Château de Gaillon, Renaissance castle in Gaillon, France
Château de Gaillon is a Renaissance castle in Normandy located on elevated ground above the Seine Valley. The structure features octagonal corner towers built from pale stone and steep slate roofs that display the period's architectural characteristics.
A cardinal transformed the original medieval fortress into a Renaissance residence between 1502 and 1509. This conversion established new architectural standards in France and marked the transition from medieval to Renaissance style.
The castle displays the blend of French and Italian architectural elements throughout its courtyards and decorated spaces. Visitors can experience how these two design traditions came together in its rooms and galleries.
The castle is accessible to visitors year-round and offers guided tours that explain its architecture and history. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the site sits on elevated terrain with uneven paths.
During the nineteenth century, a section of the facade was temporarily moved to Paris and later returned to its original location. This unusual journey reveals how the structure has been modified and restored throughout its existence.
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