Notre Promesse

- What we stand for

Village Départ is a unique place in the burgundy south of the country, at the foot of Vlagheideberg. A piece of the French feeling in the Netherlands. A special place of wonder, in green surroundings, with water and a mountain, to meet, stay, relax and recharge, and from where the beautiful Vlagheide area can be explored. In estamniee De Koers, the beating catering heart of Village Départ, cycling heroes and their fans can meet to experience the race together, but also recreational cyclists who have nothing to do with cycling will certainly feel at home here!

Origins

What began over 50 years ago on Vlagheide as Gerard and Ria Gloudemans' farm, has literally been transformed by them single-handedly over the past decades into a beautiful wonderland. Water, greenery, birds and floral splendour.

Daughter Geertje, with help from her brothers, later companion Robbert and their enthusiastic team, now happily welcome cyclists and other recreationalists there.

"It started with the idea of a simple cycling café," says says Geertje. However, this grew into a veritable cycling village. "The little house our parents built earlier on the island functions today as an accommodation or meeting place. We have also built four more original overnight locations elsewhere on the property. This way, we can offer our guests an 'all-in' experience and we do so with great enthusiasm!"

Our Equipe!

Hospitality is our top priority. Wet and cold? Or just sticky from the heat? Our enthusiastic team will always think along to make you as comfortable as possible. With our group of young but experienced employees and their team leaders, we have fun together, we challenge each other to grow a little every day, and in doing so, make our guests feel as comfortable as possible.

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Did you know...

........ Geertje cycled races as a child in the club colours of Wielervereniging Schijndel? As a small child, she saw her big brothers cycling and wanted to too. Starting with the regular bike, complete with doll's basket on the handlebars, via her first racing bike, until eventually the ladies' cupboard was nicely replenished every year. Especially cyclocross was her great passion, which is why she still prefers to be found in the woods and fields on her gravel bike.

.... and also:

That our team had a real 'Hospitality Training' by 'De Gangmaker', Jos: the Burgundian host with a love for the race! What a fun day that was for our brand-new team and what a great way we learned a lot in a short time, especially about that cyclist! We are ready for you every day!

Drinks or dining with a larger group

Something to celebrate? Or a bite to eat with the whole gang? Our estaminée offers many possibilities. We can reserve a section for you to enjoy a group drink and our well-stocked drinks boards, and we will also be happy to prepare a cosy long table for you to dine with a larger group. In the summer months, the sloping lawn with the picnic tables under our shelter is also a very special place, while in winter we are happy to light the sturdy wood-burning stove inside for you. Plenty of possibilities! We look forward to welcoming you.