Val-d'Oise

This département sits north of Paris, taking in both densely settled areas and open countryside that follows the Oise River valley. The terrain shifts between river lowlands, wooded hills, and residential zones that reach to the edge of the capital.

The territory came into being in January 1968 when the older Seine-et-Oise département split to manage rapid growth around Paris more effectively. The new unit reflected suburban sprawl and the need for smaller, more adaptable administrative structures.

The department maintains three distinct districts - Argenteuil, Pontoise, and Sarcelles - each contributing different social, economic, and demographic characteristics to the region.

Trains and regional rail lines connect towns with Paris and make it easier to move between urban and rural areas. Roads run throughout and provide access to different communities, from built-up neighborhoods to green zones.

The eastern boundary follows the course of the Oise, a tributary of the Seine that gave the département its name. The label recalls the river's role in shaping the area, even though much of the land is now urban.

Location: Île-de-France

Inception: January 1, 1968

Capital city: Cergy

Reference: 95

Shares border with: Seine-Saint-Denis, Hauts-de-Seine, Yvelines, Eure, Oise, Seine-et-Marne

Website: http://val-doise.pref.gouv.fr

GPS coordinates: 49.06194,2.08611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 22:01