Top 15 Activities to Experience in Poissy, France

Poissy is a municipality situated to the west of Paris, a mere 20 minutes by train from the capital, yet it boasts numerous attractions of its own.

Historically, it served as a royal city and is known as the birthplace of Kings Louis IX and Philippe III. A notable historical event, the Colloquy of Poissy, took place here in 1561, representing an unsuccessful attempt to reconcile differences between the Huguenots and the Catholics.

Today, Poissy is renowned for its industrial sector, housing factories for Peugeot-Citroën and Siemens within the “Technoparc”. Additionally, the area maintains an aristocratic atmosphere, with royal and noble estates located just minutes away in Chambourcy, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Maisons-Laffitte.

Let us delve into the top attractions to experience in Poissy:

1. Villa Savoye

The significance of this mansion on modernist architecture cannot be overstated.

Conceived in the early 1930s, the Villa Savoye was designed by renowned architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret as a rural retreat for an affluent Parisian couple.

Currently recognized as a World Heritage site, it is highly valued by architects for embodying Le Corbusier’s “Five Points” of architectural modernism.

Significantly, it was among the first structures constructed with automobiles in mind, leading to its raised design, while the orientation of each side of the structure was thoughtfully aligned with the sun’s path.

Visitors can ascend the gentle ramp to a rooftop solarium.

2. Collégiale Notre-Dame

The impressive church in Poissy, dating back to the 12th century, saw the addition of chapels in the 1400s.

However, by the 1800s, the structure was in a state of disrepair, prompting restoration efforts led by Viollet-le-Duc.

This master restorer is celebrated for his restoration of the enchanting Château de Pierrefonds and the historic city walls of Carcassonne.

The church features a unique silhouette characterized by a pair of octagonal Romanesque bell towers, along with a complex array of flying buttresses, pinnacles, and radiating chapels from various periods.

Inside, be sure to admire the 14th-century sculpted high altar, a 16th-century limestone group sculpture of the Entombment, and numerous historic funeral slabs embedded in the west wall.

3. Musée du Jouet

At present, this museum is closed for refurbishment but is set to reopen in 2018. The establishment resides in the impressive fortified gatehouse of the 14th-century Saint-Louis Royal Priory.

The museum houses a nostalgic and educational collection of toys and games from the period between 1850 and 1950, featuring 600 items, including a wide array of teddy bears, electric trains, toy soldiers, and cars.

Additionally, there is an entire room dedicated to dolls, ranging from vintage porcelain models to modern Barbies.

Moreover, visitors can also marvel at captivating optical illusions, such as the magic lantern that springs to life upon entering a dimly lit room.

4. Parc Meissonier

Named in honor of Ernest Meissonier, a celebrated 19th-century painter and sculptor recognized for his historical representations of Napoleon, this park offers a serene environment.

Meissonier served as mayor of Poissy during the 1870s and resided in a mansion adjacent to this picturesque 10-hectare English garden.

The park was developed from the grounds of a Benedictine abbey and was opened to the public in 1952. An impressive statue of Meissonier, donated by the Louvre in 1980, greets visitors at the entrance.

Additionally, the park features a rose garden, flower beds, a central pond, and a diverse collection of tree species, including stately bald cypresses near the water.

5. Ancien Pont de Poissy

Consider a tranquil walk alongside the Seine, making the haunting ruins of this bridge your destination.

The Ancien Pont de Poissy dates back to the 1200s, constructed during a period when the Seine was broader and the banks lower.

Originally, it featured 37 arches and four mills and was fortified in the 1600s with gatehouses at both ends.

Regrettably, the structure was damaged during Allied bombing in the war, leaving only three arches on each bank.

The remnants may also include four isolated piers on the Poissy side.

While contemplating the ruins, it may evoke a thrill to realize you are standing precisely where notable artists including Monet, Turner, Pissarro, and Meissonier captured the bridge in their artwork during the 19th century.

6. Distillerie du Noyau de Poissy

In collaboration with Poissy’s tourism office, this is the last artisanal distillery within the Île-de-France region.

Located on Rue du General de Gaulle in the town center, it specializes in a traditional liqueur with origins tracing back at least to the 1600s.

Noyau de Poissy, distilled from apricot kernels using a process similar to that of fortified wines, is further enhanced with a blend of herbs.

Visitors can sample two variations: Gobelet d’Argent, containing 25% alcohol and reminiscent of Armagnac, and Sceau de Saint-Louis, a more potent 40% liqueur with notes of almond and orange blossom.

7. L’Octroi

This distinguished octagonal edifice in the heart of Poissy currently accommodates the municipal tourism office.

This unique Neoclassical structure, built in 1830, serves as a historical reminder of the town’s former economic activities.

It originally functioned as the site where duties on livestock were collected by market administrators.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern a relief sculpted by Théophile Caudron, commemorating Poissy’s historical rural occupations such as fishing, agriculture, and livestock rearing.

