What to do in Pontoise

Activities, attractions and tours

Panoramique vue sur le Pont-de-l'Oise et Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône (95310) depuis les hauteurs de Pontoise (95300), département du Val-d'Oise en région Île-de-France, France
The river Oise between Pontoise and Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, before dawn
Pontoise - Rue de la Roche
Pontoise, France
Paris, France 07-04-2021: a landscape photo of the entrance to the Pontoise station
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Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

Alongside the river Seine and in the Champ de Mars park, the 1,062-foot-tall (323-meter) Eiffel Tower attracts more than 7 million visitors annually. It has two restaurants, including the legendary Le Jules Verne on the second floor, and three viewing levels.
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2. Louvre Museum

With miles of corridors and 15 acres (six hectares) of exhibition space, Paris’ largest museum is one of the biggest in the world. Its official title is Musée du Louvre, but is known to locals simply as “the Louvre.”
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3. Arc de Triomphe

While the vista from 164 feet (50 meters) above Paris will lure you to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, there’s much to see at the base of this landmark. It stands in the Place Charles de Gaulle where 12 straight avenues, including the Champs-Élysées, intersect and form “the star” of the city.
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Arc de Triomphe viewed up the Champs Elysees and a large french flag flying under the arch

4. Notre-Dame

Until recently, a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral offered opportunities to step inside to attend a service, view centuries-old artworks, appreciate light streaming in through beautiful stained-glass windows, delve into a crypt or even tour the tall bell towers. Today view parts of the exterior draped in tarps and scaffolding while reconstruction is underway after a massive fire in April 2019.
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5. Palais Garnier

Treat yourself to an evening of classical entertainment at the Paris Opera (Opéra National de Paris). Admire the handsome architecture and luxurious interiors of Palais Garnier, the home of this historic French opera company. Learn about the 300-year-old past of the Paris Opera via art collections, multimedia displays and museum exhibits.
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6. Champs-Élysées

Walk along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and gaze up at the imposing Arc de Triomphe. Discover the history behind the intricate carvings decorating it. Enjoy the walk along the boulevard and shop in the designer stores lining the road.
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Paris. Champs Elysees

7. La Défense

La Défense is a bustling urban development that’s home to tens of thousands of Parisians and, with its many hotels, is popular with business travellers. It’s outside the city’s 20 arrondissements, about 30 minutes on the Metro from the city center.
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What to do in Pontoise

Stay near popular Pontoise attractions

Pontoise Cathedral

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Learn about the local history of Pontoise when you take a trip to Pontoise Cathedral. Discover the countryside while you're in the area.
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Where to stay in Pontoise

Find the best Pontoise areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Saint-Martin

Saint-Martin is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center and Piscine Cergy are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages

While Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages isn't home to many top sights, Piscine Cergy and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are some notable places to visit nearby.

Les Pâtis

Though Les Pâtis may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pontoise Cathedral and Piscine Cergy.

Quartier Canrobert

When in Quartier Canrobert, you can plan a visit to Pontoise Cathedral and Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Centre-Ville

Travellers like the historical sites in Centre-Ville, and Pontoise Cathedral is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Day trip destinations from Pontoise

Eragny

Eragny

Vexin français natural regional park

Osny

Tumbas de Vicent y Theo Van Gogh en Auvers-sur-Oise, Francia

Auvers-sur-Oise

Frequently asked questions

Is Pontoise worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Pontoise.
How do I spend a day in Pontoise?
Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island and Castle of Auvers are two awesome places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Pontoise while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Pontoise?
Pontoise Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Pontoise and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Pontoise?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city sights, like Pontoise Cathedral, Castle of Auvers and Story Boat. The average stay in Pontoise is three days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Paris isn't far away.
Is Pontoise a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Pontoise is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Pontoise Cathedral and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island. Then take a stroll around Saint-Martin, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Centre-Ville, which is about 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Pontoise with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all the family, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Pontoise with kids.

What to do in Pontoise for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Pontoise for adults including Absinthe Museum.
Are there free things to do in Pontoise?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Pontoise is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pontoise Cathedral is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.