a relaxed afternoon in Saint-Rémy: a calm morning at Saint-Paul, lunch in town, then a late-day stroll when the light softens. The overall rhythm feels restorative, which is exactly what many romantic getaways are really looking for.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will find this visit good value if you’re interested in Van Gogh’s Saint-Rémy chapter and want more than a quick photo stop. You can get a full, unhurried experience by combining the site with free or low-cost nearby walking routes, making it an anchor for a fuller day.

If you’re watching spend, plan your day so the ticket replaces a more expensive museum option. The gardens, the interpretation, and the atmosphere together can easily justify being your main “paid” cultural stop in Saint-Rémy.

History Buffs

History-focused travellers will appreciate that the site isn’t only art history-it’s also the layered history of monastic life, institutional care, and how social attitudes have changed over time. The exhibits that compare past and present approaches to diagnosis and treatment are particularly compelling if you like history with real-world relevance.

To deepen the context, pair Saint-Paul de Mausole with the nearby ancient sites around Glanum. That combination gives you an unusually rich “timeline in one area,” from Roman Provence through medieval spirituality to modern care and cultural memory.

FAQs for Visiting the Saint-Paul de Mausole

Getting There

It sits just outside the town centre near the archaeological area around Glanum, so it’s close but not right in the old-town lanes. It’s an easy add-on to a day that includes nearby antiquities and viewpoints.
The simplest route is to walk out toward the Glanum/Les Antiques direction and follow the main approach roads and signage. If you prefer a calmer walk, start earlier to avoid the busiest traffic moments.
Parking is generally straightforward because the site is designed for visitors arriving from outside town. Driving is worthwhile if you’re combining several Alpilles stops and want to stay flexible with timing.

Tickets & Entry

Most visitors can simply arrive and enter, especially outside peak summer weekends. If you’re travelling in the busiest months, arriving earlier tends to be more useful than booking.
You’re getting a full public route through cloisters, exhibitions, and gardens, not just a single reconstructed space. The most rewarding visits are the ones where you treat it as a complete place, not a quick Van Gogh photo stop.
The biggest one is remembering it’s a living care site, so quiet behaviour and respectful photography matter. Staying on public routes is essential, not just a suggestion.

Visiting Experience

An efficient visit can be done in about an hour if you focus on the cloisters, key exhibits, and the room reconstruction. If you have more time, the gardens are what turn it from “good” into “memorable.”
It’s still worth visiting in bad weather because the cloisters and indoor exhibits carry a lot of the experience. The gardens are a major highlight, so if the forecast is mixed, aim for a window where you can at least do a short outdoor loop.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s one of the classic anchors of Van Gogh-focused routes in the area. Many travellers pair it with town-centre stops so the story feels connected rather than scattered.
Independent visiting works well because the site is naturally sequential and interpretive. A guide can add nuance, but you don’t need one to have a meaningful experience.
A simple loop is Saint-Paul first, then a short onward visit to the nearby antiquities area, then back toward town for a café stop. It keeps the day coherent without over-planning.

Photography

Yes, especially for quiet architectural details, garden paths, and “Van Gogh landscape” moments. The key is to keep your photography discreet so the atmosphere stays respectful.
Late afternoon can be beautiful for warm light on stone and plants, while mornings are often calmer and less crowded. Choose based on whether you value light or quiet more.
Some areas may discourage photography to protect the tone of the site and visitors’ privacy. If you’re unsure, a quick check on arrival keeps things simple and respectful.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some parts are more manageable than others because the site blends historic architecture with outdoor paths. If accessibility is a priority, it’s best to focus on the most accessible public route and take it slowly.
You’ll find basic visitor facilities, and the shop is a natural stopping point at the end of the route. For longer breaks and more choices, Saint-Rémy’s town centre is the better option.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The easiest plan is to return to the old town, where you’ll have the best range of cafés and relaxed lunch spots. It also helps the visit feel like part of a broader Saint-Rémy day rather than a standalone excursion.
Saint-Rémy is ideal for a Provençal-style light lunch after a reflective morning: fresh produce, pastries, and simple plates. It’s a nice contrast to the quiet tone of Saint-Paul.

Safety & Timing

The area is generally calm, but most visitors prefer daytime because the site is best experienced slowly and the routes are clearer. If you’re walking back, earlier evening light is better than full dark.
Early morning often feels quieter and more contemplative, while later afternoon can feel more beautiful as the light warms up the stone and gardens. Both work-choose the mood you want.

Nearby Attractions to the Saint-Paul de Mausole

  • Site Archéologique de Glanum: A substantial Roman site just minutes away, ideal for adding deep history to your Saint-Rémy day.
  • Les Antiques de Glanum: Two striking Roman monuments that make a quick, photogenic stop near the main road.
  • Musée Estrine: A compact Van Gogh interpretation museum in the old town that adds context to what you've just seen.
  • Musée des Alpilles: A local-history museum that helps you understand Provençal traditions, landscape, and identity.
  • Les Baux-de-Provence: A dramatic hilltop village nearby, perfect for pairing culture with big Alpilles views.

The St-Paul-de-Mausole appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) 05 April - 30 September: Daily: 09:30-19:00.

(Winter) 01 October - 04 April: Daily: 10:15-17:15.

Closed 05 January - 08 February.

Price:

Adults: €9

Address: Centre culturel Saint-Paul de Mausole, Voie Communale des Carrières, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: 1 km
Official Website

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