Saint-Maclou Cathedral, a museum garden with panoramic views of the Oise, and the city’s history give Pontoise a rich cultural profile. When planning your visit, it is worth exploring different themes: religious architecture, art collections, urban development, riverside scenery and local traditions.

Saint-Maclou and its architectural history

Saint-Maclou has been the cathedral of Pontoise since 1966 and is also classified as a Monument historique. Its architectural history spans several periods, visible in different parts of the building: early Gothic elements from the 12th century can be found in the apse and transept. The façade dates from the 15th century and is in the Flamboyant Gothic style; the side chapels reflect the Renaissance style of the 16th century. The fittings and decoration also come from different periods. These include the “Entombment,” created by Nicolas Leprince in the Chapel of the Passion and completed in 1545. The south aisle contains stained-glass windows made by Édouard Didron in 1887. If you are interested in architectural and art history, you can consider the style, the part of the building and its date together. The cathedral also defines Pontoise’s historic centre.

Collections and views of the Oise

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Pissarro–Pontoise (MAHPP) presents a selection of the city’s historical collections and the collection of the Musée Camille Pissarro, founded in 1980. In addition to Camille Pissarro, works by Caillebotte, Béliard, Jiménez and Thornley are represented. The museum is housed in a late-19th-century building on the grounds of the former Château de Pontoise, overlooking the Oise. The park and terrace offer panoramic views of Pontoise and the river. The park is free to visit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Check the arrangements before you arrive if you plan to visit.

City history at the Carré Patrimoine and beneath the city

The Carré Patrimoine uses innovative tools to present the history and urban development of Pontoise. Topics include medieval heritage, bridges, the Renaissance, the Counter-Reformation, urban growth in the 19th century and reconstruction after the Second World War. The Carré is located in the former Officialité. Together with the Hôtel d’Estouteville, it belonged to the Grand Vicariate of Pontoise, founded by Saint Louis in the 13th century. Admission is free, with free access on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Group visits are available by appointment, Monday to Friday. Check the visiting arrangements before you travel.

The city’s underground heritage also reveals part of its history: it was formed by quarries that were dug and worked until the 14th century. The tourist office offers guided tours of this heritage on Sundays. A tour lasts two hours and covers the routes between different underground areas. This set duration makes it easy to set aside a dedicated block of time in your plans; check the Sunday schedule before your trip.

Garden walks along the Viosne

The Jardin des Lavandières is a 12,247 m² promenade along the Viosne. A washhouse has been preserved in the grounds. Walks take you around the Moulin de la Couleuvre and the artists’ studios. You can reach the garden on foot via Rue de Rouen or Rue des Deux Ponts. This offers a different way to explore the city’s history than the cathedral and cultural centres, with the promenade, preserved washhouse and riverside setting taking centre stage. The paths and entrances also provide practical points of reference for finding your way on foot.

Ginglet and local tradition

Ginglet is a Chardonnay white wine and a symbol of the Foire Saint-Martin. In 2002, 700 grapevines were replanted on the slopes of the Plateau Saint-Martin, making it possible to taste Ginglet again. This revived winemaking tradition is another part of the local profile alongside the area’s heritage. If you would like to plan a tasting, check in advance whether one is offered during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Theuville, Vigny, Boisemont, Garges-Lès-Gonesse, Chaussy, Franconville, Luzarches, Gouzangrez

For the wider travel overview: Val-D'oise.