Vincent van Gogh’s paintings don’t just express emotion—they reflect the world around him. From the golden fields of Arles to the starry skies of Saint-Rémy, his brush captured not only scenery but sensation.
If you’ve ever wondered, where did Van Gogh paint his most famous works, this travel-inspired journey through France and the Netherlands will take you there. Each location shaped his style, color choices, and subject matter—offering a map not just of geography, but of artistic transformation.
Let’s follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps and uncover the places that gave rise to Starry Night, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and more.
1. Zundert, Netherlands – The Beginning
Van Gogh was born in Zundert, a small town in the southern Netherlands, in 1853. Though he didn’t create any known masterpieces here, this is where his connection to rural life and nature began.
His early life in Zundert introduced him to the simple lives of farmers and laborers—subjects that would later inspire pieces like The Potato Eaters.
2. The Hague – Early Artistic Training
In his early twenties, Van Gogh spent time in The Hague, where he began formal artistic training and studied drawing. He was influenced by Dutch realist painters and worked in somber tones, focused on working-class life.
Here he painted some of his earliest works—documenting city life and rural struggle with muted browns and greys.
3. Nuenen – The Potato Eaters (1885)
In Nuenen, a village in North Brabant, Van Gogh lived with his parents and produced over 200 works. His style was still dark and earthy, reflecting his interest in human suffering and peasant life.
Iconic painting: The Potato Eaters (1885)
This somber group portrait of a peasant family eating dinner is considered his first major masterpiece. You can explore his time in Nuenen at the Vincentre Museum, which offers walking tours of key locations.
4. Antwerp – The Turning Point in Color
In 1885, Van Gogh moved to Antwerp, Belgium, where he encountered Japanese prints and vibrant color palettes. Though he struggled financially, he studied at the art academy and experimented with brighter tones.
This marked a transition away from muted tones toward the bold colors that would define his later work.
5. Paris – Impressionist Influence and Urban Inspiration (1886–1888)
In 1886, Van Gogh joined his brother Theo in Paris, living in Montmartre. Here, he met influential artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, and Pissarro, and was introduced to Impressionism and Pointillism.
Van Gogh’s palette became lighter and more varied, and his brushwork loosened. He also painted urban scenes, flowers, and portraits.
Notable works:
- Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat
- Boulevard de Clichy
- Montmartre series
Paris was a time of experimentation, friendship, and rapid artistic growth.
6. Arles – The Sunflowers and The Yellow House (1888–1889)
Van Gogh moved to Arles in southern France in search of light, color, and calm. Here, he produced some of his most iconic paintings—over 300 works in just 15 months.
The warm sunlight, yellow fields, and blue skies inspired a radiant palette and emotional depth.
Famous paintings from Arles:
- Sunflowers
- The Bedroom
- The Night Café
- The Yellow House
- Café Terrace at Night
He also invited Paul Gauguin to join him, hoping to form an artists’ collective. Their partnership was short-lived, ending after a violent quarrel that led to the infamous ear-cutting incident.
Today, you can visit Van Gogh’s Café in Arles, and even stand where he painted Café Terrace at Night.
7. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Starry Night and Asylum Reflections (1889–1890)
After the breakdown in Arles, Van Gogh voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy.
Though confined, he had access to a studio and the surrounding gardens and hills—leading to incredibly introspective, expressive works.
Key works from Saint-Rémy:
- The Starry Night
- Irises
- Wheat Field with Cypresses
- The Olive Trees
- Self-Portrait (1889)
Starry Night, painted from memory, reflects the swirling chaos and inner calm of Van Gogh’s mind. The asylum itself still stands and is open to visitors—offering an intimate glimpse into one of Van Gogh’s most prolific periods.
8. Auvers-sur-Oise – The Final Chapter (1890)
In May 1890, Van Gogh moved to Auvers-sur-Oise, just north of Paris, under the care of Dr. Paul Gachet. Though his mental health remained fragile, he produced more than 70 paintings in just 70 days.
This period is marked by urgency, movement, and emotionally charged landscapes.
Famous paintings from Auvers:
- Wheatfield with Crows
- The Church at Auvers
- Portrait of Dr. Gachet
- Thatched Cottages at Cordeville
He died here on July 29, 1890, two days after suffering a gunshot wound. He is buried in the local cemetery alongside his brother Theo.
Auvers remains largely unchanged and features a Van Gogh walking trail, guiding visitors through the scenes he painted in his final weeks.
Conclusion
Vincent van Gogh’s art is deeply rooted in place. Each painting is a window into not just his mind, but the landscapes and cities that shaped him. From the dark tones of Nuenen to the electric skies of Saint-Rémy and the vibrant fields of Arles, his masterpieces are forever tied to real-world geography.
Following Van Gogh’s travel journey isn’t just for art lovers—it’s for anyone curious about how place inspires passion, creativity, and legacy.
Want to bring part of his journey into your home? Explore our curated Vincent Van Gogh wall art prints, or browse our wider Artists collection to experience more places through paint.
FAQs
Where was Starry Night painted?
It was painted at the Saint-Paul asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in 1889.
Where did Van Gogh paint Sunflowers?
He painted his famous Sunflowers series in Arles, France, during 1888.
Which Van Gogh paintings were created in Auvers-sur-Oise?
Works like Wheatfield with Crows, The Church at Auvers, and Portrait of Dr. Gachet were painted in Auvers in 1890.
Can I visit the locations Van Gogh painted?
Yes. Places like Arles, Saint-Rémy, and Auvers have preserved Van Gogh sites and walking tours.
Did Van Gogh paint in the Netherlands?
Yes. His early works, including The Potato Eaters, were created in Nuenen, Netherlands.
