Les Andelys: History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Les Andelys offers several perspectives for a stay: Château-Gaillard represents a history dating back to the 12th century, while hiking trails and natural surroundings offer a different focus. The Musée Nicolas Poussin and several churches also provide specific cultural themes to consider when planning.

Château-Gaillard and its surroundings

Château-Gaillard was built between 1196 and 1198 as a defensive fortress to protect the Seine and the city of Rouen. The fortress has been classified as a Monument historique since 1862. Its construction period and military purpose place it in the late 12th century; its later classification provides another historical milestone.

The Lower Bailey and the outwork are freely accessible year-round. Nevertheless, check the visiting arrangements before you travel, as opening arrangements may change.

The area around Château-Gaillard is designated an Espace Naturel Sensible. Numerous animal and plant species thrive there, including several species of orchid. The surroundings combine the fortress’s history with a rich natural environment. The Sentier du Genévrier leads into the natural area, where you can discover animals, insects and plants typical of its different habitats.

Hiking and outdoor activities

The hiking options involve different kinds of planning. The Boucle Richard Cœur de Lion is a 10-kilometre hiking trail in Les Andelys; there are also signposted trails and the long-distance GR2 trail. The Chemin du Genévrier is a nature trail suitable for children and adults and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Choose the Boucle by distance, or the Chemin by the time it takes.

Trail markings, downloadable materials for the Boucle and local trail conditions may change. Check the latest information before setting out.

The many cliffs along the Seine at Les Andelys offer climbing opportunities. Check access and climbing conditions locally. For paragliding, a launch site on the slopes serves as a starting point: from there, you can fly over a panorama crossed by the Seine loop. Conditions at the launch site may also change; check before planning your visit.

Museum and churches

The Musée Nicolas Poussin is housed in a former 18th-century town house and traces the history of Les Andelys from prehistoric times to the industrial activities of the 20th century. The museum also displays Nicolas Poussin’s painting “Coriolan supplié par sa famille”. The display may change; if you want to see this work, check in advance whether it is currently on show.

The churches bring together different historical periods. The Église du Grand-Andely, also known as the Église Notre-Dame-du-Grand-Andely, has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840. Construction of the Gothic Église Saint-Sauveur began in the 13th century; the present building was not completed until the mid-14th century. A heritage classification and a building history spanning several decades thus offer two distinct historical perspectives.

The “Au fil de l’eau et des rues” walk follows the Gambon and Grand Rang through Les Andelys. It guides the walk along two named waterways and complements the perspectives offered by buildings and hiking trails with a route beside the water.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Ouen-de-Thouberville, Guichainville, Vironvay, Saint-Philbert-sur-Risle, Boissey-Le-Châtel, La Vieille-Lyre, Fleury Sur Andelle, Tostes

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