Val-d’Oise

We are taken to the Val-d’Oise region with its churches, chateaux and fine food.

The river Oise meanders from southern Belgium to the Seine. 
Auvers-Sur-Oise lies on the outskirts of Paris with its church dating back to the 12th century, which Van Gough famously painted before he died in the region in 1890. 
A restaurant, Maison de Van Gogh, is named in his honour. A house speciality is Soupe Aux Champignons, Mushroom Soup. 
To the west of Paris, cliffs line the Seine and many castles are perched here, one being La Roche Guyon. 
The kings of France also built their chateaux here with its many parks and gardens, many overlooking France’s longest river, the Loire.  Previously used as a transportation route before trains appeared in the 1840s, the river can now only be used for barges. 
The Loire Valley has more than 150 chateaux, most built between the 11th and 19th centuries. 
Another speciality of the region is Gigot D’Agneau de Sept Heures, the seven hour leg of lamb. 
The art of stained-glass windows dates back to the 11th century, but the golden age dates back to the 13th century and the windows have remained a symbol of Christianity for 500 years.  We are shown the process of making stained-glass windows and this region is renowned for its artistry. 
We see another colourful creation in the preparation of Salade Merevilleoise, an exotic seafood salad. 
The local weekly market plays an important role in French country towns with fresh locally grown produce and flavoursome cheeses. 
A popular dish here with a northern derivation is Fillets de Harengs Marines, fillets of herring. 
The Parisians have affectionately come to regard Val-d’Oise as their own enormous vegetable patch.