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Val d'Oise in Ile-de-France

Val d'Oise is the most northern department in the Ile-de-France region - sharing its border with neighbouring Picardie and Haute Normandie. The Val-d’Oise is packed with interesting places to visit. It has long been a favourite with artists who come to find inspiration away from the crowded Parisian streets. There are a number of impressive châteaux in the department, including the Château de Ecouen, which is now a fine museum on the Renaissance.

Pontoise, which was once a popular retreat for monarchs, is a relaxing town located in the centre of the department. Its star attraction is its flamboyant cathedral with its rich mix of architectural styles. The artists Camille Pissaro, Paul Gauguin and Paul Cezanne all made their home here.

Val d'Oise is home to the Regional Nature Park of French Vexin, a vast rural area dedicated to preserving the natural landscape and heritage of a century ago so loved by the impressionist painters.

Relaxation and leisure are the two main occupations here. You can choose mountain biking in the Montmorency Forest, canoeing on the Epte, paragliding in the Avernes, horse riding in the L'Isle-Adam and carp fishing in the Carnelle Forest.

Favoured by kings and noblemen, the Val d'Oise boasts castles and the Abbaye de Royaumont, undoubtedly the finest Cistercian abbey in the Ile de France.


Chateau d'Auvers - G.FEY / CRT Ile-de-France

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