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In 1888 van Gogh left Paris for Provence. Here, in collaboration with Paul Gaugin he painted some of his most impressive works. It was also the scene of his famous "ear cutting" act and his decline into mental illness.

I reckon that Musee de l'Arles Antique,  Arles' archeology museum, is one of the best modern buildings I have seen. It was designed by Henri Ciriani and looks brilliant. It is a shame the inside exhibitions are not quite up to the standard of the building, but I am sure that will change. The museum features a range of artefacts from the Roman period, including a scale model of the original Roman town of Arles.

Collioure has in the past been home to an immpressive array of artistic talent, attracted by Collioure's "special light". Luminaries feature Matisse, Picasso, Dufy, Derain, Rennie McIntosh and Maillol. With over thirty galleries and many resident artists still working in and around the town, Collioure is right to proclaim itself the "Town of Artists."

Montpellier's famed Modern Art Museum, Musee Fabre, has just completed a Euros 62m facelift. The renovation led by Georges Freche has added a new wing to the museum and constructed a new walkway up to Musee Fabre