VAL D’OISE

Val-d’Oise is a French department consisting of three arrondissements : Argenteuil, Sarcelles and Pontoise.

It is a department that is visited by few organisations and travel companies, but still has its own character and history. A place like “Compiègne” rings a bell for people interested in WO I & WO II.

On my programme are the following places, towns and cities :

Argenteuil: A place for many art lovers. Two famous painters have ties with Argenteuil; Georges Braque who was born there on the 13th of May 1882 and who was, together with Pablo Picasso, the founder of Cubism. The famous painter and impressionist Claude Monet settled in Argenteuil in 1871.

Auvers-Sur-Oise: A bell rings in the ears of many art lovers, namely Daubigny, Cézanne, Corneille and Van Gogh who are buried there have spent part of their lives there. We visit the buildings and places painted by Van Gogh.

Beauvais: With its Gothic cathedral “Saint-Pierre de Beauvais” the highest in the world and its history ( legend) about it.

Chantilly: The Chantilly Castle is a reconstruction commissioned by Henry of Orléans, Duke of Aumale and Louis Philip. During WWI it was the headquarters for the French General Staff. With its gardens, stables and various buildings we will stay on site for at least half a day.

Château d’Ambleville: A visit to this beautiful Renaissance-Baroque castle with its beautiful garden should not be missed in the programme.

Château Villarceaux: Ditto for the beautiful Domaine de Villarceaux, which is with its 800 hectares certainly worth a visit for many garden-park lovers.

This castle was built in the 11th century and after several renovations,
reconstruction only ends in 1759 as it is today.

Château de la Roche Guyon: Built in 1190 until the 16th century, this castle is situated at the gateway of Normandy on the right bank of the Seine. At the foot of this castle there is an important French vegetable garden. During World War II, it served as a headquarters. On 17 March 1943, Field Marshal Rommel settled in the “Enville” pavilion.

Château d’Ecouen: This 16th century castle has a beautiful collection of art from the Renaissance period and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.

Clermont: A quiet but beautiful town with many interesting buildings and monuments.

Compiegne: lives up to its history. First Joan of Arc led the attack on Paris from Compiègne in 1430. It is also here that Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians. In World War I, the armistice was also dictated here on 11 November 1918 by the French Marshal Ferdinand Foch. And on 22 June 1940 the French concluded a humiliating armistice with Germany in that same wagon. Last but not least, the beautiful castle of Compiègne was built by Charles V and shaped by Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Louis XIV and Louis XV held their great celebrations there. Numerous beautiful buildings can be visited in the town centre.

Saint-Leu-d’Esserent: with its beautiful abbey or Saint-Leu-d’Esserent and its history

Senlis: Senlis was already known during the Romans period under the name of Augustomagus. Judith van West-Vlaanderen stayed at the monastery in Senlis and was kidnapped around 861 by Bouwdewijn I van Vlaanderen. Senlis Cathedral is also worth visiting.

Pierrefonds: The municipality is dominated by the castle of Pierrefonds. Like many castles, this castle was also dismantled in 1617 by order of Cardinal Richelieu.

As you can see, this region is a very fascinating region with many beautiful castles. Cathedrals and gardens one would truly consider the Loire.
Therefore, I gladly accept the challenge of being your guide in this beautiful
region.

Val d’Oise means pleasure !!!