Top 11 Lakes around Pontoise
Best lakes around Pontoise are primarily found within the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise, a 250-hectare green space in the Oise loop. This area features multiple ponds and offers a range of water-based and outdoor activities. The region provides diverse natural settings, from expansive leisure parks to tranquil forest lakes. These varied landscapes make Pontoise a notable destination for outdoor recreation.
Best lakes around Pontoise
- The most popular lakes is Pond and Château de la Chasse, a castle and lake area in the heart of the Montmorency forest. This location is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the architectural curiosity of the château.
- Another must-see spot is Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park, a large lake and family-friendly facility. Visitors can expect a wide range of activities, including supervised swimming, water sports, and extensive walking routes.
- Visitors also love The Blue Lake of Carnelle, a forest lake and natural monument. Its deep blue color, due to gypsum and marl at the bottom, makes it a visually distinct spot within the Carnelle forest.
- Pontoise is known for its leisure park lakes, forest lakes, and château ponds. These offer a variety of settings for activities such as walking, water sports, and enjoying natural landscapes.
- The lakes around Pontoise are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 330 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Pond and Château de la Chasse
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The Blue Lake of Carnelle
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Godard Pond
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Orangery Garden of the Château de Menucourt
Highlight • Historical Site
Discover this garden and this pond planted with a small island. A very pleasant route allows you to discover gigantic trees and views of this beautiful castle.
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Château de Grouchy and its ponds
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Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park
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Pond and Reed Bed of the Nature Park
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Moulin de Vallière
Highlight • Monument
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Étang des Trois Sources
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The Sylphes Pond
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful hike but some paths are not easy to find. I have the impression that some paths are not used enough to remain visible.
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Very pleasant leisure center for a relaxing break with many possible activities
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Magnificent place for walking, running at the foot of the hunting castle
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What is to be remembered from this route is the passage through the Carnelle forest. However, there are too many roads on the Isle Adam and along the Oise. No particular difficulty.
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The Trois Sources pond is a beautiful place built on a former quarry which breathes nature and where you can observe many birds, moorhens, swans, ducks and barnacle geese.
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Can be very busy with lot of people and childrens wandering, not very suitable for cycling.
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pretty lake hidden in the middle of the forest
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lake areas to visit around Pontoise?
The most prominent lake area is the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise, an expansive 250-hectare green space featuring six magnificent ponds. Beyond this, you can explore forest lakes like The Blue Lake of Carnelle and château ponds such as the Pond and Château de la Chasse.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Pontoise area?
Yes, the region is very family-friendly. The Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park is a prime example, offering supervised swimming, a paddling pool, water games, and a 'Children's Kingdom' with attractions. Other family-friendly spots include the Château de Grouchy and its ponds, ideal for picnics, and The Blue Lake of Carnelle for nature walks.
What kind of water sports can I do at the lakes near Pontoise?
The Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise is a hub for exceptional water sports. It features the only water ski lift in the Paris region for water skiing and wakeboarding, a whitewater stadium for kayaking, rafting, and hydrospeed, and the largest outdoor surf wave in Europe. You can also rent pedal boats, electric boats, catamarans, kayaks, and paddleboards there.
Are there historical sites or castles near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Pond and Château de la Chasse is a notable architectural curiosity in the Montmorency forest. Another historical gem is the Château de Grouchy and its ponds, which is perfect for artistic walks. The Orangery Garden of the Château de Menucourt also offers a blend of history and natural beauty.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Pontoise?
Yes, supervised swimming is available at the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise. It boasts a vast 5,000 m² fine sand beach with a supervised swimming area, typically open during the summer months. There's also a dedicated aquatic zone for toddlers.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural settings. At The Blue Lake of Carnelle, you'll find a visually distinct deep blue color due to gypsum and marl, surrounded by oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. The Pond and Reed Bed of the Nature Park provides a tranquil natural environment, while the Étang des Trois Sources is another beautiful natural lake.
Are there walking or cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise offers numerous walking and cycling routes. For more structured options, you can explore nearby guides like Easy hikes around Pontoise or Cycling around Pontoise, which feature routes like the 'Hunting Castle – Pond and Château de la Chasse loop'.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Pontoise?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer is ideal for water activities, especially at the Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise where supervised swimming and the beach are open. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with beautiful foliage around forest lakes like The Blue Lake of Carnelle.
Are there places to eat or have a picnic near the lakes?
The Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise provides catering options and designated areas for barbecues, perfect for gatherings. The park at Château de Grouchy and its ponds is also ideal for family picnics.
How accessible are the lakes by public transport or for cyclists?
The Île de Loisirs de Cergy-Pontoise is well-regarded for its accessibility. Pedestrians and cyclists can access the park for free, and it is recognized as an 'Accueil Vélo' establishment, offering specific services for cyclists. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local transport schedules.
What unique attractions are available at the Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park?
Beyond standard water activities, the Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park boasts a 3,000 m² Aquaparc Projet X, a whitewater stadium designed to mimic an alpine torrent for rafting and kayaking, and the largest outdoor surf wave in Europe. It truly offers unique aquatic experiences in the region.
Can I find less crowded lake spots for a peaceful experience?
While popular spots like Cergy-Pontoise Leisure Park can be busy, especially on weekends, you might find more tranquility at forest lakes such as Pond and Château de la Chasse or The Sylphes Pond. These offer a peaceful atmosphere within natural settings.
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