Val d'Oise
Val d'OiseVal d'Oise, a department full of surprises, is a must-see destination for those in search of nature, culture, sport or simply a moment of relaxation. Created in 1968 from the division of the former department of Seine-et-Oise, the Val d'Oise is located not far from Paris. Parisin region Ile de Francehas succeeded brilliantly in developing and modernizing, while cherishing its rich heritage and unique identity.
This dynamic département never ceases to attract attention, especially with Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, continental Europe's leading airport, on its soil. It promises to be a hub of activity during the 2024 Olympic Games. In this article, we invite you to explore the Val d'Oise through a tourist guide enriched with practical information for a local experience full of discoveries.
Discover the Val d'Oise: must-sees
Explore the Val d'Oise and its treasures, whether you're passionate about art, history, nature or adventure. We've put together a selection of must-see places for you to discover during your visit to this département.
Heritage and culture: not-to-be-missed spots
A land of inspiration for many artists, particularly the Impressionists, the Val d'Oise invites you to contemplate the landscapes that captivated Vincent Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise, where he is laid to rest beside his brother Theo. Don't miss the Maison Impressionniste Claude Monet in Argenteuil, which bears witness to the painter's life and work.
The département is also rich in architectural heritage, with exceptional monuments such as the Royaumont Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic art, the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, or the Domaine de Villarceaux and its two châteaux surrounded by magnificent parkland. Culture lovers will be delighted by the diversity of museums, festivals and cultural events available throughout the year.
Nature and hiking: the green Val d'Oise
With its two regional nature parks, Vexin français and Oise-Pays de France, the Val d'Oise is an invitation to discover nature. These protected areas offer a wide range of landscapes, from forests and ponds to rivers and cliffs. Enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, canoeing, horse-riding and golf.
The department's green spaces, such as the Montmorency forest, the largest state-owned forest in the Île-de-France region, or the Cergy-Pontoise urban nature park, are perfect for recharging your batteries. The Val d'Oise is also the department of water, with its many lakes, including the Lac d'Enghien-les-Bains, the only spa in the Île-de-France region, and the Etang de l'Isle-Adam, an oasis of well-being.
Towns and villages: at the heart of history
The Val d'Oise takes you back in time with its historic towns and villages. Discover La Roche-Guyon, one of France's most beautiful villages, overlooking the Seine and offering spectacular views. Visit Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, capital of the inland waterway industry, and its museum dedicated to the waterways.
Explore the ancient royal city of Saint-Denis, home to France's largest necropolis and the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the final resting place of the kings and queens of France. Finally, discover the dynamism of modern cities such as Roissy-en-France, home to continental Europe's leading airport, Paris Charles-de-Gaulle, and Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, future host of the Olympic flame for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Practical tips and local information for your visit
Plan your visit to the Val d'Oise with peace of mind with our advice and local information. Whether you're wondering about means of transport, accommodation options or places to eat, we've got a practical guide to help you discover this charming département.
Getting around Val d'Oise: transport and mobility
The Val d'Oise benefits from an excellent public transport network, including trains, RER, streetcars and buses. Consult the itineraries on the Île-de-France Mobilités website. For people with reduced mobility, the PAM 95 service offers transport on demand. Motorists have access to the A15, A16, A1 and A115 freeways. Car rental agencies include Transports Ladoire Automobiles and Transports Du Val D'Oise. International travelers can arrive via Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport, partly located in the Val d'Oise.
Accommodation: where to stay in Val d'Oise?
For your stay, the Val d'Oise offers a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, from hotels and campsites to gîtes and chambres d'hôtes. Offers are available on sites such as Le Figaro Immobilier and Logic-immo. Single-family homes are also listed on Le Bon Coin. For a charming stay, consider the Château de l'Hermitage or the Hôtel Barrière l'Enghien-les-Bains. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the region's campsites, such as Camping de Paris or Camping de l'Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise.
Gastronomy: gourmet addresses to discover
Discover the gastronomic wealth of the Val d'Oise through its local specialties, local produce and renowned restaurants. Taste regional delicacies such as Méry-sur-Oise mushrooms or Montmorency duck. Don't miss L'Or Q'Idée, the département's first Michelin-starred restaurant, or La Plume, for cuisine featuring local produce. Take advantage of gastronomic events such as the Fête de la Gastronomie or the Salon du Chocolat et des Saveurs for a complete immersion in the culinary culture of the Val d'Oise.
