AUVERS SUR OISE, a popular 'haunt' for impressionist painters in the 19th century, has enjoyed a resurgence of visitors as an excursion from Paris since 1993 when the inn where Van Gogh spent his last years was restored and opened to the public as the Maison de Van Gogh. It is easy to believe that this pretty little riverside village remains much as it did when Van Gogh moved here from Arles in order to be closer to his brother Theo, who resided in Paris. Incredibly, in the last ten weeks of his life, settled in this idyllic setting, Van Gogh was prolific, painting over 70 canvasses. Tragically, it is also in this village that, despondent, lonely and ill, he shot himself behind the church at only 37 years of age. He lived long enough for his brother to travel the distance from Paris for a final visit. Theo then later joined him again in death-they are buried side by side with simple gravestones in the local cemetery. Seeing the medieval village church is like having one of his most famous paintings, L'Eglise d'Auvers, come to life. For more art and a tribute to many of the 19th century paintings, visit Musée Daubigny. The Atelier Daubigny provides a wealth of mural and roof paintings of landscape artist, Charles-François Daubigny and fellow artists Camille Corot and Honoré Daumier. Also, for the impressionist devotée, housed in the elegant village château is a museum devoted to impressionist art and lifestyle, the Voyage au Temps des Impressionnistes. Near the château is the Museé de l'Absinthe, which details the history of absinthe, the French national drink until it was banned in 1915 because of its effects on the nervous system.

Driving: From the Boulevard Périphérique take the Porte de la Chapelle exit onto the A1 and travel just a short distance to the junction of the A15. Then travel northwest in the direction of Pontoise. Just before Pontoise, turn east (exit number 7) on the N184 and travel approximately 8 km to Mer sur Oise. Then turn north on the D928, crossing the river to Auvers sur Oise.

Many visitors spend time in Paris before coming to the Loire Valley and an excellent sightseeing venue on the way is Chartres, about an hour and a half southwest of Paris (97 kilometers). Chartres Cathedral towers high above the town and stands proud on the horizon. Three 13th-century stained-glass windows dapple the inside of the church with color and light. It's a magnificent edifice and on most days you find the redoubtably British Malcolm Miller describing the history and design of this marvelous cathedral, his knowledge of Chartres giving an added dimension to any visit. If you would like to arrange a personal tour more information can be found in Karen Brown's France: Charming Inns and Itineraries. For more information please see below.

Karen Brown also offers suggestions for itineraries through Brittany, Normandy, Champagne and Alsace. Paris is a convenient starting point for any one, or all, of these adventures! For a detailed description of these suggested itineraries Auto Europe highly recommends Karen Brown's Guide to France, Charming Inns & Itineraries.