A charming residence in Les Andelys, near Rouen
Andelys
Andelys
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Eure Tourisme
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Tourism and activities in Les Andelys and its surroundings

Visit to the Château Gaillard

Overlooking Les Andelys and La Chaîne d'Or, Château Gaillard will recount the story of Richard Lionheart, the King of England and Duke of Normandy, who had this fortress built at the end of the 12th century in order to defend Rouen from attacks by Philip Augustus, the King of the Franks. 

"How beautiful she is my one-year-old daughter! What a “gaillard” castle!". This was the statement Richard Lionheart used in admiration of his masterpiece, Château Gaillard built in 1197.

Occupying a strategic site, on the cliffs, overlooking the meanders of the Seine, this fortress declared to be impregnable, was the barrier designed to prevent Philip Augustus from taking Normandy. The siege lasted several months, but, according to legend, one of the attackers noticed a small open window at a height of about 3 or 4 metres and the French broke through the first wall simply by giving each other a leg up! With the fall of Château Gaillard, Philip Augustus attached Normandy to the Kingdom of France in 1204.

Over time, the Château became a holiday destination for the kings until it was demolished in 1611. 
The ruins of Château Gaillard - overlooking the Seine - are still standing and are now open to visitors. Every year, they provide the stage for activities and medieval festivities.

Open April to end of october, from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. 

   The 10 key sites
Château Gaillard<br />

Les Andelys, a land of History

Located in the centre of Les Andelys, in the heart of the Petit Andely neighbourhood, La Chaîne d'Or will be the perfect starting point for your visits to this Normandy village, a historical centre in the region.

Immediately opposite our hotel, Saint-Sauveur church occupies a proud position. A listed monument since 1840, this Gothic structure, built at the time of Philip Augustus (12th century), holds several architectural treasures that bear witness to the importance of the region's heritage. You will also discover a Louis XIV altar-altarpiece, listed canvases and paintings and an organ dating from 1674.

In the Grand-Andely neighbourhood, Notre-Dame collegiate also deserves a visit: also a listed monument, it is imposing as much by its size as by the beauty of its ornamentation. Do not miss its magnificent stained glass windows which have recently been restored.

Stroll around this charming Norman town, between Rouen and Paris, and discover the many other main sites:

  • The wall of Grand-Andely
  • Saint-Jacques hospice
  • The antique theatre
  • Saint Clotilde fountain, and more.

Located in the Grand-Andely neighbourhood, the Nicolas Poussin Museum will immerse you in the history of this Norman town on the banks of the seine. The French artist, Nicolas Poussin, was born in Les Andelys in 1594. He imposed himself as one of the leading artists of the pictorial movement called Classicism.

A room is devoted to him where you will be able to admire the painting depicting "Coriolanus begged by his mother" as well as various documents about his life and work.

The museum exhibits one of his masterpieces as well as a large collection of art works recounting the history of Les Andelys from Prehistoric times to the 19th century.

Stroll around this charming Norman town, between Rouen and Paris, and discover the many other main sites:

  • The wall of Grand-Andely
  • Saint-Jacques hospice
  • The antique theatre
  • Saint Clotilde fountain, and more.

For further information, you can also consult the website of Les Andelys Tourist Office: www.lesandelys-tourisme.fr

   The 10 key sites
Les Andelys, a land of History

Impressionist Normandy Seine

Located 20 minutes from La Chaîne d'Or, the Claude Monet Foundation  in Giverny, presents the gardens and house of this great master of Impressionist painting. Discover the superb gardens, certified as a "Jardin Remarquable", and admire the charming property, a listed "Historic Monument" since 1976. You will also be able to discover the painter's large collection of Japanese engravings.

The Claude Monet Foundation  is open every day from april to end of october, 9 am to 6 pm. 

Located 20 minutes from La Chaîne d'Or, the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny takes a look at the history of Impressionism and its following trends, in particular the colony of American artists in Giverny and the Seine Valley, as well as its more distant consequences in the second half of the 20th century. It is the oldest American Art Museum, taken over by the Haute Normandie region in 2009 in partnership with the Terra Foundation for American Art and the Orsay Museum.

The museum is open from April to end of october from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Not to be missed when you visit the Seine Valley: a private cruise along the Seine with your guide Dominique Polny. For a group of 2 to 6 people, enjoy a cruise with family or friends. Dominique Polny offers several "à la carte" itineraries or visits lasting 1 to 3 hours in order to ensure you an original insight into the meanders along the Seine. Bookings must be made in advance. We will provide you with assistance for the organisation of the cruise of your choice.
Information: www.liberte-seine.fr

   The 10 key sites
The Normandy Seine, a meeting place for artists and Impressionists<br />

Castles Tour

Those who appreciate cultural visits will also enjoy discovering Château de Gaillon, 10 minutes from La Chaîne d'Or. Admire this 11th century building inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Considered to be the first Renaissance Castle in France, it offers a pleasant view over the Seine Valley. Dismantled in the Revolution, then later turned into a prison, Château de Gaillon was acquired by the State at the end of 1970 and has been open to the public since 2011.

Open every day, except on Tuesdays, from April to October. 

Located 40 minutes from La Chaîne d’Or, near Neubourg, Château de Bataille will delight you with its pomp, its magnificence and the beauty of its gardens. The property of Jacques Garcia, a world-famous interior decorator, this castle, built in 1651 by Alexandre de Créqui, exiled from the Royal Court by Mazarin, was bequeathed to the governor of Normandy. Abandoned at the Revolution, Jacques Garcia bought it in 1992 and has restored it to its original glory. Do not hesitate to visit this charming castle and its enchanting gardens.

The castle is open from Easter to the end of October, from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.

Many other castles can be visited during your stay:

And also many other sites which bear witness to the History of Normandy. Our team is at your disposal to advise you and help you to design your itinerary according to your centres of interest and the length of your stay.

   The 10 key sites
Castle Tour<br />

Sports activities

Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them amused in Les Andelys and the surrounding area.

Climb on your bicycle and set out to visit the town at your own pace thanks to the two cycle routes.

The town is also popular for its rock climbing spots on the cliffs along the Seine.

Finally, hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the paths and itineraries in order to discover with friends or family, the natural and historic beauties of the region.

Golfers will be able to abandon themselves to their passion. The team of La Chaîne d’Or will be happy to book your round at one of the magnificent partner courses nearby:

The pool in Les Andelys is an outdoor pool located between the Seine and Château Gaillard and offers a unique viewpoint from the large basin. Anglers come from far and wide to enjoy their favourite sport on the most beautiful meanders of the Seine. Those who enjoy big thrills will be happy to try a unique Canoe and Kayak experience on the River Eure.

   The 10 key sites
Sports activities