Pontoise

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Pontoise is a commune in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 28.4 km. (17.6 miles) from the center of Paris, in the "new town" of Cergy-Pontoise.

Administration

Pontoise is the official préfecture (capital) of the Val-d'Oise département, although in reality the préfecture building and administration, as well as the department council (conseil général), are located inside the neighboring commune of Cergy, which is regarded as the de facto capital of Val-d'Oise.

Pontoise is also the seat of the Arrondissement of Pontoise. The sous-préfecture building and administration, unlike the préfecture, are located inside the commune of Pontoise.

History

Pontoise is the historical capital of the Vexin français. Its foundation dates from the Roman times (Pontisara). At that time, the rock piton overhanging the river Oise supported the defense of the ford which was on the Roman road, the Chaussée Jules César, between Lutetia (Paris) and Rotomagus (Rouen). The road still exists and is now part of the N14 from Paris to Rouen.

Transport

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 as well as a terminus for suburban trains from Gare du Nord. Some trains originating at Gare Saint-Lazare continue onto Gisors. Bus services operate in and around Pontoise with transport interchanges situated Place Charles de Gaulle and Parking Canrobert.

Culture

Pontoise is one of the capitals of the impressionist movement. Many painters took as a starting point the city and its area for the creation of landscapes. Camille Pissarro lived there for seventeen years. Other artists lived or worked in the area such as Vincent van Gogh (Auvers-sur-Oise), Paul Cézanne, Charles-François Daubigny, Gustave Caillebotte, etc.

Sites of interest

Cathédrale Saint-Maclou de Pontoise. Built in the 12^th century and reconstructed & enlarged in the 15^th and 16^th centuries. The tower is in flamboyant style as well as the central portal. The central body is flanked by Renaissance building. The remaining 12^th century part of the cathedral is to the back. To the North of the building is a Renaissance portal.
Musée de Pontoise (Musée Tavet-Delacour). The museum houses sculptures from the Middle Ages, manuscripts from the 17th century and paintings from the 20th century
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.

External links

Notes

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Last updated on Friday January 04, 2008 at 04:02:03 PST (GMT -0800)
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