The Van Gogh family lived in Etten from 1875 to 1882. Father Theodore was a preacher there. For Vincent van Gogh, Etten was regularly a refuge in those years. He had his first studio in Etten and worked day and night on studies, sketches and drawings. Later, in France, he painted the colourful and imaginative 'Remembrance of the Garden in Etten' (Arles, 1888).

During this Van Gogh cycle route you can first get acquainted with the five Van Gogh Monuments in the center of Etten-Leur, including the Van Gogh Church. Highly recommended for a visit. At the Moeierboom on the Market Square and at Vincent van Gogh's statue in the Binnentuin there are informative audio columns that tell the story of his arrival in and departure from Etten.

You cycle to the surrounding villages of Hoeven and St. Willebrord. Vincent came to Hoeven (the Hoeve in the vernacular) with his father, who was an assistant pastor there. He also came to St. Willebrord ('t Heike), where Cornelis Schuitemaker lived. That was one of Vincent's favorite models at the time. He made several drawings of him. Both in the center of Hoeven and in St. Willebrord there is an audio column.

"I'm so glad that it's so suitable that I can work here quietly for a while, I hope to make as many studies as I can because that's the seed that will come later."
Vincent van Gogh in a letter to his brother Theo, Etten, 30 April or 1 May 1881

How does the Van Gogh cycle route work?
The Van Gogh cycle route is set out via the Brabant junction system. Under each junction sign you will find a Van Gogh cycle route sign. Simply follow the Van Gogh cycle route signs from one numbered junction to another. Between the nodes you follow the signage of the junction system.

Cycle route app
Tip: cycle this route with the Fietsroute app from Fietsnetwerk. Put the app on your mobile phone and open the 'Van Gogh cycle route Etten-Leur Zuid'. The app guides you along the cycle route. Along the way, see drawings, paintings, and read about Vincent's life. Download the Cycle Route app for free in the App Store or Play Store.

Routes hotline
Is there something wrong with the signage or the route? Report this via the Brabant Node Routes Hotline. You can also call 0800-4050050 (toll-free).