Van Gogh and his place in Provence
With London’s National Gallery’s first dedicated Van Gogh exhibition now open, we reflect on the enduring appeal of his favourite subject matter
Van Gogh, whose visionary talent is currently showcased in an exhibition at London’s National Gallery, was the first major artist to highlight the beauty of Provence. The great Impressionist painter left the grey skies of Paris in the winter of 1888 searching for a brilliant light that would wash out detail and simplify forms. In his brief 15-month stay in south western France, he produced more than 200 paintings and 100 drawings, including – Irises, Sunflowers, Road with Cypresses and Wheat Field – creating an indelible impression of a region that has inspired property buyers ever since.
Why does Provence continue to impress, even today? Painterly though it is, it doesn’t take an artist to appreciate this region’s sun-drenched, peaceful and picturesque appeal.
Provence’s beautiful landscapes
Van Gogh’s passion for the landscape is shared by most buyers, with interest focused on two golden triangles: Gordes, Bonnieux and Ménerbes, and St-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières and Maussane-Les-Alpilles. “Protected countryside is a big pull,” says Nicola Christinger, an Associate in Knight Frank’s international residential team, “with the Luberon and Les Alpilles providing an inviting natural backdrop.” Another draw is the picture-perfect stone farmhouses the painter made famous, often with pleasing views over the region’s iconic sunflowers.
Connectivity by plane, train and broadband
Van Gogh arrived by train from Paris, and while Marseilles Airport is the gateway to the region, there’s also the no-fly option of Eurostar to Avignon. For those whose livelihood is not dependent on a paintbrush and easel, high-speed broadband is now available in most villages in the Luberon and Les Alpilles, with plans to expand elsewhere.
Investment
Space, greenery and pace of life has made Provence a favourite with international buyers, who account for over half of luxury purchasers. These buyers also enjoy the peace of mind of a sound investment. “During the pandemic, Provence was the busiest market across Europe, and prices increased 22 per cent,” says Kate Everett-Allen, Knight Frank’s Head of European Residential Research. The frenzy has subsided, yet prices rose again last year by five per cent.
‘Van Gogh, Poets and Lovers’ is showing at the National Gallery until 19th January 2025, nationalgallery.org.uk
Three Provençal properties available right now
10 bedroom house, St-Rémy-De-Provence
Dating back to the 19th century, a 3.9-hectare park of ancient plane trees is the backdrop to an expansive main house full of historic charm.
The grand entrance hall sets the scene for spacious living spaces, a large kitchen-dining area and well-appointed bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, while a separate guest house and caretaker’s cottage complete this stunning estate.
14 bedroom estate, Domaine de Bajolle, Aix-en-Provence
From one artist to another: With views out to Mont Sainte-Victoire, famously painted by Provençal artist Paul Cezanne, Domaine de Bajolle is an exceptional estate.
Refashioned by acclaimed husband-and-wife architecture duo Bruno and Dominique Lafourcade, the three-house estate comes complete with leafy olive groves, azure swimming pools and sun-drenched terraces.
4-7 bedroom house, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès
An idyllic retreat in the heart of the Alpilles, this 18th-century farmhouse has been thoughtfully restored to retain its Provençal charm. Alongside the main bastide is a guest house partially set into the rock, along with a caretaker’s house that offers ample opportunity for renovations.
The meticulously landscaped grounds, featuring approximately 1,000 olive trees and abundant greenery, adds to the serene surroundings.
