Château Gaillard
Chateau Gaillard looms above Les Andelys on a 90-metre limestone cliff over the Seine in Normandy, France. Richard the Lionheart built it in two years, 1196-1198, to defend Rouen and the Duchy of Normandy against French encroachment. Its three baileys -- inner, middle, and outer -- and scalloped curtain wall designed to eliminate blind spots were innovations ahead of their time. Yet in 1204 Philip II of France took it after a six-month siege, ending Plantagenet control of Normandy.
Henry IV ordered demolition in 1599; the ruins have been a listed monument since 1862. In 1314 two daughters-in-law of Philip IV, convicted of adultery in the Tower of Nesle scandal, were imprisoned here; Marguerite of Burgundy died in captivity.
Visitor information
- Location
- France
- Country
- France
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 49.2381, 1.4028
- Official site
- https://www.nouvelle-normandie-tourisme.com/a-vivre-nouvelle-normandie/chateau-gaillard-le-medieval/
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Gaillard?
- Château Gaillard is in France, France (approximately 49.2381, 1.4028).
- Can you visit Château Gaillard?
- Yes — Château Gaillard is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.nouvelle-normandie-tourisme.com/a-vivre-nouvelle-normandie/chateau-gaillard-le-medieval/ for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Château Gaillard on the Castle Atlas?
- Château Gaillard is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at Château Gaillard?
- Chateau Gaillard looms above Les Andelys on a 90-metre limestone cliff over the Seine in Normandy, France. Richard the Lionheart built it in two years, 1196-1198, to defend Rouen and the Duchy of Normandy against French encroachment. Its three baileys -- inner, middle, and outer -- and scalloped curtain wall designed to eliminate blind spots were innovations ahead of their time. Yet in 1204 Philip II of France took it after a six-month siege, ending Plantagenet control of Normandy.