Green Hands of the Heart – Garden of Guiseniers Old School
Visit this charming garden opened to the public for a good cause as part of the Les mains vertes du coeur initiative.
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Les Andelys
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ℹ️Practical info — Les Andelys
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Hike up to Château Gaillard early in the morning for the best lighting and to beat the daytime crowds.
- Remember the town is split in two: riverside Petit-Andely and inland Grand-Andely, both with distinct atmospheres.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the walk up to the castle, as the trails can be quite steep and uneven.
- Park your car near the Seine in Petit-Andely and enjoy exploring the riverside on foot.
- Stop by the Nicolas Poussin museum to discover the life of the famous painter who was born here.
🍽 Food
🍽
Norman Cider
Enjoy a refreshing glass at one of the cafés lining the Seine.
🍽
Regional cheeses
Pick up some fresh Camembert or Pont-l'Évêque from a local deli for a picnic.
🍽
Teurgoule
A traditional baked Norman rice pudding with cinnamon, often found in local bakeries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Cider and Calvados
Browse the specialty shops in Petit-Andely for excellent regional spirits.
🛍
Art boutiques
Check out the small craft shops and galleries near the river.
🧘
The banks of the Seine
Good for a peaceful stroll in the morning or evening.
🧘
Hospice Saint-Jacques gardens
A quiet green space that gives a lovely view of the castle from below.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
7
Les Andelys Baroque Music Festival
A prestigious musical event celebrating the elegance of Baroque music in the historic setting of Les Andelys.
Kids' Cinema: Hola Frida
A fun cinema screening for young audiences, diving into the colorful and inspiring life of artist Frida Kahlo.
Festival – La main dans le chapeau
A friendly cultural event in Les Andelys celebrating creativity and local community spirit in a festive atmosphere.
Music Festival at Coeur du Bien-être
Celebrate the Fête de la Musique in a relaxing setting at the heart of well-being in Les Andelys.
Cuverville Flea Market
Hunt for treasures at the traditional Cuverville flea market and enjoy the lively village atmosphere.
Les Andelys is one of Normandy's most sweeping towns, situated in the Eure department at a dramatic bend in the River Seine. The town is divided into two distinct parts: Petit-Andely, the pleasant riverside quarter, and Grand-Andely, which lies slightly further inland. Its skyline is dominated by the formidable ruins of Château Gaillard, a military masterpiece built in just one year (1196) by Richard the Lionheart to defend the Duchy of Normandy against the French King Philip Augustus. This fortress is a landmark of medieval engineering and features peerless views over the Seine Valley. Les Andelys is also celebrated as the birthplace of Nicolas Poussin, the father of French Classicist painting, and a museum in the town center honors his legacy. The geography of the area is defined by the stark white chalk cliffs that rise sharply from the riverbank, creating a majestic backdrop for the town's timber-framed houses and Gothic churches, such as Notre-Dame de l'Isle. Today, Les Andelys is a premier destination for history enthusiasts and cruise ship passengers exploring the artistic and historical treasures of the Seine.
- Location: Normandie, France
- Top sights: Château Gaillard · Notre-Dame Collegiate Church · Saint-Sauveur Church
- Nearby: Le Val-d'Hazey (10 km)
- Population: ~9.047
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 48 | 54 | 41 | 62 | 55 | 52 | 56 | 44 | 63 | 64 | 71 |
Geography
Facts
- Château Gaillard was built in record time: only one year (1196-1197)
- The collegiate church of Notre-Dame dates back to the 13th century
- Total land area of the municipality: 40.62 square kilometers
- Nicolas Poussin was born here in June 1594
- Located approximately 85 km northwest of Paris
- Elevation: ranges from 7 meters (Seine) to 161 meters (cliffs)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Les Andelys (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Les Andelys?
Château Gaillard, the ruins of Richard the Lionheart's castle, towering over the town and the Seine loop.
Is the climb to the castle difficult?
The footpath is steep but only takes about 15-20 minutes. At the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view.
How far is Les Andelys from Paris?
The town is about 100 km northwest of Paris, which is roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What is the difference between Grand and Petit Andely?
Petit Andely is right on the Seine riverbank, while Grand Andely is the historic and commercial center.
What local specialties should I try?
Try Norman cider and local cheeses like Camembert or Neufchâtel from the region.
Les Andelys: where is it located?
Les Andelys is located in Normandie, France.
Les Andelys: what is there to see?
Highlights include Château Gaillard, Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, Saint-Sauveur Church.
Les Andelys: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Les Andelys: why is it worth visiting?
Les Andelys is one of Normandy's most sweeping towns, situated in the Eure department at a dramatic bend in the River Seine.
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