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

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

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

RM43
per traveller
Sacré-Coeur: the Sacred Heart of Montmartre with Self-Guided Audio Tour
See all activities in Pontoise
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower dominates the Paris skyline and forms an essential part of the heart-stopping Parisian panorama, viewable from the top of many of the city’s prominent landmarks. But there is no better view of the city than from the 276-metre high top floor observation area of the tower itself, where visitors can treat themselves to a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar and toast their trip while feeling as though they are truly on top of the world.
Learn more
The Eiffel Tower surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

2. Louvre Museum

The Louvre offers 6 hectares of exhibition space housing some of the world’s most famous works of art. Visitors flock from around the globe, many drawn to the Louvre by the legendary Mona Lisa and other works including the marble statues of the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo. The Musée du Louvre - known to most simply as the Louvre – houses a vast collection of works with objects in the collections ranging in date from 5,000 B.C. to the 19th century.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
A wide boulevard lined with historic buildings, trees, and a clear blue sky.

4. Notre-Dame

Notre Dame sits on le Île de la Cité, one of two natural islands situated in the middle of the Seine. Construction on the awe inspiring building at the heart of the city began in 1163, and was commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully to replace the 4th century cathedral dedicated to St. Stephen. Work was completed in the 14th century with the installation of the huge flying buttresses.
Learn more
Notre-Dame Cathedral with its twin towers, rose window, and statues.

5. Arc de Triomphe

Cutting an imposing figure at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe can be accessed from one of 12 tree-lined avenues, named after France’s military leaders, that radiate out to form a star. The most famous of these is the Champs-Elysées, with the Arc de Triomphe situated at its western end. Despite the near-constant stream of busy traffic, pedestrians are afforded plenty of space to wind in and out of the columns that form the base of this architectural masterpiece.
Learn more
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, surrounded by trees and flags.

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.
Learn more
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

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.
See properties

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 Noyers

Les Noyers might not have many top sights, but Pontoise Cathedral and Les 3 Fontaines Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 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.

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

Osny

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.