The Val-d'Oise (95), the outer ring of theÎle-de-France region, is a gateway to history, art and nature. Located north-west of Paris, this département boasts a mosaic of landscapes, from majestic forests and verdant valleys to towns with a rich past. While it is home to large, dynamic cities such as Cergy, Argenteuil and Pontoise, the discreet charm of its picturesque villages andvast natural spaces are not to be underestimated.
The Val-d'Oise is a land of tradition and modernity. Here, history is told through medieval alleyways, writers' residences and the vestiges of a rich past. A land of inspiration for many artists, it has been home to Impressionist painters, Romantic writers and creators in search of serenity. The département is also home to a fascinating industrial and architectural heritage, bearing witness to the changes that have marked the region over the centuries.
Whether you're an art lover, a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this selection of places to discover in the Val-d'Oise will pique your curiosity. From emblematic sites to more confidential corners, you'll find ideas for outings to suit everyone's tastes: cultural strolls, bucolic breaks or unusual visits. Between castles,museums, gardens and unspoilt natural areas, there's always a new nugget to explore.
This selection is as much for Val-d'Oise residents in search of local rediscoveries as it is for visitors wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Regularly enriched with new discoveries, it invites you to set off on an adventure, discovering a heritage as varied as it is unexpected. Ready to unveil the treasures of the 95?
Exhibitions to see in the Val d'Oise: current artistic events
Looking for an exhibition in the Val d'Oise? You've come to the right place: find out all about the latest cultural events in the 95 region. [Read more]
L'Isle-Adam: the green nugget in Ile-de-France, 25 km from Paris
L'Isle-Adam, one of France's most beautiful Detours and a source of inspiration for many a landscape painter, is a veritable green nugget to be discovered just a few kilometers from Paris. On the banks of the River Oise, with its seaside resort and beautiful monuments, this village in the Val d'Oise has plenty to tempt those in search of strolls and discoveries. [Read more]
Claude Monet's Maison Impressionniste, the museum of the painter's life in Argenteuil
To discover the life of Claude Monet, there's no need to go as far as Giverny, as the Maison Impressionniste de Claude Monet in Argenteuil is home to an immersive museum about the painter. [Read more]
Château de la Roche Guyon, a troglodyte castle in the Val-d'Oise with a breathtaking view over the Seine valley
Have you heard of Ile-de-France's only troglodyte castle, nestled in the only village in the region to be named one of France's most beautiful villages? We'll take you on a tour of the Château de la Roche Guyon, an unusual castle in the Val-d'Oise, with an eventful past that also inspired the adventures of Blake and Mortimer. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
Val d'Oise (95): In Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, exceptional tours of the Bonaparte crypt
In the Val d'Oise, the town of Saint-Leu-La-Forêt is home to the crypt of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's family, located within the Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles church. The crypt is open to the public from time to time for special visits. [Read more]
Did you know? There's an unusual troglodyte church in the Val d'Oise, just waiting to be discovered.
Did you know that in the Val d'Oise, the Church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle is the only troglodyte church in the entire region? Carved directly into a chalk cliff and listed as a historic monument, it's an unusual nugget to discover. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
The secret Japanese garden at Aincourt in the Val d'Oise
Located in the Val d'Oise, the town of Aincourt hides a superb Japanese garden in the Parc de la Bucaille, close to the medical center. Take a closer look at this exotic, well-kept park, where tranquillity and zenitude reign supreme. [Read more]
The fruit garden at Château de la Roche-Guyon (95), a remarkable garden for a country stroll
At the foot of the troglodyte château of La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département, nestles a large vegetable and fruit garden, designated a Remarkable Garden. [Read more]
Parc Olympe de Gouges, a garden dedicated to relaxation and sports activities in Goussainville (95)
With over 15,000 m² of greenery, Parc Olympe de Gouges is the new green lung of Goussainville (95). Shall we take you for a walk? [Read more]
Le Jardin du Yoga, secret playground at La Roche-Guyon (95)
Hidden away in a little street, indicated by a single small sign, the Jardin du Yoga is one of the least-known parks in La Roche-Guyon, in the Val-d'Oise département. So, we're taking you there to discover it with us! [Read more]
The arboretum at La Roche-Guyon (95), an open garden featuring plant species from the Ile-de-France region.
In the heart of the Roche-Guyon forest, the arboretum is a little-known 13-hectare green space hidden away in the heart of the French Vexin. We'll take you on a tour to discover it. Are you coming? [Read more]
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