Romans, Van Gogh and Doctor Who

Romans, Van Gogh and Doctor Who | Arles

The Amphitheatre in Arles

How are Romans, Van Gogh and Doctor Who related?

Recently I rewatched an episode of Doctor Who where the Doctor and Amy meet Vincent Van Gogh. Even though it was probably filmed in a studio in Cardiff, I was inspired to visit the real place where Van Gogh painted many of his beloved paintings - in the gorgeous French town, Arles.

My first impression of Arles was "Wow this is wet!" I'd picked a terrible day to go as it was pouring with rain. However through the sheets of rain, I was overwhelmed by the enormous Roman amphitheatre that dominates the town centre. It was the biggest building in Gaul and was used for gladiator fights. Nowadays it serves as a venue for bullfighting.

Much as I loved the Roman Arena, I was eager to see the places that Van Gogh painted. I saw the yellow glow of the Café de Nuit and walked along the lantern lit river from The Starry Night. I visited the hospital where Van Gogh stayed and also strolled through a park that he had painted.

Café de Nuit and Garden of the Hospital in Arles

By that point I was soaked to the bone so I took refuge in a quaint café, La Maison Jaune. I soon thawed with a cup of thick hot chocolate and and two hearty slices of gingerbread. From the window I was watching the rain tap on the glass with the Roman arena in the background while musing about Van Gogh and Romans.

Inside La Maison Jaune there are lots of cute vintage knick-knacks.

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