In March, the owners of Café la Nuit in Arles were unable to take advantage of the Easter feria due to the establishment’s closure for legal reasons since July 2023. Tourists flock to the famous Arlesian restaurant, which is an exact replica of a café painted by Vincent Van Gogh in 1888. The well-known painting “Café Terrace at night” is one of the artist’s most famous works and was painted during his time in Arles. Despite being a meticulously recreated place, some locals see it as a deception since the original café painted by Van Gogh was located elsewhere in Arles before being destroyed during World War II.
The original Café Bœuf in Arles, described as a historic gathering place in the late 19th century, is believed to have inspired the recreation of Café la Nuit in its current location on Place du Forum. The decision to revive the café painted by Van Gogh was made by three locals in the early 2000s, including a real estate developer, a heritage conservator, and a journalist from the local newspaper La Provence. The trio, along with businessman Roland Zemmour, worked together to meticulously recreate the café, with its iconic yellow façade becoming a symbol of the city’s heritage.
While the café has become one of the most iconic places in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Arles, some still view it as a facade. Despite the café’s popularity among tourists and locals, there remains a sense of deception surrounding its location and originality. The project, driven by a passion for the city and a desire to revitalize it, has become a tribute to Van Gogh and his time in Arles. The café has now become a central point of interest for art enthusiasts and visitors to the region.
The café’s reconstruction has sparked debates among locals, with some arguing that the authenticity of the location has been compromised in favor of a commercial venture. The partnership between the three Arlesians and Roland Zemmour has led to the café’s success, despite its controversial authenticity. The attention to detail in replicating Van Gogh’s iconic painting has made Café la Nuit a must-visit destination in Arles, drawing crowds of tourists eager to experience a piece of art history firsthand.
As Café la Nuit continues to attract visitors from around the world, the controversy surrounding its creation and authenticity remains. The café stands as a testament to the power of art and culture in revitalizing a city’s heritage, while also raising questions about the boundaries between commercial ventures and historical preservation. Despite the debates surrounding its origins, Café la Nuit remains a symbol of Arles’s artistic legacy and a tribute to the timeless beauty of Van Gogh’s work.