8. Désert de Retz

A short distance to the south in Chambourcy lies a remarkable landscaped garden established in the 1700s by the aristocrat François Racine de Monville.

The landscape architect Étienne-Louis Boullée constructed 20 follies, drawing inspiration from antiquity.

Of these, ten still remain, scattered across 40 acres of beautiful lawns and groves.

The most iconic structure is the Colonne Brisée, a summerhouse designed to resemble a massive fractured column from a classical temple.

Additionally, the park contains an icehouse crafted in the shape of a pyramid, a Chinese pavilion, a Palladian temple dedicated to Pan, and several more exquisite monuments to discover.

9. Musée Départemental Maurice-Denis

The influential post-Impressionist Maurice Denis resided in this 17th-century hospital building from 1914 until his death in 1943. Previously, Denis was instrumental in founding Les Nabis, a group of avant-garde Post-Impressionist artists at the turn of the century.

Now serving as a museum, this charming residence showcases an impressive collection of paintings by Denis alongside works from his contemporaries such as Paul Sérusier, Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, Georges Lacombe, Paul Ranson, and Émile Bernard.

The former hospital chapel’s interior has been beautifully restored and adorned by Denis between 1915 and 1928, adding a touch of magic to the experience.

10. Musée d’Archéologie Nationale

Housed in the historic Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, this museum displays captivating artefacts spanning from prehistory to the early middle ages.

The magnificent location has served as a residence for numerous kings, particularly cherished by Francis I, who married Claude of France here in 1514. The museum’s collections are sure to fascinate both casual visitors and historians.

Highlights include the Venus of Brassempouy, an approximately 25,000-year-old sculpture recognized as one of the oldest depictions of a human ever discovered.

Among other remarkable findings are 3,000-year-old Cretan helmets, Pre-Roman bronze breastplates, as well as an impressive array of Gallo-Roman gold and jewellery, including the extraordinary Rethel Treasure.

11. Chapelle Saint-Louis

If you are familiar with Paris, you may have visited the Chapelle Royale by the Conciergerie on Île de la Cité.

Interestingly, the chapel located on the grounds of Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye was, in fact, the precursor to that building, constructed a decade earlier in 1238. Both chapels were commissioned during the reign of Louis IX and designed by the king’s favored architect, Pierre de Montreuil.

One notable aspect of this chapel is the absence of internal supports; its vaulted ceilings are supported by columns along the walls.

This innovative feature allows for increased natural light to illuminate the interior.

12. Grande Terrasse de Saint Germain-en-Laye

Within the southeastern corner of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye grounds, one can find a breathtaking remnant from the Château Neuf.

This structure served as the more modern counterpart, constructed during the reign of Henri II, remodeled under Louis XIV, but ultimately demolished in the 18th century.

What remains is a terrace created by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV in the 17th century.

The terrace stretches 2.4 kilometers along the plateau’s edge above the Seine, offering stunning views to the east, showcasing the modern skyline of La Défense in the foreground with Paris beyond.

13. Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

This expansive 3,500-hectare oak and beech forest extends directly adjacent to Poissy.

Numerous trails suitable for walking and cycling weave through this historical royal hunting forest.

Moreover, the Fête des Loges, France’s third oldest fair dating back to 1652, takes place on the Esplanade des Loges from late June to mid-August, attracting millions of Parisians annually for its variety of amusement rides and features.

During your stay in Poissy, you will be within walking distance, allowing you to embark on a culinary journey at the Allée des Cuisines, where an array of world cuisines can be sampled.

14. Château de Maisons

A short 15-minute drive through the forest will lead to another magnificent estate.

Château de Maisons was designed by the 17th-century architect François Mansart in the mid-17th century.

Upon its completion, it marked a significant advancement in French architecture, representing one of the country’s earliest examples of Baroque design.

This is the sole remaining château designed by Mansart, previously serving as the residence of René de Longueil, the extravagant Superintendent of Finance under Louis XIV. Guests can stroll through the exquisite gardens and explore the splendid 18th-century interiors.

There are also engaging activities for children, such as dressing up in period costumes.

15. Paris

As evident, there are numerous activities to partake in around Poissy; however, nothing can truly compare to the experience of Paris, which is conveniently accessible in less than 30 minutes via the RER A and Trainsilien rail lines.

This mode of travel is considerably faster than driving into the city, and upon arriving at Paris Saint-Lazare station, a rich array of culture, cuisine, and nightlife awaits.

Whether your interests lie in visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, or the Eiffel Tower, or if you prefer engaging with specific cultural interests like Impressionist art at the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris offers a plethora of options.

Alternatively, you may be visiting the city to see a particular band or artist, or to explore an undiscovered area of the city, such as the emerging district of Montreuil or the Quartier Chinois.