Chateau Gaillard (“Strong Castle”) is a ruined medieval castle, located 90 metres (300 ft) above the commune of Les Andelys overlooking the River Seine, in the Eure departement of Normandy, France.
Chateau Gaillard is located some 95 kilometres (59 mi) north-west of Paris and 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Rouen. Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, who was simultaneously King of England and feudal Duke of Normandy. The castle was expensive to build, but the majority of the work was done in an unusually short period of time. It took just two years, and at the same time the town of Petit Andely was constructed.
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Chateau Gaillard has a complex and advanced design, and uses early principles of concentric fortification; it was also one of the earliest European castles to use machicolations.
The castle consists of three enclosures separated by dry moats, with a keep in the inner enclosure.
Chateau Gaillard was captured in 1204 by the king of France, Philip II, after a lengthy siege. In the mid-14th century, the castle was the residence of the exiled David II of Scotland. The castle changed hands several times. in the Hundred Years’ War, but in 1449 the French king captured Chateau Gaillard from the English king definitively,
and from then on it remained in French ownership. Henry IV of France ordered the demolition of Chateau Gaillard in 1599; although it was in ruins at the time, it was felt to be a threat to the security of the local population. The castle ruins are listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The inner bailey is open to the public from March to November, and the outer baileys are open all year.
How beautiful she is my one-year-old daughter!
What a “gaillard” castle!….
…. Richard The Lion Heart, King of England and Duke of Normandy exclaims, as he is gazing at the stronghold he has built between 1196 and 1198.
Tour without guide (in cash or with a voucher)
Upper court and dungeon:
Open every day except on Tuesday from 26 March to 1st November 10am- 1pm and 2pm – 6pm / Entrance fees : 3.20€, reduced 2.70€, free of charge for children under 7.
Guided Tours : During the week on request : 4.50€, reduced : 4€ / Wooden games are always on show. Many activities throughout the season.
Access : Coordinates: By car : From Paris: Option 1: Take the A86, then the A15, towards Cergy. Continue on the N14 towards Rouen. Exit after Les Thilliers-en-Vexin towards Les Andelys. Option 2: Take the A13 towards Rouen. Exit at Gaillon and go towards Les Andelys. From Rouen: Option 1: Take the N14 towards Paris. Exit after Grainville Option 1: Les Andelys. Option 2: Take the A13 towards Paris. Exit at Gaillon and follow towards Les Andelys.
By public transport
The nearest SNCF train stations are Gaillon Aubevoye and Vernon, both on the Paris-Rouen line. Bus number 220 runs from both Vernon and Gaillon Aubevoye SNCF train stations to Les Andelys, with up to 4 services a day (there are no services on Sundays and public holidays). A one-way ticket costs 2€.
Bus number 290 runs between Gaillon Aubevoye SNCF train station and Les Andelys, with up to 7 services a day (there is only one service on Sundays and public holidays). A one-way ticket costs 2€. Bus number 200 runs between Gisors SNCF train station, Les Andelys, Gaillon town centre (not Gaillon Aubevoye SNCF train station) and Evreux, with up to 4 services a day (there is only one service on Sundays and public holidays, but no service on 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec). A one-way ticket costs 2€.
Bus number 530 runs between Rouen and Les Andelys, with one daily service in each direction except on Sundays and public holidays. The bus from Rouen to Les Andelys leaves in the early evening on Monday to Friday and early afternoon on Saturday, whilst the bus from Les Andelys to Rouen leaves in the early morning. A one-way ticket costs 2€.
By taxi : The following taxi companies are based in Les Andelys:
ABC Taxis LA Address: 108 rue de la Sous-Prefecture, Taxis Lalos (Tel: 06 11 92 14 43)
Taxis Accord (Address: Avenue de la Republique, )
The distance between Gaillon Aubevoye SNCF train station and Les Andelys is around 15 km and the taxi ride should cost around 30€
Attractions nearby : Les Andelys is a town on the river Seine in the Upper Normandy , Petit Andely Saint Sauveur Church , Grand Andely Notre Dame Collegiate Church , Sainte Clotilde Miraculous Spring ,Half timbered house and belfry of la Madeleine ,
Activities : A Walk on the Seine Banks , A Boat tour on the Seine.
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