Every year, a sense of curiosity and wonder spreads across France thanks to the Journées du Patrimoine... These unique days invite us to revisit our roots, open doors that are often closed, and embrace the rich heritage that surrounds us. And for this 2025 edition, held over the weekend of September 20 and 21, it's time to rediscover our national treasures.
Nestled in the heart of the Val-d'Oise, Pontoise is a city of art and history. Its picturesque alleyways, half-timbered houses and ramparts bear witness to its rich medieval past. But that's not all: Pontoise is also a city of painters! Renowned artists such as Camille Pissarro were captivated by its beauty, leaving a priceless artistic legacy to the city.
In addition to its architectural and artistic heritage, Pontoise comes alive with a host of activities for the whole family: workshops, guided tours, exhibitions... A real cultural immersion awaits you, all in a festive and friendly atmosphere. Pontoise opens its arms to you, ready to reveal its thousand and one secrets for the Journées du Patrimoine!
Heritage Days 2024 in Cergy (95), places of interest to discover
During the Journées du Patrimoine 2024, Cergy reveals its medieval history and modern urbanity. Discover the secrets of this Val-d'Oise town, its monuments, and enjoy unique cultural events. [Read more]
Visit to Heritage Square
Come explore the thousand-year history of Pontoise with your family on a playful, interactive trail. The educational tools and touchpoints—featuring 3D modeling, animated imagery, and audio guides—are proving popular with kids, and with parents too!
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sacristan conducts a tour of the sacristy
A tour of the sacristy led by the sacristan.
Discover the treasures of the cathedral, founded in the middle of the 12th century, a major jewel of the city’s heritage. Kevin Dupuy, the cathedral’s sacristan, will reveal a selection of hidden gems from this site that are normally off-limits to the public.
Participation conditions: Free admission. Note: on Sunday morning, the building will be unavailable for visits due to the religious service scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Free | No reservations
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM
Saint-Maclou Cathedral Guided Tour
A guide from the tourist information office will take you through the cathedral, helping you discover it anew. You can ask him or her any questions about the monument’s history.
From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: continuous guided tours
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Circus Show: "Circassian Stroll"
The Freikopf Company brings a creative promenade to Pontoise’s city center, inviting audiences to meet its heritage sites along a lively route. Acrobatics, balance acts, juggling and visual poetry punctuate a family-friendly itinerary with several stops, offering a fresh, emotionally resonant way to rediscover the monuments through a gentle, festive narrative.
itinerant, family-friendly show, no reservations required. Meet at the cathedral’s doorstep, duration 1h30
Conditions de participation : Family-friendly touring show, no reservation required. Meet at the cathedral’s apse, duration 1h30 — Free | No reservation
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Philippe Bardon's Organ Concert
The 'Musical Hours' concert featuring organist Philippe Bardon.
Participation requirements: Free admission - No booking required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Guided tours of the Sparrows' Cellar
The Sparrows’ Cellar is vaulted with ogival arches. An ancient network of quarries carved between the 12th and 15th centuries, its Gothic hall and vaulted staircases now serve as locations for film shoots.
Site open for guided tours from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tours every 30 minutes.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Self-guided tour of Cave des Moineaux
This former quarry, spanning two levels, ranks among the largest in the historic center, crowned by its famous Gothic hall with ribbed vaults.
Guided tours without prior reservation every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Self-guided visits on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Participation conditions : Free entry - No charge | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 10:00 ⤏ 13:00
Judicial District
Guided tour of the Judicial Complex
Guided by a lawyer from the Pontoise Bar, discover the behind-the-scenes of one of the department’s major courts.
Bring a form of ID.
Limited seating; reservations are required.
Participation terms: Free | Booking required - musee@ville-pontoise.fr, 0130739077
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM–3:30 PM, 3:30 PM–5:00 PM
Meeting with the Mayor at City Hall
On the first floor of the Town Hall, Mayor Stéphanie Von Euw will welcome you to peek into her office and learn about her duties.
Participation conditions: Free entry — No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Self-guided visit to Notre-Dame de Pontoise Church
This Renaissance church houses, among its treasures, the famed 13th‑century statue of the Miraculous Virgin and the reliquary tomb of Saint Gautier of Pontoise, dating from the 17th century. A centerpiece of Pontoise’s heritage.
Hours subject to the Sunday religious service at 6 p.m.
Participation requirements: Free admission | No reservations
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tour of the boat hangar
Restored in 2024, set sail to discover this structure designated as regional heritage of interest, a voyage that will transport you back to the heyday of leisure boating on the Oise. The volunteers from the Pontoise Patrimoine association will share their passion for this heritage with you.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tour of the parish’s subterranean chapel
The parish house hides an old circular quarry, its chamber transformed into an underground chapel.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., your visit will be accompanied by the gentle guitar of Fabien Vilpoix.
Self-guided tours
Participation conditions: Free entry - No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 – 14:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 10:00 to 18:00
Concerts in the Presbytery's underground chapel
Saturday and Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m., your tour of the underground chapel will be accompanied by the gentle guitar of Fabien Vilpoix.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Friends of the People Lodge
Guided Tours of the Masonic Temple
The Amis du Peuple Masonic Lodge, at the Orients of Pontoise under the GODF, was founded on May 15, 1848 by a lawyer. It naturally settled on Rue des Tables Rondes in 1905, near the courthouse. The basement houses the temple hall where the meetings take place. Come meet the lodge members who will recount the site's history.
Guided tours run continuously on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Tavet Delacour Museum
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Cergy Pontoise Tourist Office
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Château's Small Quarry
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Place des Moineaux
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Vineyards of the Free Commune of Saint-Martin
Exploring the Saint-Martin vineyard, with a tasting of Ginglet 2025
A vineyard tour followed by a tasting of Ginglet's 2025 cuvée.
Participation conditions: Free admission. Note: wine tastings are for adults only. - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:00
Souterrain de l'escalier du Général Leclerc
Self-guided tour of the underground cavity of General Leclerc's staircase
An old cave carved into the cliff face.
Participation requirements: Free admission | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Pontoise
Pontoise
95000 Pontoise
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
www.ville-pontoise.fr
