Pontoise

Pontoise is a commune in the Val-d'Oise department, in the Île-de-France region of northern France. It is situated on the left bank of the Oise River, about 25 to 30 kilometers northwest of central Paris. The town serves as the seat of the arrondissement of Pontoise and is part of the wider Paris metropolitan area connected to the regional rail network. Its historic center preserves medieval street patterns, timber-framed houses, and a riverside atmosphere that reflects its long-standing role as a market and administrative center.

Camille Pissarro, a leading figure of Impressionism, lived in Pontoise in the late 19th century, and the town hosts the Musée Camille Pissarro. The museum houses several works by Pissarro and related artists and provides collections that explore the area's landscape and artistic heritage. The town also hosts markets, cultural events, and facilities serving residents and visitors.

Population is around 30,000 inhabitants. Pontoise remains an integral part of the greater Paris region and forms a bridge between the historic town and the newer urban development of the Cergy-Pontoise basin, which has influenced planning and transportation in the area. Public transport links connect Pontoise with Paris and other northern suburbs.