What to do in Pontoise

Activities, attractions and tours

Pontoise
Photo by Kylie Ann
Photo by Kylie Ann
Photo "Pontoise" by couscouschocolat (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by couscouschocolat (CC BY)
Photo "Pontoise" by xiquinhosilva (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by xiquinhosilva (CC BY)
Photo "Pontoise" by Lsa2N (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Lsa2N (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)
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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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Eiffel Tower showing modern architecture and a garden

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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Paris City Centre which includes a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture

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. 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

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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Palais Garnier which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

6. 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 which includes a monument, a city and religious elements

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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La Defense showing central business district, art and a high-rise building

What to do in Pontoise

Popular places to visit

Pontoise Cathedral

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

Pontoise Cathedral

Explore areas of Pontoise

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Centre-Ville

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

Centre-Ville
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Saint-Martin

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

Saint-Martin
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Marcouville

Marcouville might not have many top sights, but Abbaye de Maubuisson and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Marcouville
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Les Pâtis

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

Les Pâtis
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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.

Les Cordeliers
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Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages

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

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages

Day trip destinations from Pontoise

Photo "Eragny" by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY)

Eragny

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 kilometers from the centre, 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 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.