Pontoise: Cathedral, Art and the Oise

Pontoise combines a strong cultural and historical identity with riverside and green spaces. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pontoise, its different highlights can help you refine your choice: Saint-Maclou and the Carré Patrimoine focus on architectural and urban history, the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Pissarro–Pontoise (MAHPP) on art collections, and the Oise on the river. Two gardens add promenades and views to these themes.

Cathedral and art in Pontoise

Saint-Maclou Cathedral has been the cathedral of Pontoise since 1966 and is classified as a historic monument. Its architecture brings together early Gothic elements from the 12th century at the east end of the choir and the transept, a Flamboyant Gothic façade from the 15th century, and 16th-century Renaissance-style side chapels. Saint-Maclou is a landmark of the historic centre. Its furnishings include the Entombment, created by Nicolas Leprince in the 16th century for the Passion Chapel, completed in 1545. The stained-glass windows in the south aisle date from 1887 and are by Édouard Didron.

The MAHPP presents a selection from the historic collections of the city of Pontoise and the collection of the Musée Camille Pissarro, founded in 1980. It includes works by Caillebotte, Camille Pissarro, Béliard, Jiménez and Thornley. The museum is housed in a late 19th-century building on the site of the former Château de Pontoise, overlooking the Oise. Its collection, the period of the building and its riverside location offer different points of interest if you’re interested in art and the historic setting.

The MAHPP has a park that is open free of charge Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park and terrace offer panoramic views of Pontoise and the Oise. Take these hours into account when planning your visit, and check the visitor information in advance.

Urban history and underground heritage

The Carré Patrimoine uses innovative tools to present the history and urban development of Pontoise. Its scope ranges from medieval heritage and bridges to the Renaissance and Counter-Reformation, then to urban growth in the 19th century and reconstruction after the Second World War. The centre is located in the former Officialité. Together with the Hôtel d’Estouteville, it was part of the Grand-Vicariat de Pontoise, founded by Saint Louis in the 13th century. Free admission is available Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m.; group visits are possible by appointment from Monday to Friday. Check opening hours before your visit.

The underground heritage also tells the story of the area: it was formed by quarries that were dug and worked from as early as the 14th century. The tourist office offers guided tours of the underground areas on Sundays. A tour lasts two hours and includes the paths between the different areas. Allow two hours for this activity, including the paths, when planning your day; check the schedule before you travel.

Gardens, river and local tradition

The Jardin des Lavandières is a 12,247 m² promenade beside the Viosne, with a preserved washhouse. It can be reached on foot via Rue de Rouen or Rue des Deux Ponts. Walks take you around the Moulin de la Couleuvre and the artists’ studios. The garden brings together a riverside setting, a promenade and a preserved washhouse as a distinct highlight for visitors.

Another local tradition is Ginglet, a white Chardonnay wine and a symbol of the Foire Saint-Martin. In 2002, 700 vines were replanted on the slopes of the Plateau Saint-Martin, also reviving the tasting of Ginglet. This adds a culinary theme to the architectural and artistic history, closely linked to the festival and Pontoise’s winemaking tradition.

Discover more destinations: Theuville, Baillet-en-France, Goussainville, L'isle-Adam, Ermont, Écouen, Sarcelles, Saint-Brice-Sous-Forêt

Back to the main travel overview: Val-D'oise.