Royaumont Abbey © Fondation Royaumont
Val-d'Oise is a department in the Île-de-France region, located north of Paris.
During the medieval era, numerous castles, abbeys, and churches were built in the Val d'Oise. Notable sites from this era include the Abbey of Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Louis IX, and the Château de La Roche-Guyon, which dates back to the 12th century and played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War.
The 19th century brought industrialization and the expansion of the railway network, which connected Val d'Oise closer to Paris. The Château de La Roche-Guyon served as a German military headquarters during World War II.
Cergy-Pontoise
Pontoise and the surrounding region were popular with Impressionist painters in the 19th century. Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, and others were drawn to the area's picturesque landscapes. Pissarro, in particular, spent many years in Pontoise and created many works depicting the town and its surroundings. Most of these artworks are now featured in the Pissarro Museum, located in Pontoise.
Pissarro Museum © Visit Paris Region
Cergy is home to the Cergy-Pontoise University, as well as several other higher education institutions such as ESSEC Business School. ESSEC was established in 1907, making it one of the oldest schools in France, and consistently ranks among the top business schools worldwide. The school attracts a diverse student body from over 100 countries.
ESSEC Main Campus © Planete Grandes Ecoles
Auvers-sur-Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich artistic heritage, charming village atmosphere, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Auvers-sur-Oise © Tourisme en Île-de-France
The town has been the home of famous painters. Vincent van Gogh arrived in Auvers-sur-Oise in May 1890, after leaving his asylum in the South of France. He stayed at the Auberge Ravoux, a small inn in the village, for the last 70 days of his life. During his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh was incredibly productive, creating around 80 paintings and numerous drawings.
View of Auvers, May 1890 © Van Gogh Museum
Some of his most famous works from this period include "Wheatfield with Crows," "The Church at Auvers," and "Portrait of Dr. Gachet." Van Gogh's influence is still strongly felt in the village. The Auberge Ravoux, where he stayed, is now a museum known as the "Maison de Van Gogh," preserving the room where he lived and showcasing his life and work. Vincent and his brother Theo are buried in the cemetery of Auvers-sur-Oise, and their graves are a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts from around the world.
Soisy-sous-Montmorency
Soisy-sous-Montmorency boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times, with evidence of Gallo-Roman settlements. Its name originates from the Latin "Sociacum," indicating a Roman estate. During the Middle Ages, Soisy was a small rural village under the influence of the Montmorency family, one of the most powerful noble families in France.
Val Ombreux Park © Plaine Vallée Tourisme
Today, the town is celebrated for its parks and green areas, including the Parc du Val Ombreux. Notably, Soisy-sous-Montmorency will be the final stop for the Olympic Flame in the Val-d'Oise department.
Sport Facts
Several athletes from Val d’Oise will participate in the 2024 Olympic Games. Ninon Chapelle, who is part of the Athletics club of Cergy, holds the national record for pole vault (4.75m / 15.5ft).
The Olympic torch relay will also pass through Sarcelles, the birthplace of badminton champion Delphine Delrue.
Ninon Chapelle © Le Parisien / Delphine Delrue © Actu