What to do in Pontoise

Activities, attractions and tours

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)
Photo "Pontoise" by Ordifana75 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Ordifana75 (CC BY-SA)

Places to Visit in Pontoise

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Pontoise, Île-de-France while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Pontoise attractions from NZ$19, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Pontoise tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 4 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Pontoise. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

It may seem hard to believe now, but the 10,000 tonnes of the Eiffel Tower's ironwork, Paris' most recognisable landmark, were earmarked for a dismantling in 1909. Built in 1889 to mark the World Fair, which was held in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Tower only had a 20-year licence. Now it is hard to imagine Paris without it. Not that many were keen to imagine Paris with it, back at the time of its construction. Three hundred prominent Parisian artists and writers signed a petition against it, saying it was “a giddy, ridiculous tower dominating Paris like a gigantic black smokestack.”
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From the ground looking up, or from its lofty heights looking down, the Eiffel Tower is the best view in town.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the few museums in the world that can say it started with 'people power'. Literally. One of the first decrees of the new National Assembly, after the French Revolution, was that this former palace of the King be turned into a national museum, for all of France to enjoy. Much of its initial exhibition, in 1793, came from church and royal property 'liberated for the people' during the revolution. That tradition of being the natural home for France's national treasures continues to this day.
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The Louvre is where the Mona Lisa shines her enigmatic half-smile for visitors – and where 34,999 other fabulous attractions await your attention.

3. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame didn't just spring from the Seine fully-formed. But as a supremely-balanced icon of Gothic architectural perfection – and spiritual anchor to all of Paris' many-faced glories – it's hard to imagine something this sublime being the work of mere mortals. The blocks, buttresses, gargoyles and windows of Notre-Dame de Paris are, however, most certainly mortal handiwork. One-hundred and eighty-two years of masonry, sculpting and leading, to be precise. The result is an artistic and religious treasure that has bought visitors to this island on the Seine for seven centuries.
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Notre Dame Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements

4. Arc de Triomphe

Triumph is what Napoleon asked for, and triumph is what he got. The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental slab of architecture, commissioned by the Emperor in 1806 to glorify his victories. But it has since taken on a life of its own. While this grand arch was to be a marker of Napoleon's battlefield successes, in the 200 years since its foundations were laid, it has been a monument to peace, defeat and personal loss, as well as victory. Leaders, enemies and armies of four French Republics have paraded underneath (or around) its 49-metre high arch.
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Arc de Triomphe showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

5. Champs-Élysées

You can't get more prime-retail than the Champs-Élysées. Once a lush gathering of meadows and market gardens north-west of Paris, it is now a glittering avenue into its heart, that's paved with retail gold. But although it is thick with designer stores, elite purveyors of French luxury and flashy brand-name outlets, it manages to maintain a formal, grand elegance. This is Paris, after all. Elegance was penned into its genes from the moment it was marked out as the Grand Cours in the 17th-century.
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Champs Elysees featuring heritage architecture, a city and signage

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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Paris showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city

What to do in Pontoise

Discover the most popular places to visit in Pontoise

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, Pontoise Cathedral and Cergy Pontoise Leisure Island are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Saint-Martin
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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.

Les Louvrais
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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 Pontoise Cathedral are some notable places to visit nearby.

Larris-Maradas-Palette-Bocages
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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.

Notre-Dame
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Marcouville

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

Marcouville

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Pontoise

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

Eragny

Cergy

Cergy

Photo by Arunotai Pjnp

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.