Château Gaillard, Les Andelys

Perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the River Seine, Château Gaillard is an emblematic medieval castle nestled in the picturesque town of Les Andelys, France. Constructed by Richard the Lionheart in 1196, this formidable fortress was designed to protect the Duchy of Normandy from French invasion.

Château Gaillard boasts an exceptional example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, with its advanced fortifications and strategic location. The castle was at the forefront of defensive design, featuring a complex system of walls, towers, and ditches intended to delay and deter attackers.

Visitors to Château Gaillard can explore the ruins and imagine the once impregnable stronghold as it stood over 800 years ago. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding French countryside and the meandering Seine below, providing a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The castle's storied past includes a famous siege in 1204 when the French King Philippe Auguste captured it after a lengthy battle, marking a significant moment in the Anglo-French conflict of the era. Despite its fall, Château Gaillard remains a testament to the ingenuity and might of medieval fortification.