Pierrelaye offers several distinct experiences to include in your travel plans: a protected work of art in the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, recurring cultural events and a forest project with existing and planned paths. Local history, events, sports and the development of the Plaine de Pierrelaye-Bessancourt offer different ways to shape your stay.
Church Art and Local History
The polychrome wooden statue “Christ en croix” is located in the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, above the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir. It was listed as a protected object on 3 July 1989. Those interested in the area’s history can also find traces of its earlier past: the oldest evidence of human settlement in Pierrelaye dates back to the Gallic period and is associated with the Rû de Liesse. The first groups of human settlers established themselves along the LUTECE-ROUEN Roman road via PONTOISE.
The birch forests are also part of the area’s recorded history: they historically provided the basis for a broom-making craft. Together with the statue, they offer insight into different aspects of the past—from a specific work of art in the church to earlier settlement and craft traditions.
Cultural Events and Activities
Ciné Pierrelaye holds two screenings once a month on a Friday: one for young audiences at 6:30 p.m. and one for the general audience at 9:00 p.m. Cabaret Humour takes place regularly once a month on a Saturday at La Mezzanine, featuring two performers. The two events therefore differ both in the day of the week and in their programme. Check the event dates before your visit, and check who is performing at the cabaret.
The media library in Pierrelaye adds to the cultural offering seasonally with storytelling events, theatre, conferences, music, exhibitions, literary gatherings, and practical, creative and scientific workshops. Membership is free; check any registration requirements in advance. As the programme is seasonal, it is worth checking the dates if you would like to plan your stay around an event.
Forêt de Maubuisson and the Forest Project
Plantings in the Forêt de Maubuisson extend across seven municipalities: Bessancourt, Frépillon, Herblay-sur-Seine, Méry-sur-Oise, Pierrelaye, Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône and Taverny. The project provides an area for walks and discovery. More than 6 km of paths had been created as part of the Forêt de Maubuisson by 2025.
This is distinct from the forest project for the Plaine de Pierrelaye-Bessancourt, which includes a 90 km network of routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The project also aims to upgrade 60 km of existing paths. In this way, existing paths sit alongside a network planned over the longer term. The Plaine and the developing forest remain accessible during the construction and growth phases. Existing paths are open to the public, although individual sections may be temporarily closed to protect new plantings. Check in advance whether the section you plan to visit is affected.
Sports and Getting There
At Parc des Sports, CSP Tennis offers tennis for recreation or competition on six courts, three of which are covered. CSP VTT offers adults cross-country mountain biking for recreation or competition. For tennis, check court availability and booking arrangements; for CSP VTT, it is advisable to confirm participation details in advance.
You can also plan your journey using different transport links: Pierrelaye is accessible via the A15 motorway and the RER C and Line H rail services. Check the right connection and current timetable for your travel day. This will help you coordinate your journey with the cultural, sports or forest activities that interest you.
Discover more destinations: Gonesse, Argenteuil, Saint-Witz, Gouzangrez, Saint-Prix, Magny-en-Vexin, Labbeville, Deuil-la-Barre
For the broader travel overview: Val-D'oise.
