In the Gallo-Roman era,
a natural spring drew to St-Rémy de Provence
pilgrims coming to call upon Valetudo, the goddess of health. In the 11th century, the Christians built, near the spring, a priory, a veritable gem of Provençal Romansque art.
Marvelously preserved, it adjoins the Saint Paul de Mausole mental hospital where Vincent Van Gogh was taken in after the episode in which he cut off his ear.
Near his room, by the cloister's walk, an art therapy workshop has been created by the association Valetudo which brings together art, research and treatment.
Amazing results : on the canvasses appear moving works, sometimes very expressive, often poetic, recounting the inner journey of patients who have found in it a complementary means of expression of, and relief from, their suffering.
