Our guide
Craving a breath of fresh air just outside Paris, with Renaissance castles, artists’ villages and peaceful nature trails? Then you’ll love Val d’Oise (95)! Easily reached by train (line H, C or J), this corner of Île-de-France offers a perfect blend of culture, greenery and slow escapes—without ever leaving the region.
Nature & slow adventures : explore Val d’Oise on foot, by bike, by train… or even by kayak. From Presles station (line H), a short walk takes you to the stunning Lac Bleu, a peaceful turquoise lake surrounded by woodland. Fancy a riverside ride? Follow the Trans’Oise cycle route along the Oise River, or wander the forested loops of the Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, with perched villages, chalk cliffs and postcard-worthy views.
Heritage & inspired culture : at Écouen, the Renaissance château (via line H, Écouen-Ézanville station) plunges you into 16th-century splendour, with royal collections and historic frescoes. In Auvers-sur-Oise, walk in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh: from the wheatfields with crows to the church he immortalised in paint. Then hop over to Pontoise (RER C or line H), a charming city of Art and History where medieval lanes and quiet museums await.
Val d’Oise is also a land of local flavour: farmhouse cheeses, craft ciders, hillside honey and fresh market produce await. In Auvers, drop into an art studio or cultural café and enjoy a drink in an atmosphere still buzzing with creative energy.
All these gems are accessible by train + short walk or ride:
Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with your crew, Val d’Oise offers a “train + nature + culture” getaway where castles, trails and impressionist vibes roll effortlessly into one easy escape.