Things 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


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Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most enduring symbols of Paris and a key part of any visit to the city. And it’s hard to miss this iconic structure, as it stands 323 metres above the Champ de Mars (field of Mars) on the left bank of the River Seine. Take your time to wander around the beautifully landscaped park at the base of the tower and admire the stunning views.
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The Eiffel Tower surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

2. Louvre Museum

A former palace, today the Musée du Louvre now houses a collection of art that is worthy of several kings. This enormous building contains many kilometres of corridors, making it one of the largest museums in the world. It is easy to spend an entire day exploring the centuries of artworks on display here – the museum houses everything from paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art, prints and drawings, to Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities. Some of the oldest objects in the collections date from 5000 BC, with the most recent coming from the 19th century.
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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

Paris’ triumphal arch has welcomed visitors for centuries. Standing at the meeting point of 12 major Parisian roads, including the iconic Champs-Élysées, this imposing monument is so much more than just the centrepiece of a roundabout!
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The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, surrounded by trees and flags.

5. Notre-Dame

Situated at the very heart of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral remains one of the most stunning icons of this beautiful city. The cathedral sits on island in the River Seine, called Île de la Cité – the central point from which distances from Paris to all parts of France are measured. Immortalised in countless novels and films, this centre of worship has been built and rebuilt over the centuries into the monument it is today – with construction beginning in 1163, and ending two hundred years later, and a massive restoration project taking place over two decades in the mid-19th century – a testament to the people of France and to their faith.
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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. Luxembourg Gardens

Situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter, on the left bank of the Seine, the Jardins de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) offer a breath of fresh air in this busy city, for locals and visitors alike.
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A park with a fountain, palm trees, and people sitting on benches.

What to do in Pontoise


Stay near popular Pontoise attractions

Where to stay in Pontoise

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

Les Noyers

Les Noyers might not have many top sights, but Pontoise Cathedral and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Saint-Martin

Saint-Martin is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Pontoise Cathedral and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages

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

Centre-Ville

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

Notre-Dame

While there might not be top attractions in Notre-Dame, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pontoise Cathedral and Abbaye de Maubuisson.


 

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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?
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.