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Pontoise – The Subject of Many Pissarro Impressionism Landscapes

Many of Camille Pissarro‘s impressionism paintings are of landscapes surrounding the town of Pontoise.

Pissarro left the busy life of Paris for the more tranquil and rural setting of Pontoise between the years 1872 and 1884. It wasn’t too far from the art scene in Paris so he was still able to enjoy both worlds.

Camille Pissarro impressionism painting - Near Pontoise, the Auvers Road, 1881
Camille Pissaro Impressionism painting of Pontoise [Public Domain]

During Pissarro’s time in Pontoise, many young and emerging artists would travel to and visit Pissarro, including but not only, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gaugin and Cassatt.. These artists visited Pissarro seeking his friendship, artistic guidance and encouragement.

Paul Cezanne said this about Pissarro:

“He was like a father for me. He was a man to be consulted and someone like God ” – Paul Cezanne

The Pissarro Museum in Pontoise

To celebrate Pissarro, there is a lovely Camille Pissarro museum, which aims to tell the story of the impressionism in this region. The museum shows visitors how this town was a perfect backdrop for the 19th-century impressionism artists.

The large house in which the museum is located also offers a splendid view over the Oise valley and the old town. Camille Pissarro painted these very same views!

Pissarro Museum in Pontoise - Paris day trips
Musée Tavet-Delacour Photo by P.poschadel [CC BY-SA 2.0 fr]

The small Pissarro museum pays tribute to Camille Pissaro who is considered one of the great founding members of Impressionism art. He lived in Pontoise for 17 years and painted many magnificent Pontoise landscapes.

In the museum, you will not find major Camille Pissarro artworks but rather his lovely etchings and drawings. In addition, you will find a rare Camille Pissarro painting that survived the 1870 war. This is not a large museum but a wonderful place to visit if you are a fan of Pissarro

Practical Information about the Museum

Museum Camille Pissarro – City Museum – Museum Label France.
Address: 17 rue du Château – 95300 Pontoise.
Tel. : +33 1 30 32 38 33 – Mail: museetavet@ville-pontoise.fr
Driving from Paris: A15 motorway towards Cergy -Pontoise – Pontoise output center (Place de l’Hôtel-de -Ville).
Train from Paris: Saint -Lazare and Gare du Nord.

Opening Hours:

Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Sunday: 02:00 PM – 06:00 PM   

Pontoise - a day trip from Paris
Pontoise – photo by P.poschadel [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Other Wonderful Paris Day Trips in the Footsteps of the Impressionists