Pontoise (Val-d'Oise)

Pontoise (Val-d'Oise) mini guide

Pontoise is situated on a rocky limestone outcrop overlooking the River Oise, hence the name Pont-Oise, the bridge over the river Oise. The city hosts many events throughout the year starting with the International Piano Campus and ends with one of the world's oldest fairs, the Foire Saint-Martin dating from 1170. A traditional dish which Pontoise was once famous for is still served on the opening day, and that is salted herring. In between comes the Spring medieval spectacular ‘Bouquet Provincial’ and the Autumn Baroque Music Festival, to name but a few. 

Three sites of interest a visitor may well be advised to explore are the Cathédrale Saint-Maclou de Pontoise, this was built in the 12th century and reconstructed and enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries. It has a flamboyant Gothic facade and a tower with a Renaissance dome. Secondly the museum Musée de Pontoise (Musée Tavet-Delacour), this houses sculptures from the Middle Ages, manuscripts from the 17th century and paintings from the 20th century. The third is the Musée Pissarro (impressionist collections) and garden of the five directions. The Museum is situated in a bourgeoise house at the entrance of the old castle.

Pontoise was once one of the principal towns in medieval France, its castle provided both a royal residence and an imposing fortress. Later it became an important centre for skilled craftsmen and a major agricultural market. Sadly, plague, war and revolution took their toll and several centuries of decline followed. The introduction of the railway in the nineteenth century saw the revival of Pontoise’s fortune. It was then that Camille Pissarro made Pontoise his home, attracting many other impressionists, notably Cézanne, Gauguin and Monet. Two excellent museums house numerous paintings from the period. It is thanks to this rich heritage, Pontoise was awarded the label City of Art and History in 2006.

L'Hermitage and the district Saint-Jean/La Justice, in the old suburbs, are highly sought after residential areas. The Hermitage, where the Impressionists lived, still has a village atmosphere today with its coloured mansions surrounded by vast gardens. In contrast, the district Saint-Jean/La Justice is more urban with beautiful houses built between 1850 and 1920.

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Guide point	Details
Department:	Paris and surrounding area > Ile de France > Val-d'Oise >
Location:	Pontoise is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Paris on the right bank of the Oise.
Public Transport:	Train Service Rail services are provided by both the SNCF and the RATP. Pontoise is served by Pontoise station, a terminus on Paris RER line C and an intermediate terminus for suburban trains originating from Gare Saint-Lazare. There is also a terminus for suburban trains from Gare du Nord. Bus Service Bus services are prodived by the Stivo (formerly StAN). The Bus services[1] operate in and around Pontoise with transport interchanges situated at Place Charles de Gaulle and Parking Canrobert. Air: Paris is the nearest airport.
Tourist information website:	http://www.ville-pontoise.fr/index.php
Tourist information contact email:	otpontoise@wanadoo.fr
Tourist information switch board number:	+ 33 (0)1 30 38 24 45
Tourist information address:	6, place du Petit Martroy, 95300 PONTOISE
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