What to do in Pontoise

Activities, attractions and tours

A river with a bridge, buildings, and a highway.
A calm river with a bridge, buildings, and trees reflecting in the water.
A stone bridge connecting two buildings, one with red shutters and another with a white facade.
A river with boats, a stone wall, and buildings on a hill.
A paved square with benches, trees, and parked cars.

Things to do

Paris: Zero Latency VR - 30-minute session

Paris: Zero Latency VR - 30-minute session

฿1,143
per adult
Paris: Zero Latency VR - 30-minute session
Half-Day Private Tour: Vincent Van Gogh in Auvers sur Oise

Half-Day Private Tour: Vincent Van Gogh in Auvers sur Oise

฿19,072
per adult
Half-Day Private Tour: Vincent Van Gogh in Auvers sur Oise
Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise

Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise

฿22,550
per adult
Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise
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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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The Eiffel Tower surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

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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The Louvre Museum's courtyard with the iconic glass pyramid.

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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The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, surrounded by trees and flags.

4. 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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A wide boulevard lined with historic buildings, trees, and a clear blue sky.

5. 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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Notre-Dame Cathedral with its twin towers, rose window, and statues.

6. 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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The facade of the Academie Nationale de Musique with ornate sculptures and columns.

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, Piscine Cergy and Pontoise Cathedral 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 Cordeliers

While Les Cordeliers may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pontoise Cathedral and Abbaye de Maubuisson.

A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, featuring tall spires, large stained glass windows, and detailed stone carvings.

Centre-Ville

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

Les Louvrais

Though Les Louvrais may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Pontoise Cathedral and Abbaye de Maubuisson.

Day trip destinations from Pontoise

A riverside view with a bridge, a large tree, and a house with a balcony.

Eragny

A rural landscape with a cross monument in a field, a dirt path, and a distant building.

Osny

Two gravestones with inscriptions for Vincent van Gogh and Theo van Gogh.

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.