Château Gaillard

Château Gaillard is a medieval castle ruin on limestone cliffs above the Seine near Les Andelys in Normandy. The site shows three successive rings of walls with several defensive towers and a twelve-sided keep in the innermost section.

Richard the Lionheart ordered the castle built in 1197 to secure Normandy against the French king. The fortress fell to Philip II in 1204 after a months-long siege and was dismantled in the 16th century.

The name Gaillard means bold or sturdy in Old French, reflecting the fortress character. Visitors walk through the stone remains today while locals view the castle as part of their regional heritage and remain aware of its past.

The climb follows a steep footpath through meadows and woodland, so sturdy shoes are advisable. The ruins are open daily from April to September, with guided tours offered at set times.

The inner ward contains a twelve-sided tower with walls about 3 meters (10 feet) thick, an unusual design for the time. This shape was meant to reduce attack surfaces and offer less hold for projectiles.

Location: Les Andelys

Inception: 1197

Architectural style: medieval architecture

Address: Le Petit-Andely

Website: https://nouvelle-normandie-tourisme.com/a-vivre-nouvelle-normandie/chateau-gaillard-le-medieval

GPS coordinates: 49.23813,1.40275

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:07