Introduction

Situated within the Île-de-France region and named after the River Oise, Val d'Oise is one of the larger of the French departments with a total area of approximately 1,246 square kilometers and a population of 1.14 million. Val d'Oise is bordered in the north by the Seine-et-Marne department, in the east by the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis and Hauts-de-Seine and in the south by the department of Yvelines. The central and south-east regions of Val d'Oise form the region's commercial heart. The west, formerly part of 'le Vexin français' - an ancient French province - has remained largely rural in nature.

History

The department of Val-d'Oise was created in 1968 from portions of the original Seine and Seine-et-Oise departments. Today part of the French economic and industrial heartland, Val d'Oise has, in the past, also influenced generations of artists and philosophers, from Cézanne to Rousseau.

Major Cities

Val-d'Oise consists of three departmental arrondissements, 39 cantons and 185 communes. The principal cities within this department are:

• Ambleville
• Argenteuil
• Auvers sur Oise
• Clergy
• Eaubonne
• Enghien-les-Bains
• Ermont
• Franconville
• Garges-lès-Gonesse
• Gonesse
• Goussainville
• Montmorency
• Pointoise
• Sarcelles

Weather

Val d'Oise is characterised by a temperate Atlantic climate; winters are generally cold whilst summers are mild. The mean yearly temperature is 11 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures regularly dropping to 4 degrees. On the other hand, in August temperatures tend to reach a maximum of 19 degrees. The department receives less than 625mm of rainfall per annumn. Winds are generally moderate. However, wind speeds in excess of 58km/h may be experienced on average around fifty times a year. The department receives an average of 4.7 hours of sunshine each day.

Tourist Sites

The Val d'Oise department is famed for its magnificent châteaux. The Italian Renaissance Château and gardens at Ambleville are a must-see attraction. No trip to this château would be complete without a visit to its landscaped 'sun garden' designed to represent a giant chessboard. This attraction is open to visitors during the months of April and May. The Seine Valley boasts a number of splendid châteaux as well. The Château de la Roche-Guyon dates back to the medieval period. Its impressive salons bear testament to the opulence of 18th century France. Elsewhere, the Musée National de la Renaissance is home to an impressive assortment of 16th century furniture and tapestries.

Val d'Oise has been home to numerous French artists and intellectuals. Jean-Jacques Rousseau resided in Montmorency for a number of years and his former home has now been converted into a museum. The influence of the Impressionist painters can be keenly felt within this department. Indeed, the countryside along the banks of the Seine and Oise rivers influenced numerous such artists. The Pissaro and Tavel-Delacourt museums have on exhibit the works of a number of notable artists including Matisse and Daumier and are well worth a visit. A stopover to the Abbaye de Royaumont at Asnières sur Oise is essential for those of a more musical persuasion. The abbey dates back to 1224 and possesses the largest cloisters in France. Indeed, it was a centre for musical study during the middle ages.

Family Entertainment

Most major hotels cater well to the needs of their younger visitors by offering a wide variety of organized games and activities. Children will no doubt enjoy a visit to Auvers sur Oise. Here one can embark on a journey through the idyllic French countryside aboard the town's famed wooden railway carriage. And whilst youngsters enjoy these activities, their parents may wish to pay a visit to the spa town of Enghien-les-Bains. This picturesque town is home to a famed casino, reminiscent of 1920's Paris.

Shopping

Given its proximity to Paris. Val d'Oise offers near limitless shopping opportunities. Outlets of high street fashion chains are also in abundance. However, one should not overlook this department's many traditional markets, which offer excellent deals on high quality gourmet produce as well as vintage clothing, organic food and antiques.

Food and Drink

As with many French departments, Val d'Oise is famous for its gastronomical pleasures. Val d'Oise is home to many excellent restaurants, brasseries and bars. Prices tend to be competitive, particularly in comparison to Parisian restaurants. Restaurant listings and reviews for Val d'Oise may be found here.

Walking

The department of Val-d'Oise is famed for its breathtaking landscapes and as such hiking can prove a most pleasurable activity. The region's many parks and gardens offer further opportunities for such excursions and further information may be found at www.val-doise-tourisme.com.

Golf

Val d'Oise offers both professional and amateur golfers with the opportunity to refine their skills within idyllic surroundings. There are over a dozen high quality golf courses situated in this department. Golf de Cergy-Pontoise (2 allée de l'Obstacle d'Eau, 95490 Vauréal) is a prime example; an eighteen-hole course, it boasts a number of other facilities including a pro shop and bar. For those looking for a more relaxed golfing experience, the nine-hole course at GCU Saint-Ouen l'Aumône (Allée l'Abbaye de Maubuisson, 95310 Saint-Ouen l'Aumône) may be the perfect setting.

Ease of Access

Val d'Oise is well served by the SNCF rail system which operates from over 68 stations across the entire region. Numerous rail services also run between Val d'Oise and Paris: the RER express commuter service runs between the Vallée de Montmorency, Clergy, Argenteuil, Sannois and the main Parisian land terminals, namely the Gare Saint-Lazare and the Gare du Nord. A TGV (high-speed train) line operates out of the Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport and a number of services are operated to this destination from both England and Belgium.

The Société de Transport Interurbains du Val d'Oise, or STIVO is responsible for the provision of bus transport within this department. Its fleet of 97 buses services some 584 stops across 18 lines and has a daily ridership of over 15 million.

Val d'Oise does not experience the many traffic congestion problems associated with Paris. A well developed system of highways and motorways allow for quick movement across the region. There have also been many efforts on the part of the local government to develop river transport along the Seine and Oise waterways which traverse the department.

Value for Money

Val d'Oise undoubtedly offers good value for money despite being located on the doorstep of Paris. Small family run hotels offer an inexpensive option to those who do not wish to compromise quality when travelling on a budget. As ever, off-peak season travel ensures lower transportation costs.

Summary

The Val d'Oise department offers unparalleled opportunities for a relaxed break on the outskirts of Paris. The towns of Clergy and Pointoise are bustling metropolises and supply ample possibilities for anyone in search of a short weekend break or even a long summer retreat. On the other hand, its picturesque villages and stunning châteaux provide the perfect alternative to those travellers who wish to enjoy a quintessentially French holiday.