Private Tour: Van Gogh Impressionism and Chateau d'Auvers-Sur-Oise from Paris by 2CV Car
Meet your private chauffeur at the Place de la Concorde and then hop into the passenger seat of your 2CV car. Relax as you travel northwest for 19 miles (30 km) to the village of Auvers-Sur-Oise. Hear historical facts and anecdotes from your driver as you travel between sites, and enjoy the flexibility of exploring places at a leisurely pace on this private tour.
Arrive at Château d’Auvers-Sur-Oise, a 17th-century castle set amid sculpted gardens, and take one of the most imaginative tours in France, the ‘Voyage au Temps des Impressionnistes’ ('Journey in the time of the Impressionists'). Slip on a headset with commentary that guides you through a multimedia presentation depicting life during the late 19th century.
As you walk through the castle’s various rooms, screens pop up with images of famous paintings by Monet, Cezanne and van Gogh. The walls light up with videos of cabaret dancers, and a simulated train zooms through the Impressionist landscapes.
After the self-guided audio tour, wander through the idyllic gardens before settling in at an on-site restaurant for a 2-course meal. See Itinerary for a sample menu.
Back in your 2CV, head to the French historic monument of Ravoux Auberge, where van Gogh rented Room No. 5, and take a look at the spare room that has been maintained in its original condition. During the short time he lived here before he died in 1890, he produced 70 paintings.
Next, take some time to explore the flower-lined streets of the village by foot. Return to your 2CV and sit back as your chauffeur drives through the Oise Valley to the forested village of L’Isle-Adam, in the department of Val-d’Oise.
Considered one of the most picturesque villages in France, L’Isle-Adam is located by the Oise River and served as the setting for many Impressionist paintings. Depending on what you wish to see, visit Church Saint-Martin (St Martin Church), the Château of Stors or the Chinese pavilion.
Your return route to Paris passes through Pontoise, allowing you to see the same villages and fields that Monet, Pissarro and other Impressionists captured with their brushes. Your tour ends with drop-off at the departure point in the late afternoon.
Please note: 2CVs are small compared to modern vehicles, so with comfort in mind, bookings are only accepted for up to three people per car, with one driver assigned per trio. Should your group be larger, no worries — up to nine people can book this private tour, and each group of three ride in a separate car while traveling together in an eye-catching convoy.