Artistic inspiration from Pontoise to Auvers-sur-Oise !
Val d'Oise – birthplace of Impressionism
Val d’Oise is an endless source of artistic inspiration ! From Pontoise to Auvers-sur-Oise, come and discover works by illustrious 19th century artists like Daubigny, Corot, Daumier, Pissarro, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh and the places which inspired them.
All of these painters stayed in Val d’Oise during the second half of the 19th century (1850-1870) and were enchanted by its scenery, light, rural atmosphere and tranquillity. They copied and shared their « impressions » with panache, and are seen today as the pioneers of an Impressionist wave which was amazingly successful, despite being severely criticized at first. This painting movement marked the separation of modern art from academic painting.
The two flagship towns of the movement are Auvers-sur-Oise and Pontoise which notably inspired Pissarro, Monet, Cézanne, Daubigny, Van Gogh and Gauguin.
To plunge into the heart of Impressionism, we recommend you visit « Impressionist Vision », the new immersive, sensory experience at Château d’Auvers. « Pissarro à Pontoise » is a discovery trail around the town which traces the life and work of the First of the Impressionists.
Essential museums to visit in Val d'Oise
If you are fond of museums, Val d’Oise has plenty : Centre des Arts at Enghien-les-Bains, Musée Camille Pissarro, Musée Daubigny, Musée François Mauriac, Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Louis Senlecq, Musée William Thornley, Maison Van Gogh, Maison Claude Monet at Vetheuil …
The area also has fine châteaux to visit at Auvers-sur-Oise, Roche-Guyon, Ecouen, Villarceaux, etc…
You can find the Impressionist (impressive, too !) landscapes by walking along the banks of the River Seine and River Oise and in 2 Regional Natural Parks : Oise and Vexin.
Val d'Oise scenery which inspired the cinema
Val d’Oise and its scenery also provided a source of inspiration for film makers. The département has been a centre for film production since 1901. It has a range of mysterious settings, both urban and natural, which offer a full array of everything needed for wide-ranging fictional productions.
The greatest French and foreign film makers from Jean Renoir in 1932 followed by Claude Lelouch, Jacques Demy, Jean Becker, Costa Gavras, Eric Rohmer, Bertrand Tavernier and Vincente Minelli to Jean-Pierrre Jeunet, have found in Val d’Oise the ideal « scenery store » to match their inspiration.
Make the most of your stay in Val d’Oise to visit the Musée Jean Gabin at Mériel where the star of French cinema lived. The museum is open from mid-March to mid-November (all year round for groups by prior arrangement). Opening times : Friday 14.00 – 17.00. Saturday and Sunday 14.00 – 18.00. Admission : Full price : 4€. Reduced price : 2€. Group price (by appointment only) : 3€.
How to get to Val d’Oise
By road
East-west : Francilienne (Paris ring road) RN104 and RN184 ; A15 and RN 14 then D14, Paris / Rouen
North-south : A1 (Paris/Lille), A16 (L’Isle-Adam / Calais) ; RD316 (Paris / Chantilly) ; RD317 (Le Bourget / Senlis)
By air
Roissy - Charles de Gaulle airport
Public transport
Transilien Lines J and H, RER A, B, C and D, Busval d’Oise and Trans Val d’Oise"
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
Gîte de la vallée de Breuil 1
in SAINT CLAIR SUR EPTE - Val-d'Oise
