City of Pontoise

As a city of art, heiress of a historical background, Vexin gate, represented by the painters of the Impressionist period, Pontoise will appeal to you through its numerous activities and events

Saint-maclou cathedral  Superb monument of composite style, having its bedside and transept built in primitive Gothic style (XIIth century.), its frontage in blazing Gothic style (XVth century) and its low sides in Renaissance style (XVIth century), the St Maclou Cathedral dominates the old center of Pontoise.

The carmel  The Carmel of Pontoise is the oldest carmel in activity of France. Its superb buildings, dating from the beginning of the XVIIth century, are intact. One finds in the carmel a testimony of the hydraulic genius of the Middle Ages.

Tavet-delacour museum  Admire the rich collections of the 20th century (Arp, Matisse, Gargallo, etc.) sponsored by Otto Freundlich in a fine 15th century hotel. Also visit the temporary exhibitions of modern 19th and 20th century art.

A stroll on the oise banks  From Auvers-on-Oise to the large Larris Park, the Oise banks preserve all their charm, and allowes to the tourist a pleasant walk.

Pontoise and its underground passages  Plunge right to the very heart of the underground heritage of Vieux Pontoise. Discover passageways, vaulted rooms, military artefacts from the 12th and 17th centuries along with the alleyways and prestigious monuments of the town.

Pissarro museum  A museum that pays homage to the presence of the Master Impressionist in Pontoise for seventeen years. The works of Camille, Lucien and Georges Pissarro, Signac, Guillaumin, Hayet and Piette, etc. are exhibited in turn here.

La fontaine d'amour  This tower probably dates from late XVIIIth century. Its name was associated to a love story: the fountain was the secret meeting place of a young girl and her lover. One day while going to their usual meeting place, she finds him dead, assassinated by order of her father. Despaired, she enters to the convent and will finish her life there.