Auvers-sur-Oise: Van Gogh Walk & Château Garden Lunch

Summary

Walk where Van Gogh painted, riverside paths & village stories

You’ll follow Van Gogh’s footsteps on a 6-mile walk along the Oise River from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise, share lunch in château gardens, and visit places he painted—with stories from a local guide. Expect quiet moments by the riverbank, laughter over snacks, and glimpses of art coming alive right where it happened.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping off the train from Paris was how the air felt different—greener, maybe, or just quieter. There was this soft hum from the Oise River as we started walking, and our guide (Marie, who grew up nearby) pointed out wildflowers I’d never have noticed. She had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to listen for birds—honestly, it made me slow down too. The path wasn’t crowded at all; just us and a couple of locals fishing, nodding as we passed. I kept thinking about how Van Gogh must’ve seen these same fields.

By midday we’d reached the Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise. Lunch was in the jardin à la française—neatly trimmed hedges and gravel underfoot, but you could still smell grass and something sweet from the kitchen. Marie unpacked some snacks (I’m still not sure what that cheese was called—Li laughed when I tried to say it in French) and we sat in a patch of sun that made my sandwich taste better than any café meal. The museum isn’t included on this day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise, but honestly, sitting there with everyone felt like its own kind of exhibit.

After eating, we wandered through the village where Van Gogh spent his last days. Marie showed us spots he painted—she held up postcards next to the actual scenes so you could see what changed and what hadn’t. The church from his famous painting looked smaller than I expected, almost plain except for the way afternoon light hit its stones. We saw the house where he stayed; someone left sunflowers at the door that morning. That part stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walk Van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise route

• Start walk along river Oise
• Lunch break in castle garden
• Explore Van Gogh's village locations
• Visit Van Gogh's famous church
• See Van Gogh's last home

Top questions

How long is the walk on this Van Gogh tour?

The walk covers about 6 miles (10 km) at a moderate pace.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Auvers-sur-Oise?

Lunch is enjoyed picnic-style in the château gardens; some snacks are provided but not a full restaurant meal.

Does this tour include entry to Château d’Auvers-sur-Oise museum?

No, entry to the museum is not included; time is spent in the gardens for lunch instead.

How do we get from Paris to Auvers-sur-Oise?

You’ll take a 40-minute train ride from Paris into Vexin Nature Reserve before starting your walk.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

You should be able to comfortably walk 10 km (6 miles) at a moderate pace; not recommended for those with low fitness or certain health conditions.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near both start and end points of the tour.

Will we see sites featured in Van Gogh’s paintings?

Yes, you’ll visit several locations he painted including his final home and the church depicted in his famous artwork.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided 6-mile riverside walk tracing Van Gogh’s steps from Paris into Auvers-sur-Oise, picnic-style lunch with snacks in the château gardens (museum entry not included), stories shared by your local guide throughout, and easy access via public transport both ways.