Pontoise is a suburban commune of the Val-d'Oise département, in suburban Paris in France. It belongs to the new town of Cergy-Pontoise
History
Pontoise is the historical capital of the Vexin français. Its foundation dates from the Roman times (Pontisara). As that time, the rock piton overhanging Oise supports the defense of the ford which is on the Roman way carrying out of Rotomagus (Rouen) to Lutetia (Paris).
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 (built in the 12th century)
- Musée Tavet-Delacour (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
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