Pontoise is the official préfecture of the Val-d'Oisedépartement, although in reality the préfecture building and administration, as well as the department council, are located in the neighboring commune of Cergy, which is regarded as the de facto capital of Val-d'Oise. Pontoise is also the seat of the Arrondissement of Pontoise. The sous-préfecture building and administration, unlike the préfecture, are located inside the commune of Pontoise.
Sister cities
The city of Pontoise has three sister city relationships with:
Known for being a violent city in the late 20th century, with a criminal rate of 137.62 incidents per 1000 inhabitants, Cergy-Pontoise has enjoyed a significant decrease in violence in the first decade of the 21st century. By 2008, the rate had declined to 99.87, although this is still considered high. That rate has continued to decline in the second decade.
History
Pontoise is the historical capital of the Vexin français. Its foundation dates from Roman times. At that time, the rock peak overhanging the riverOise supported the defense of the fort which was on the Roman road, the Chaussée Jules César, between Lutetia and Rotomagus. The road still exists and is now part of the N14 from Paris to Rouen. It is also known to many people as the birthplace of the alchemist Nicholas Flamel. With an over 2,000 year legacy, Pontoise still has vestiges of the past, such as medieval lanes, convents, churches and museums, and was awarded the "City of Art and History Label" in 2006. The impressionist painter Camille Pissarro made it famous through many paintings which are present nowadays in the most famous art galleries in the world.
Climate
Demographics
At the census of 1999, the population was. The estimate for 2005 was.
Immigration
Transport
Pontoise is served by Pontoise station, a terminus on Paris RER line C and an intermediate terminus for suburban trains originating from Gare Saint-Lazare as well as a terminus for suburban trains from Gare du Nord. Some trains originating at Gare Saint-Lazare continue onto Gisors. For bus services, Stivo operates within the new town of Cergy-Pontoise, and in and around Pontoise, with transport interchanges situated Place Charles de Gaulle and Parking Canrobert. Pontoise – Cormeilles Aerodrome is the area airport.
Education
Public preschool through elementary schools include:
Seven preschools : des Cordeliers, Eugène-Ducher, de l'Hermitage, Laris, Ludovic-Piette, Jean-Moulin, Parc-aux-Charettes
Two primary schools: École primaire Gustave-Loiseau and École primaire des Maradas
Seven elementary schools : Paul-Cézanne, Eugène-Ducher, de l'Hermitage, des Larris, Jean-Moulin, Ludovic-Piette, Parc-aux-Charrettes
Public senior high schools/sixth-form colleges:
Lycée Camille Pissarro Pontoise
Lycée Alfred Kastler de Cergy-Pontoise, in Pontoise, also serves Cergy
Cathédrale Saint-Maclou de Pontoise. It was built in the 12th century and reconstructed and enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tower, as well as the central portal, is in flamboyant style. The central body is flanked by Renaissance additions. The remaining 12th century part of the cathedral is to the back. To the North of the building is a Renaissance portal.
Musée de Pontoise. The museum houses sculptures from the Middle Ages, manuscripts from the seventeenth century and paintings from the twentieth century
Musée Pissarro and garden of the five directions. The Museum is situated in a bourgeoise house at the entrance of the old castle.
