Things to do in Val-d'Oise, Ile-de-France: The Best Specialty Museums

Réalisation architecturale majeure de la Renaissance française, le château d’Écouen a été édifié pour Anne de Montmorency, mécène et homme d’État des rois François Ier et de Henri II. Dans son décor d’origine , le château abrite les collections du musée national de la Renaissance, essentiellement d'arts décoratifs, qui incarnent toute la créativité et la diversité de la production artistique et intellectuelle de cette époque passionnante. Ce site remarquable allie la beauté du site, la qualité de l’architecture et la fécondité du dialogue entre un décor historique et des œuvres prestigieuses, laissant découvrir un lieu d’art et d’histoire fascinant.

The House of Mont-Louis In April 1756, Jean-Jacques Rousseau fled from Paris « city of noise, smoke and mud », and settled in Montmorency, in a place called the « Hermitage ». In December 1757, the Citizen of Geneva moved to “Le Petit Mont-Louis”, where the Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum is now set. There, he wrote his most important works: Julie, or the New Héloïse, Letter to d’Alembert on the Theater, Social Contract, Emile or On Education. The condemnation of Emile caused the philosopher to flee from Mont-Louis on june 9th, 1762. The garden and the “Turret” The Museum conjures up an evocation of the little Mont-Louis. In the garden, the “study out of greenery” and the “Turret”, have been rehabilitated. The collections Temporary exhibitions regarding Rousseau’s work, the 18th century and the history of Montmorency are regularly organized. Educational activities The Museum also offers an important display of educational activities for pupils in elementary forms, with work groups on various themes and guided visits of the place. Themed visits for secondary school and high school classes are organized as well.

The archaelogical museum of Val d'Oise exhibits archaelogical remains of this area. From Prehistory to contemporary times, every period is displayed : lithic tools, Soviet sculptures... A temporary exhibition is shown every year and make the young and the older discover a specific archaeological theme.

The Pays de France is a vast cereal-growing plain situated to the north-east of Paris that has undergone a huge transformation with the construction of Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport. Every year, numerous archaeological digs are carried out in the region before any roads or new buildings can be constructed. The aim of this museum is to conserve the objects discovered during these excavations. Using audiovisual aids, experiments and models, we help you to fully immerse yourself into the region's archaeological history. There is even a special area dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which explore specific subjects in more depth and showcase new objects. English-speaking visitors can use the museum app or the audiotour on our free pads on loan at the reception.

Claude Monet was living in Vetheuil during 3 years (1878-1881) before his installation in Giverny. This period was a key period for The master of impressionism. In coming in this small house you will discover the story of Claude Monet and his family during this very interesting period. The guided tour for groups is only by reservation (6 - 30 people ). Visiting days for groups are Tuesdays, Fridays from 14:00 to 16:30 and Thursdays from 9:00 to 16:30. On Sundays afternoons: possibility to visit the house for individuals without reservation from 14:00 to 16:30. 3 departures within the limits of available places. 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 price: 5 € / pers Open from April 1 and November 1.

2. Step into the innermost world of Van Gogh In the attic of the Ravoux Inn, a single skylight lets a few rays of sunshine into the room N° 5 where Vincent lived and died. Out of sheer superstition, this garret referred to as the “suicide room” was never rented out again since 1890. In this well-preserved site, there is nothing to see... but in his empty room, you can relate and bond with the painter’s psyche. To fully take in the experience, you may wish to consider visiting this enclave of silence on a weekday. You will grasp the sentiment of one of our visitors, who thanked us for “transforming the glory of Van Gogh into an intimate experience.”