Bureau took the early morning train from Paris to Arles for a 24-hour escape to visit artist and friend Dozie Kanu during his residency at LUMA Arles. With Dozie as our guide, we experienced the city through the perspective of an artist calling it home, wandering between LUMA’s contemporary art campus and the Provençal landscapes that have drawn artists here for generations. Most famously, Vincent van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888 in search of new light and a community of artists, producing some of his most iconic works during his time here. Today, that creative energy still feels very much alive. There is even local lore of an energy vortex running through the region, which somehow feels believable after spending a day here. Below, our guide to experiencing Arles in 24 hours.

More artwork than hotel. Artist Jorge Pardo was given carte blanche to transform this historic Arles mansion, designing everything from the furniture and lighting to the nearly two million pieces of mosaic that cover its floors, walls, and pool. Every room is different, and the collision of centuries-old architecture with Pardo’s wild color and pattern makes it an easy choice for us.

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this abstract tower is made out of salt, and houses a great collection of contemporary art from around the world.

A 16th century mansion houses the work of painter and minimalist sculptor Lee Ufan.

Referencing van Gogh’s oeuvre of work made while in Arles, and his desire to establish Arles as the center of artistic creation, the foundation houses a rich body of his work off the beaten track.