Château Gaillard

Les Andelys

Built in record time between 1196 and 1198 on the order of Richard the Lionheart, Château Gaillard overlooks the bend of the Seine at Les Andelys from a limestone spur. Its construction was meant to lock down the valley against the ambitions of the French king Philippe Auguste. After Richard's death in 1199, the fortress was taken by Philippe Auguste in 1204, marking the decline of the Plantagenet presence in Normandy. Partly dismantled under Henri IV, the ruin now receives about 120,000 visitors a year.

Getting there : Site open to the public, about 120,000 visitors a year

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound