Val-d'Oise Holiday Guide
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Val-d'Oise - a department of outstanding natural beauty
Perhaps surprisingly for a department so close to the massive conurbation of Paris, the Val-d'Oise is a land of outstanding natural beauty. It is here that the Kings of France would hunt in the forests, seeking deer and wild boar, which can still be found living wild today. The department also has a rich heritage, monumental sights and a variety of sporting activities to offer.
Top 5 things to see and do in Val-d'Oise
1. Follow the artists' footsteps
The Val-d'Oise is a great destination for those who enjoy walking in the footprints of great painters. Van Gogh and the famous Impressionist painters all loved the department, whose countryside and natural colours inspired them. There's a much more current art movement in the Val-d'Oise too, with art exhibitions, festivals, galleries and art museums.
2. Fish
Fishermen have flocked to the Val-d'Oise for many years to enjoy its tranquillity and fabulous carp fishing. Take dedicated fishing holidays, or pack your rod and pick up a permit from the local tabac.
3. Play golf
Golfers looking to escape the UK for a short (or long!) break will be bound to find a course in the Val-d'Oise that suits, as the department has the sum total of eight courses at their disposal!
4. Explore abbeys and castles
The department has a rich heritage, and there are many important historic monuments to see. Take a look at the Notre Dame du Val Abbey, Auvers Castle, La Roche Guyon Castle or Maubuisson Abbey - among others!
5. Try paragliding
If you have a thirst for adventure, take a trip to the town of St Clair sur Ept where you can have a go at paragliding. Be warned, though, this is not for the faint of heart, so if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground just enjoy a browse around this pleasant town instead.
Top 5 towns and cities in Val-d'Oise
1. Pontoise (Cergy Pontoise)
The capital city of Pontoise sits on the River Oise, as the name suggests. Although the large urban area of Cergy Pontoise is part of a new town, the old sector is known as a city of art and history, the town is notable for its place as the centre of the Impressionist School of Art, offering two good museums of art and sculpture to boost the theme. Artists and would be artists still find inspiration in the city and its surroundings.
2. La Roche Guyon
Another listed town is La Roche Guyon, but this time the classification is of one of France's "most beautiful towns and villages". La Roche Guyon is completely charming in its riverside setting and mediaeval ambience, and the appeal is topped off by the cliff top castle with its troglodyte dwellings below.
3. Auvers sur Oise
This town is all about art, specifically impressionism and, even more specifically, Van Gogh. Visit the House of Van Gogh, the Auberge Ravoux, preserved today as it was when the great painter lived there, and see for yourself the inspirational landscapes and scenes immortalized in the great works of art that are favourites all over the world. See too the intriguing Museum of Absinthe, the Château of Auvers and Daubigny's workshop.
4. Enghien les Bains
Enghien les Bains is an idyllic holiday resort with enough attractions to keep the whole family happy for as long as you are able to stay! In a gorgeous lakeside setting, this lively and elegant spa town offers spa treatments, super shopping, water sports, horse trotting races, music festivals and a myriad of other possibilities! There is something of the Belle Epoque about this place, with the casino that dates back to 1908, the elegant buildings and slightly rarefied air.
5. L'Isle Adam
L'Isle Adam is another town worth considering as a holiday base, as it is a well developed and lovely resort with lots of activities and interest for all ages. The town has a rich history and much heritage to show, while it is also another stop along the "Impressionist Painters' Trail". L'Isle Adam has as stunning natural setting, and sports available include, among many others, horse-riding in the forests, golf on an excellent 18-hole course and swimming, sailing and sunbathing on the waters and beaches of a beautiful lake.
Food and drink in Val-d'Oise
The gastronomy of the Val-d'Oise department offers such delights as the acclaimed Montmorency Duck (braised duck with local cherries), a variety of goats' cheeses, roast chicken and a wealth of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The gastronomy here is rich and varied, as the influences of many regions have arrived in and around the capital.
How to get to Val-d'Oise
The Val-d'Oise is really easy to reach. Fly to Paris with a great choice of airlines and departure points around the UK, or take the Eurostar train to the Gare du Nord, make a quick change and arrive in the Val-d'Oise with the minimum of fuss!
