Things to do in Pontoise

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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

Sacré-Coeur: the Sacred Heart of Montmartre with Self-Guided Audio Tour

Sacré-Coeur: the Sacred Heart of Montmartre with Self-Guided Audio Tour

￥1,669
per traveler
Sacré-Coeur: the Sacred Heart of Montmartre with Self-Guided Audio Tour
The Van Gogh Immersive Tour - Auvers sur Oise

The Van Gogh Immersive Tour - Auvers sur Oise

￥15,638
per adult
The Van Gogh Immersive Tour - Auvers sur Oise
Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise

Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise

￥108,578
per adult
Private Flying Adventure in Military Aircraft in Pontoise
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Pontoise must see attractions

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral sits on the natural island called Île de la Cité. This is the central point of the city, where distances from Paris to all parts of France are measured. The cathedral is the result of a massive effort in construction, which started in 1163 and ended in the mid-14th century. A grand restoration project began in 1845 and lasted two decades.
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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.

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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A public square with a large sculpture of a fish, a modern building with advertisements, and people walking around.

What to do in Pontoise

Stay near popular Pontoise attractions

Pontoise Cathedral

8.0/10 (2 reviews)
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 and neighborhoods 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 Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages might not have many top sights, but Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Les Noyers

While Les Noyers might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island.

Les Pâtis

Though Les Pâtis might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center and Abbaye de Maubuisson.

Les Cordeliers

Though Les Cordeliers might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Abbaye de Maubuisson and Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center.

Popular day trips from Pontoise

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

Eragny

A wooden deck under a red metal structure over a calm river with greenery and trees in the background.

Cergy

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 vacation 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 vacation, Paris isn't far away.
Is Pontoise a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Centre-Ville, which is about 0.32 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.