Van Gogh painted 'The Starry Night' looking out from the window of his room, which faced east toward the Alpilles mountains.
The monastery was originally founded in the 11th century as a priory on the ruins of the Gallo-Roman city of Glanum.
The clinic is still managed by the sisters of the Congregation of Saint-Joseph of Aubenas, who operate the psychiatric facility alongside the memorial.
The site includes a 'Path of Van Gogh' in the garden, featuring reproductions of the paintings created on-site positioned near their original subjects.
The monastery's name, 'Mausole', refers to the proximity of the ancient Mausoleum of the Julii located at the nearby Glanum archaeological site.
The artist chose this specific location because it offered a controlled environment following the breakdown in Arles that resulted in the loss of his ear.
The Romanesque cloister contains 36 marble columns, each topped with a uniquely carved capital featuring foliage and fantastical creatures.
Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole is a 12th-century Romanesque site where Vincent van Gogh voluntarily stayed as a patient from May 1889 to May 1890. The monastery continues to function as a private psychiatric clinic today, alongside its role as a cultural heritage site. During his year-long residency, van Gogh produced approximately 150 paintings, including 'The Starry Night' and 'Irises', inspired by the surrounding landscape. Visitors can access a dedicated museum wing, the former cloister, and a reconstruction of the artist's studio bedroom. The site maintains a quiet, historical atmosphere focused on the intersection of art and mental health history. The architecture features an original Romanesque cloister with intricate sculpted capitals. The surrounding gardens are planted with lavender and olive trees, reflecting the scenery depicted in van Gogh's canvases. The site remains an active facility, requiring visitors to stay within designated public zones.
The central cloister garden, which offers a framed view of the monastery architecture against the sky.
Walk the outdoor path through the lavender fields to see the exact landscapes van Gogh depicted in his paintings.
Respect the privacy of the current clinic patients by staying strictly within the marked museum and garden areas.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality reproductions and books specific to the artist's Provence period.
Do not attempt to enter areas marked as private clinical zones or hospital wings.
The site is occasionally closed for short periods for private events or maintenance; check local notices for updates during mid-winter.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone as the site is an active psychiatric facility.
