In Les Andelys, medieval defensive history, church art and nature trails come together. Château-Gaillard tells the story of the defense of the Seine and Rouen; the museum and historic buildings reveal other aspects of the town’s history. During your stay, you can choose between historic sites, hiking and nature watching according to your interests.
Château-Gaillard and its history
Château-Gaillard was built between 1196 and 1198 as a defensive fortress to protect the Seine and the city of Rouen. The site has been classified as a Monument historique since 1862. The lower bailey and the outwork are freely accessible year-round. As opening arrangements may change, check access before your trip.
The area around Château-Gaillard is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible (sensitive natural area). Numerous animal and plant species thrive there, including several species of orchid. Here, the site’s historic defensive role and a protected natural area offer two distinct themes side by side.
Churches and Museum
The Église du Grand-Andely, also known as the Église Notre-Dame-du-Grand-Andely, has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840. The Collégiale Notre-Dame des Andelys has a remarkable collection of stained-glass windows dating from the 16th century. Construction of the Gothic Église Saint-Sauveur began in the 13th century; the present-day building was not completed until the middle of the 14th century. The stained glass and architectural history offer different points of interest for anyone interested in the town’s historic churches.
The Musée Nicolas Poussin is housed in a former 18th-century townhouse. It traces the history of Les Andelys from prehistoric times through to the industrial activities of the 20th century. The museum also displays Nicolas Poussin’s painting “Coriolan supplié par sa famille”; the exhibition may change. Its broad historical scope and the specifically named painting offer different ways to explore history and art.
Hiking Trails and Nature
The Boucle Richard Cœur de Lion is a 10-kilometer hiking trail in Les Andelys. There are also marked hiking trails and the long-distance GR2 trail. The Chemin du Genévrier is a nature trail that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and is suitable for children and adults. The distance and duration provide different reference points for planning: a distance for the Boucle and a time frame for the Chemin.
The Sentier du Genévrier leads into the natural area and offers the chance to discover animals, insects and plants typical of its different habitats. Signage and downloadable materials may change; trail conditions can also vary. Check the relevant information before setting out.
The numerous cliffs along the Seine near Les Andelys offer opportunities for climbing. Check conditions and access locally. From a launch site on the slopes, you can paraglide over a panorama crisscrossed by the loop of the Seine. As conditions at the launch site may change, check them before making plans.
A Riverside Promenade
The “Au fil de l’eau et des rues” promenade follows the course of the Gambon and the Grand Rang in Les Andelys. It complements the hiking and nature themes with a route along these two waterways, without specifying a particular walking time.
Discover more destinations: Flancourt-Catelon, Chavigny-Bailleul, Saint-Agnan-de-Cernières, Vernon, Broglie, Fourmetot, Saint-Denis-Le-Ferment, Conches-En-Ouche.
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