Christmas Market of Auvers-sur-Oise

Auvers-sur-Oise: When Art Dons Christmas

Auvers-sur-Oise is one of the most famous villages in the world: it was here that Vincent van Gogh spent the last seventy days of his life in 1890, painting more than seventy canvases in a creative frenzy, including the famous Wheatfield with Crows. It was also here that Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro, and many other Impressionist artists stayed, seduced by the gentle banks of the Oise River. Every December, this village of art and history dons its festive attire to host a Christmas Market that reflects the place: intimate, high-quality, and imbued with a beautiful artistic sensibility.

A Market of Artistic Crafts

True to the village's artistic vocation, the Auvers-sur-Oise Christmas Market gives pride of place to art artisans and creators. The chalets, set up around the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent his last months, offer creations that pay homage to the Impressionist heritage of the place: paintings and watercolors inspired by local landscapes, screen-printed reproductions of the masters' works, ceramics painted with floral motifs, jewelry inspired by Impressionist art. Tableware – hand-painted porcelain, blown glass, silverware – sits alongside art books, original lithographs, and artist photographs. Local producers add a gourmet touch with honey from the Oise valley, artisanal jams, and quality wines.

Cultural and Festive Animations

The Auvers-sur-Oise Christmas Market happily combines festive tradition with cultural discovery. Guided night tours of the village are offered to visitors to explore under the illuminations the places that inspired Van Gogh – the Notre-Dame church, the wheat field, the Château d'Auvers, the cemetery where Vincent and Théo van Gogh rest. Painting workshops for children allow the youngest to be introduced to watercolor or oil painting, inspired by the village landscapes. A chamber music concert is sometimes organized in the church to celebrate Advent in a solemn and moving setting. Tastings of mulled wine prepared according to a homemade recipe and gourmet specialties pleasantly complete the visit.

Artistic Heritage in Winter

A visit to the Christmas market allows you to discover the many memorial sites of Auvers-sur-Oise in their winter atmosphere, particularly conducive to meditation and reflection. The Maison Van Gogh (Auberge Ravoux) recalls the painter's last months; the Château d'Auvers and its multimedia show on Impressionism remain accessible to visitors. The Notre-Dame d'Auvers church, immortalized by a famous painting by Van Gogh, imposes its architectural presence above the village. The municipal cemetery where Vincent and his brother Théo rest is a place of pilgrimage for art lovers from all over the world. In winter, the village, stripped of its summer visitors, regains a serenity that allows it to be appreciated at its true value.

Practical Information

By car: Auvers-sur-Oise is accessible via the D4 from Pontoise or the D928 from Paris. Free parking is available at the entrance of the village.

By public transport: Auvers-sur-Oise train station on line H of Transilien from Paris-Nord (via Pontoise or direct). The station is a ten-minute walk from the village center.

Free entry to the market. Guided tours and some workshops may be subject to a fee.