📍
France
Ten days linking Auvers‑sur‑Oise, Cergy-Pontoise and the Oise valley: Van Gogh’s last footsteps, Renaissance châteaux, abbeys and forest retreats, with easy RER access from Paris.
≈ 11
Days
233
Km
9
Stops
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Cergy — Stroll the Axe Majeur by Dani Karavan, a monumental 3‑km urban artwork aligned on the Oise with belvederes and a red footbridge; late‑20th‑century land art and urbanism.
2
Cergy-Pontoise — Discover the historic port of Cergy on the Oise, a trading hub revived with quays, cafés and towpath walks.
3
Pontoise — Old town ramparts and Saint‑Maclou Cathedral, a Flamboyant‑Gothic church (13th–16th c.) with fine carved portals.
Activities
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Sunset walk along the Oise towpath from Port Cergy; go at golden hour for reflections and quiet birdlife.
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Taste local craft beer in Pontoise’s historic center; evening opening times vary, arrive after 18:00.
Next stop
Distance:
3.3 km
Travel time:
7min
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Musée Pissarro, Pontoise — Impressionist collections in a 19th‑century villa overlooking the Oise; focus on Camille Pissarro and contemporaries.
2
Vieux Pontoise — Medieval lanes around the Mont Bélien with half‑timbered houses and painterly viewpoints.
3
Oise river banks — Bridges and islets that inspired 19th‑century plein‑air painters; gentle photography loop.
Activities
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Market tasting in Pontoise (morning hours); pick seasonal cheeses and baguettes for a riverside picnic.
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Evening bistro crawl around Place Notre‑Dame; reserve for weekend nights.
Next stop
Distance:
7.1 km
Travel time:
14min
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Auvers‑sur‑Oise — Château d’Auvers: immersive parcours on Impressionism and the 19th‑century Paris region; formal terraces above the valley.
2
Auberge Ravoux (Maison de Van Gogh) — Final room of Vincent van Gogh (1890) and documented ambiance of a village inn.
3
Église Notre‑Dame‑d’Auvers — Romanesque‑Gothic church made famous by Van Gogh’s painting; 12th–13th century volumes, listed monument.
4
Cemetery of Auvers — Graves of Vincent and Theo van Gogh under ivy; moving site above the wheatfields.
Activities
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Waymarked painters’ trail through the fields and the Oise bluffs; start mid‑afternoon to catch soft light.
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Dinner on the village square; book terraces on weekends.
Next stop
Distance:
6.9 km
Travel time:
14min
4
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
L’Isle‑Adam — River resort heritage: Belle‑Époque bathing huts, sandy river beach and Oise bridges.
2
Forêt de L’Isle‑Adam — Oak and beech forest with signed hiking loops and bridleways.
3
Art‑deco villas — Riverside façades and ironwork balconies dating 1900–1930.
Activities
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Rent a canoe on the Oise (in season, 10:00–17:00) and paddle quiet backwaters.
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Ice‑cream stop on the river promenade; evenings lively in summer.
Next stop
Distance:
20.5 km
Travel time:
41min
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Écouen — Musée national de la Renaissance in Château d’Écouen, a 16th‑century palace with tapestries (including the famous David & Bathsheba) and decorative arts.
2
Parc du Château — Formal terraces and hunting forest perspectives typical of the French Renaissance.
Activities
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Guided focus on enamels and maiolica rooms (check museum schedules; closed Tuesdays).
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Sunset viewpoint over the Plaine de France from the château steps.
Next stop
Distance:
9.3 km
Travel time:
19min
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Enghien‑les‑Bains — Lakeside spa architecture; casino façade and Belle‑Époque bandstand on the boardwalk.
2
Spa heritage museum (if open) and lakeshore villas; eclectic styles from 1850–1930.
Activities
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Pedal a lakeside boat (spring–summer rentals until 18:00); quiet morning waters are best.
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Evening show at the Enghien theater/casino (tickets required).
Next stop
Distance:
24.3 km
Travel time:
49min
7
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Abbaye de Royaumont — 13th‑century Cistercian abbey with cloister, chapter house and landscaped grounds; major cultural festival venue.
2
Asnières‑sur‑Oise — Village lanes and riverside mills near the abbey estate.
Activities
→
Attend a chamber‑music rehearsal or garden event (check calendar); respectful silence in cloister.
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Tea room in the former monastic refectory (afternoon).
Next stop
Distance:
70.7 km
Travel time:
1h11
8
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
La Roche‑Guyon — Cliff‑side château with medieval keep, troglodyte stair and 18th‑century salons; site on the Seine loop.
2
Seine valley viewpoints in Parc naturel régional du Vexin français; chalk hills and orchard landscapes.
Activities
→
Walk the “sentier des crêtes” above the village for sweeping Seine panoramas; avoid after rain (slippery chalk).
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Local cider tasting at a Vexin farm (pre‑book).
Next stop
Distance:
66.7 km
Travel time:
1h07
9
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Montmorency — Basilica of Saint‑Denys (12th–18th c.) and streets once frequented by Jean‑Jacques Rousseau.
2
Valmorency forest trails — Chestnut groves and classic viewpoints towards Paris.
Activities
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Rousseau’s House (Montmorency museum) when open; check seasonal hours.
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Café terraces on Place du Marché; evening ambiance.
Next stop
Distance:
24.1 km
Travel time:
48min
10
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Vexin villages loop — Wy‑dit‑Joli‑Village and Marines stone farms; rural Romanesque churches with sculpted portals.
2
Pontoise quarries (guided) — Underground limestone heritage (book official tours only).
Activities
→
Farewell dinner on the Oise in Port Cergy; book riverside tables.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in France?
Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.