Travel guide Val-D'Oise

The Buttes du Parisis, to the south-west, and the Buttes de Montmorency, to the north-east, reach heights of almost 170 metres for the former and 190 metres for the latter. Magnificent vantage points, they are also vast natural spaces ideal for discovery, sports and relaxation.

There are around fifteen of them in the region. Although most of them are not open to the public, or only rarely (during the European Heritage Days, for example), the châteaux are bold architectural landmarks that add to the appeal of the area. Châteaux de Vaucelles, de Boissy, de la Chesnaie, Cadet de Vaux and Lombard are all landmarks of the region.

Each town in the Val Parisis conurbation has preserved its commercial identity, and small shops (many of which are listed in this guide) are plentiful. Thanks to its geographical position, on the main highways, Val Parisis also benefits from the presence of large, densely-populated shopping areas that are highly popular with consumers.

The many cultural, historical and heritage events and exhibitions that punctuate the year are matched by a wide range of dedicated spaces, from museums and exhibition halls to facilities for dancing, listening, singing or simply being moved. Culture is no empty word in the Val Parisis conurbation!

A fast, efficient bus network, two suburban train lines, an RER line, a network of motorways for fast, easy connections, and soft mobility increasingly facilitated by the public authorities: here, there's no shortage of ways to get around, whatever your desires, destinations, needs or budget.

While the most visible forest massifs are located on the hills, there are also numerous woods and forests on the plains. They form an important natural network, which will be reinforced in a few years' time by the Maubuisson forest, an immense wooded area of 1340 hectares currently being planted over a vast part of the territory.

While existing mining operations are now carried out underground, the mining of gypsum - whose purity is reputed to be exceptional - has shaped some of the area's landscapes. This resource, widely used in the manufacture of plaster, has created huge wounds in the landscape, which are now being re-naturalized in order to return them to man.

Doing without your car? You can do it here! To help you get around, the Agglomération is pulling out all the stops to develop a vast network of bicycle paths, which are increasingly popular. Pedestrian paths are also plentiful, and you can also cross the Seine without using your car, with attractive river ferries.

The mills of Sannois (of which there were as many as 3!), built in the ^18th century, were perched on the hills of the Parisis region. An exceptional example, known as "sur pivot", has been restored thanks to the dedication of enthusiasts, and is regularly visited. Another nearby mill is a renowned restaurant.

The riches of the past (castles, manor houses, churches...), remarkable villas, industrial heritage, contemporary architecture: look up and you'll be amazed. The past, the present and the future, which is already being written here, have dotted the 87 ^km2 of this territory with numerous heritage features to be discovered without hesitation.

The little lanes that weave their way through the old districts of some towns - like Saint-Leu-la-Forêt, for example - are the setting for poetic, timeless strolls. Lined with pretty houses, these peaceful lanes give pride of place to the vegetation, which most often gives free rein to its green, flowery and colorful inspiration.

While sports facilities are plentiful - see the "Good reasons to go" section - the range of possibilities is extremely vast: from road races to trail running, from dance classes to figure skating, from cycling to martial arts, there's something for everyone.