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Pontoise
Subprefecture and commune
Pontoise (95), cathédrale Saint-Maclou, vue depuis le jardin des Cinq Sens (promontoire du château)
A view of the cathedral of Saint-Maclou, from the Garden of Five Senses, on the promontory of the castle
Coat of arms of Pontoise
Coat of arms
Location (in red) within Paris inner and outer suburbs
Location (in red) within Paris inner and outer suburbs
Pontoise is located in France
Pontoise
Pontoise
Location in France
Pontoise is located in Île-de-France (region)
Pontoise
Pontoise
Location in Île-de-France (region)
Country France
Region Île-de-France
Department Val-d'Oise
Arrondissement Pontoise
Canton Pontoise
Intercommunality Cergy-Pontoise
Area
1
 7.15 km2 (2.76 sq mi)
Population
 (Jan. 2021)
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Time zone UTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
95500 /95300
Elevation 22–87 m (72–285 ft)
(avg. 27 m or 89 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Pontoise is a town in France, located just outside the big city of Paris. It's about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the very center of Paris. Pontoise is part of a newer, planned area called Cergy-Pontoise.

About Pontoise's Government

Pontoise is officially the capital, or préfecture, of the Val-d'Oise area. However, the main government buildings for this area are actually in the nearby town of Cergy. So, Cergy is often seen as the real capital.

Pontoise is also the main town for the Arrondissement of Pontoise. The local government office, called the sous-préfecture, is located right in Pontoise.

A Look at Pontoise's History

Pontoise has a very long history, going back over 2,000 years to Roman times. Its old name was Pontisara. At that time, a strong fort on a rock protected the Oise River. This fort was on an important Roman road that connected Paris (then called Lutetia) and Rouen (then Rotomagus). This old road still exists today as part of the N14 highway.

Pontoise is also known as the birthplace of a famous alchemist named Nicholas Flamel.

Pontoise: A City of Art and History

Because of its rich past, Pontoise still has many old buildings. You can find medieval streets, old convents, churches, and museums. In 2006, Pontoise was given the special title "City of Art and History Label." This means it's a place with a lot of important historical and artistic heritage.

The famous painter Camille Pissarro, who was an Impressionist, made Pontoise well-known through his many paintings. These artworks are now displayed in some of the most famous art galleries around the world.

International Friends

Pontoise has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called "sister city" or "twin town" relationships. They help people from different countries learn about each other's cultures. Pontoise is twinned with:

Images for kids

  • Pont sur l'Oise

    The railway bridge between Pontoise and Saint-Ouen-l'Aumone

  • Camille Pissarro Jalais Hill, Pontoise The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Camille Pissarro Jalais Hill, Pontoise

  • Cathédrale St Maclou - Pontoise 03-03-06

    Cathédrale Saint Maclou

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