France


Normandy

Les Andelys



Château Gaillard





 

Summary Château Gaillard is a 12th-century fortress built by Richard the Lionheart above the Seine River in Les Andelys, Normandy. Constructed in just two years (1196–1198), it was a marvel of medieval military architecture, featuring concentric defences, dry moats, and early use of machicolations. Though it fell to the French in 1204 after a prolonged siege, its ruins still stand as a bold testament to Richard’s ambition and ingenuity.

Built between 1196 and 1198 by Richard the Lionheart, who was King of England and Duke of Normandy, the castle was designed as a strategic stronghold to defend Richard’s Norman territories against the expanding power of Philip II of France and was to play a pivotal role in medieval warfare, particularly during the Anglo-French conflicts of the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

Built on a limestone cliff overlooking the Seine, at Les Andelys, in Normandy, Château Gaillard was originally known as Château de la Rouche 
and is a striking medieval fortress. Perched on the 100-foot-high spur the fortress was isolated from the plateau by a ditch 20 metres wide. A defensive wall flanked by towers protected the lower court of the castle and also the upper court which was separated by a ditch and a wall.

The castle’s elevation provided both visibility and a defensive advantage, allowing its occupants to monitor enemy movements. In addition, a triple row of stakes was erected across the Seine to prevent boats being used. 

With its innovative design it was considered an architectural marvel of its time, the Château Gaillard featured several innovative architectural features that set it apart as a masterpiece of medieval military engineering and set the standard for future castle construction.  This included concentric fortifications which are multiple layers of defence, with three distinct enclosures, each protected by its own set of walls.

 

This layout made it extremely difficult for attackers to breach all defences.  

The courtyard is the inner heart of the fortress. It once held vital buildings like the keep, chapel, and cistern, all protected by thick walls and towers. Though now in ruins, the courtyard still offers commanding views of the Seine and echoes of medieval life.

The Functional Space is an area that would have bustled with activity, soldiers, blacksmiths, and supplies all centred here. Although now in ruins, you can still trace the outlines of the residential quarters.

 

The well, which was a crucial feature for any medieval fortress under siege. During the siege of 1203–1204, it’s believed that the well may not have been deep enough to reach the water table effectively, which became a serious vulnerability during prolonged attacks.

 

The castle was in fact divided into three parts, the advanced fortification, courtyard and the keep. It’s circular keep, made it more resistant to siege weapons, as there were fewer vulnerable corners.

 

The gatehouse features a complex entrance system, forcing attackers to navigate a zigzagging path through multiple gates and defensive towers, which could be heavily fortified during an attack.

Visitors are able to experience the Gatehouse complexity by walking up zigzagging entrance path and through the multiple gates which forced attackers into exposed positions, influencing later castle designs that emphasized layered entry defences.

 

It was one of the earliest castles to have machicolations, which were openings in the walls used to drop projectiles or boiling water on attackers. Machicolations were often placed above gatehouses and entrances, where attackers were most vulnerable. As it allowed castle defenders to defend against attackers from above while remaining behind cover.

Machicolations became widespread in French castles after the Crusades and influenced fortifications across Europe. They remained in use until gunpowder weapons made them obsolete.

Beyond its military function, Château Gaillard was a statement of dominance, showcasing Richard’s engineering prowess and reinforcing his control over the region.

Despite these advanced features, Château Gaillard fell in 1204 to Philip II King of France (1180-1223) after a lengthy siege. This was due to the defenders running out of supplies, and the French gaining entry through a latrine passage. The siege demonstrated advanced medieval tactics, including starvation, deception, and infiltration tactics.

The fall of Château Gaillard highlighted the importance of supply lines and siege endurance, influencing future castle designs and military strategies. The castles fall also marked a turning point in the struggle between England and France. During the Hundred Years' War (1337 -1453), it was subject to four sieges and changed hands several times, but by 1599, King Henry IV of France (1589-1610) ordered its demolition, fearing it could be used against him. Today, Château Gaillard stands in ruins but remains a popular historical site, offering breathtaking views of the Seine valley.

Entry is free for the outer grounds; although a small fee applies for access to the inner keep during open seasons.

The keep with its walls up to 5 meters (16 feet) thick and 25 meters (82 feet) high.

 

At the end of the 16th century the castle was to be used by brigands who imposed fear and insecurity on the region, which ultimately led to its demolition.

Château Gaillard was classified as a Historical monument in 1862.