From van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to Cézanne’s “Bathers,” the Post-Impressionist movement is all but forgotten. And France played a pivotal role not only in producing some of the most well-known artists from this movement but also inspiring creatives across the globe. Whether in Paris or Provence, Post-Impressionist art aficionados will find their bonheur all throughout France. You may not know Post-Impressionism by name, but you certainly have heard of some of its main players: Paul Cézanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gaugin and Georges Seurat. Here’s a brief guide to the Post-Impressionist movement in France as well as where you can see some of its key pieces today.
The Post-Impressionist Guide to France
A Brief History on Post-Impressionism
The name of the movement already gives us a hint; Post-Impressionism followed the Impressionism movement. “Breaking free of the naturalism of Impressionism in the late 1880s,” writes James Voorhies in an article for the Met, “a group of young painters sought independent artistic styles for expressing emotions rather than simply optical impressions, concentrating on themes of deeper symbolism.” This movement roughly dates back to the late 1800s and can be characterized by not only emotion but also “bold colors and expressive, often symbolic images,” per MoMA. Here are several important artists in the Post-Impressionist movement.
Paul Cézanne
Hailing from the sunny town of Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne left his legacy in Provence and beyond. Art certainly wasn’t Cézanne’s parents’ dream for his career. But after dabbling in law and banking, Cézanne eventually paved his way in the world of art, per Britannica. He spent time working and studying art in Paris but returned to his beloved Provence. Many of his pieces are inspired by Provençal landscapes such as the Sainte Victoire Mountain or Estaque, a fishing village near Marseille, according to the Met.
Where to See Paul Cézanne in France
If you’re on the hunt to see Cézanne’s masterpieces during your trip to France, you’ll want to start in Aix-en-Provence. With several exhibitions and reopenings, 2025 has been named the Year of Cézanne. Make a trip to Aix’s Musée Granet, which will feature a special Cézanne exhibition from June to October. Admire the craftsmanship of this Post-Impressionist artist in his pieces such as “The Large Bathers.” Head back to where some of his masterpieces began with a visit to his art studio, l’Atelier des Lauves. He spent his mornings painting here in the early 1900s before his death, according to the studio’s website.
At the Musée du Vieil Aix from June 2025 through January 2026, you can get a closer look at this artist at its exposition Cézanne Vu d’Aix. Featuring paintings, photos and objects, this exhibit explores the relationship between Cézanne and Aix, which wasn’t always smooth, according to Cézanne 2025.
And a short drive outside of Aix, immerse yourself in the Provençal landscape that inspired Cézanne with a visit to Les Carrières de Bibémus. This rocky plateau served as his makeshift studio where he created nearly 30 pieces, per Cézanne 2025.
At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, you can see some of his most well-known pieces such as “Pommes et Oranges” and “Montagne Sainte-Victoire.”
You might also be interested in our Paris to Provence itinerary.
Provence Driving Wine Tour
Like many artists, Cézanne found his inspiration from his surroundings in Provence. Discover this sun-soaked region and its terroir with a group wine tour. Drive past the Côte de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards just outside of Cézanne’s hometown of Aix-en-Provence. You’ll have the chance to sip on several wines of this appellation.
Vincent Van Gogh
No, this Dutch painter isn’t French, but he spent a considerable amount of time in France, where he found plenty of inspiration. In 1888, he arrived in Arles and lived in his famous “yellow house,” per Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles. He suffered from a mental breakdown and cut off part of his ear before moving to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence the following year for his health, according to the Fondation. And during his stay at a clinic in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, he created more than 150 paintings, according to the Van Gogh Museum. Even from his room at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum, Van Gogh found inspiration. Here he painted Starry Night, arguably his most famous piece, per MoMA.
You might also be interested in our article on the best van Gogh-themed activities in France.
Where to See Vincent Van Gogh in France
To make the most of your Van Gogh experience in France, it’s only fitting to include a visit to Arles. We recommend taking a walking tour with one of our guides to trace the steps of van Gogh during his stay in Arles. Only a 30-minute drive from Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also a must for those interested in van Gogh.
In Saint Rémy, embark on the Van Gogh Route, a walking tour from Musée Estrine to the Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole. Along the journey, admire nearly 20 reproductions of his work. Musée Estrine also offers a multimedia space honoring van Gogh and exploring his life and legacy. And the monastery features a cultural center highlighting van Gogh, per Alpilles en Provence.
If you’re in the mood for an unconventional experience, opt for a trip to les Carrières de Lumière. Located in les Baux-de-Provence, this immersive 3D art experience features projections of artists such as van Gogh along with music.
At the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, admire one of van Gogh’s famous self-portraits with its blue swirls and one of his Starry Night paintings.
Arles and Alpilles Cultural Tour
Vincent van Gogh may have been Dutch, but there’s no doubt that he had a deep connection to France. Begin your private tour in the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where van Gogh spent time in an asylum. Later you’ll visit the medieval village of les Baux-de-Provence. Uncover the beauty of Arles, where van Gogh spent time living and creating. We’re sure that you’ll quickly understand why this Post-Impressionist artist found inspiration in southern France!
Paul Gaugin
Tahiti, Copenhagen, Panama. In 1848, Paul Gauguin was born in Paris, but he spent much of his time traveling, according to the Guggenheim. And his wealth of artwork reflects his various trips. For Gauguin, his painting hobby eventually became a career, but he didn’t formally study art, according to Biography.com. Gauguin even briefly lived with van Gogh in Arles, but once van Gogh threatened him with a razor after an argument, he packed his bags, per the Van Gogh Museum.
Where to See Paul Gaugin in France
For Gauguin enthusiasts, a trip to Brittany is essential. Gauguin took several trips to Pont-Aven, and now there’s a museum featuring some of his pieces such as “Breton Village Under the Snow” and “Two Breton Women’s Heads.” After a short drive from Pont-Aven, you can discover the new educational center “Gauguin’s studio in Le Pouldu” and learn more about Gauguin’s life and art. From this center, you can explore its “Chemin des Peintres,” a marked walking trail through the landscape that inspired artists.
Georges Seurat
Born in 1859, Georges Seurat studied art in Paris and found inspiration from Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, per Biography.com. When looking at Georges Seurat’s artwork from a distance, you might think that it’s a painting like any other. But the closer you get, you may notice that his painting is composed of thousands of small dots of colors. This technique is known as pointillism, or “the principle of separating color into small touches placed side-by-side and meant to blend in the eye of the viewer,” according to The Met.
Where to See Georges Seurat in France
The Musée d’Orsay remains a popular choice for those on the hunt for Post-Impressionist pieces. At this museum in Paris, you can get up close and personal with some of Seurat’s pieces such as “Le Cirque” and “Etude pour ‘Un dimanche après-midi à l’île de la Grande Jatte.’”
Where to Stay in France
Les Lodges Sainte Victoire Hotel & Spa
It’s no secret that the region of Provence heavily influenced some of the key players in the Post-Impressionist movement. Follow in their footsteps with a stay in this five-star hotel and spa. Stay in one of this hotel’s 35 rooms and enjoy a Provençal meal on this hotel’s terrace overlooking the Sainte Victoire Mountain.
It’s clear that the Post-Impressionist movement remains an important period, and France took center stage. From Cézanne to Seurat, van Gogh to Gauguin, France produced and influenced these artists. Longing to explore the Post-Impressionist movement in France for yourself? At French Side Travel, we’re experts on all things French culture and luxury. Let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime. You might also like: A Historical and Cultural Escape to Paris or Art, Culture and History trip to Provence.