Events and activities: experience the Val d'Oise at 100%
The Val d'Oise, a dynamic and creative département, offers a rich palette of cultural, sporting and festive events throughout the year. Here are a few not-to-be-missed events you won't want to miss during your stay.
Cultural calendar: exhibitions, shows and concerts
In the heart of the Val d'Oise, heritage, art and creativity flourish. Explore exhibitions, both temporary and permanent, in museums, castles, abbeys and emblematic historic sites.
Visit, for example, "Van Gogh, le dernier voyage" at Auvers-sur-Oise, "ARTchéologie, des vestiges et des œuvres" at Louvres, "Sport et Renaissance" at Écouen, or "Héros vikings" at Guiry-en-Vexin. You can also enjoy a variety of shows and concerts in theaters, cinemas and unusual venues.
Attend festivals such as Jazz au fil de l'Oise, Rock en Herbe, or Blues sur Seine. Discover plays, dance, circus and comedy shows at Théâtre 95, Théâtre du Casino d'Enghien-les-Bains or Théâtre de l'Usine.
Sport and leisure: must-do activities
The Val d'Oise invites you to take action and have fun, with a multitude of sports and leisure activities available in its facilities, green spaces and bodies of water.
Try waterskiing, wakeboarding or paddleboarding on Lake Cergy-Pontoise, go-karting, bowling or laser gaming at Speed Park, accrobranche, paintball or quad biking at Aventure Land, or golf, tennis or archery at Domaine des Vanneaux. You can also take advantage of activities and workshops offered by media libraries, toy libraries, cultural centers and associations.
Take part in role-playing games, board games, video games or escape games at the Taverny media library, the Garges-lès-Gonesse toy library, the Cormeilles-en-Parisis cultural center or the La Taverne Oubliée association.
Festivals and events: the year's highlights
The Val d'Oise, a land where culture, tradition and life are celebrated, organizes festivals and events all year round.
Celebrate music, cinema, books and heritage at national events such as the Fête de la Musique, the Fête du Cinéma, the Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse and the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine. Discover local traditions and know-how at the Fête de la Gastronomie, the Salon du Chocolat et des Saveurs, the Marché des Producteurs de Pays and the Semaine du Goût. And don't forget the 2024 Olympic Games, some of which will be held in the Val d'Oise, and the passing of the Val d'Oise Olympic Flame in July 2024.
Conclusion
It goes without saying that the Val d'Oise represents a destination of choicex. Whether your interests lie in heritage and culture, nature and hiking, charming towns and villages, sports and leisure activities, or festivals and events, this varied département is sure to please. The Val d'Oise also stands out for its ease of access, thanks to a well-developed transport network, a varied range of accommodation and numerous places to dine.
The Val d'Oise opens its arms to you, ready to welcome you with its friendly inhabitants, a wealth of practical local information and unique events. Don't delay in discovering the Val d'Oise, the department that promises to provide you with enriching experiences at 100%!
FAQ
What are the major towns in Val-d'Oise?
Val-d'Oise, the French department identified by the code 95, is home to several major cities. Among them, Argenteuil, Cergy, Sarcelles, Garges-lès-Gonesse, Franconville, Pontoise, Bezons, Herblay-sur-Seine, Goussainville and Ermont stand out for their demographic importance and dynamism.
What's the most beautiful town in Val-d'Oise?
The beauty of a town is subjective and varies according to individual preferences. However, according to the 2021 ranking of towns and villages where life is good, which takes into account 183 different criteria, Piscop stands out as a village, ranking eleventh nationally. For towns with more than 2,000 inhabitants, Argenteuil leads the departmental ranking and ranks 65th nationally.
What are the communes in 95?
Val-d'Oise, known by its departmental number 95, is home to 183 communes. The most notable include Argenteuil, Cergy, Sarcelles, Garges-lès-Gonesse, Franconville, Pontoise, Bezons, Herblay-sur-Seine, Goussainville and Ermont, each offering a unique and diverse living environment.
Where to live well in the 95?
Choosing where to live in Val-d'Oise depends on criteria such as quality of life, safety and proximity to Paris. According to various rankings and reviews, Auvers-sur-Oise, Soisy-sous-Montmorency, Saint-Gratien and Enghien-les-Bains are considered the most pleasant towns in the département.
