Pontoise is a commune in the northwestern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 28.4 km (17.6 mi) from the centre of Paris, in the “new town” of Cergy-Pontoise.

History

Pontoise is the historical capital of the Vexin français. Its foundation dates from Roman times (Pontisara). At that time, the rock peak overhanging the river Oise supported the defense of the fort 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. It is also known to many people as the birthplace of the alchemist Nicholas Flamel. With an over 2,000 year legacy, Pontoise still has vestiges of the past, such as medieval lanes, convents, churches and museums, and was awarded the “City of Art and History Label” in 2006. The impressionist painter Camille Pissarro made it famous through many paintings which are present nowadays in the most famous art galleries in the world.

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. For bus services, Stivo (formerly Services des Transports de l’Agglomération Nouvelle) operates within the new town of Cergy-Pontoise, and in and around Pontoise, with transport interchanges situated Place Charles de Gaulle and Parking Canrobert.

Pontoise – Cormeilles Aerodrome is the area airport.

Education

Public preschool through elementary schools include:

• Seven preschools (‘maternelles): des Cordeliers, Eugène-Ducher, de l’Hermitage, Laris, Ludovic-Piette, Jean-Moulin, Parc-aux-Charettes
• Two primary schools: École primaire Gustave-Loiseau and École primaire des Maradas
• Seven elementary schools (élémentaires): Paul-Cézanne, Eugène-Ducher, de l’Hermitage, des Larris, Jean-Moulin, Ludovic-Piette, Parc-aux-Charrettes

Public senior high schools/sixth-form colleges:

• Lycée Camille Pissarro Pontoise
• Lycée Alfred Kastler de Cergy-Pontoise, in Pontoise, also serves Cergy

There are also six private schools: École Saint-Martin-de-France (up to senior high school), École “Ella”, École Saint-Louis, Établissement Vauban, Notre-Dame-de-la-Compassion (junior and senior high school)

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, Paul Gauguin, etc.

Main sights

• Cathédrale Saint-Maclou de Pontoise. It was built in the 12th century and reconstructed and enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tower, as well as the central portal, is in flamboyant style. The central body is flanked by Renaissance additions. The remaining 12th 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 seventeenth century and paintings from the twentieth century
• Musée Pissarro (Impressionist collections) and garden of the five senses. The Museum is situated in a bourgeoise house at the entrance of the old castle.

Parks and recreation

Parks:

• Le Jardin de la Ville
• Le Parc des Larris
• Le jardin partagé de Marcouville
• Le Jardin des Cinq Sens
• Le Parc du Château de Marcouville
• Les jardins et la terrasse basse du Dôme
• Le Jardin des Lavandières
• Plaines de jeux