- Les Andelys history, Château Gaillard and Seine valley heritage
- Les Andelys today, riverside life and Normandy landscapes
- What to visit in Les Andelys, from Château Gaillard to Sainte-Clotilde Fountain
- Private car service from Paris airports to Les Andelys
Les Andelys is a Normandy town formed by two historic settlements: Grand Andely and Petit Andely. The commune lies about 100 kilometres from Paris and 40 kilometres from Rouen, on a scenic loop of the Seine. Its riverside position, limestone cliffs and medieval fortress make it one of the most memorable heritage stops between Paris and Normandy. Book a private car service from Paris airports to Les Andelys.
Les Andelys history, Château Gaillard and Seine valley heritage
Local heritage guide: Les Andelys is one of the remarkable Normandy stops featured in the Normandy heritage landmarks and castle villages travel overview, with links to historic river towns, château settings and architectural treasures across the region.
Location overview: In the 12th century, Les Andelys did not yet exist as a single town. There was Grand Andely, also called Old Andely, and Petit Andely, known as Young Andely. Both settlements stood on either side of Le Vivier, a vast marshy area near the Seine. Grand Andely was first linked to the Véliocasses, a Gallic tribe, before Roman influence reached the area. Archaeological excavations led by the prehistorian Coutil revealed traces of this long occupation. Some preserved objects are now kept in museums in Rouen, Évreux and Saint-Germain.
Illustrious figures in Les Andelys: Several major historical figures are associated with the town. Clovis, king of the Merovingians, and his wife Clotilde are said to have passed through the area. Queen Clotilde founded a monastery between 497 and 510, dedicated to the education of young girls. Later, Philippe Auguste, Saint Louis and Henri IV also marked the town’s history. Grand Andely first belonged to the archbishops of Rouen, before Richard the Lionheart received it. After his death, it passed to John Lackland. Philippe Auguste took it in 1204, then Henri IV regained the village in 1591.
The union of Grand Andely and Petit Andely: Petit Andely developed in the 12th century around Château Gaillard. It was created to house the workers who built the fortress between 1196 and 1198. The settlement later became closely connected to Grand Andely. After the French Revolution, the two towns were officially united. Les Andelys then adopted the motto “Fecit Utraque Unum”, meaning “the two made one”. To organize a comfortable arrival in this historic Seine valley town, book a professional airport transfer service to Normandy.
Les Andelys today, riverside life and Normandy landscapes
Access overview: Les Andelys offers a calm Normandy setting shaped by the Seine, limestone cliffs and the silhouette of Château Gaillard. The town was deeply affected during the Second World War. In June 1940, German bombing damaged much of Grand Andely. After the war, reconstruction changed part of the town’s appearance, while the older riverside identity remained visible around Petit Andely and the fortress slopes.
Important grain market: In the 20th century, the wider area remained connected to agricultural activity and the Rouen economy. By 1960, Rouen had become an important grain market, and Les Andelys contributed to this regional trade. Yet the town’s profile gradually shifted toward tourism, local services and heritage discovery. Its younger population, scenic location and strong historical identity helped encourage cultural walks, river visits and short stays in this part of Normandy.
A place for culture and nature: Les Andelys is especially attractive for visitors who want both historical depth and landscape views. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the old streets of Grand Andely and the ruins of Château Gaillard form a varied itinerary. The Seine banks also offer peaceful walks, with viewpoints over cliffs, river bends and traditional Norman houses. Whether you are visiting for leisure, heritage or a regional stopover, a private day rental service can make the journey easier and more flexible.
What to visit in Les Andelys, from Château Gaillard to Sainte-Clotilde Fountain
Château Gaillard: This fortress owes its name to its powerful and “gaillard” appearance. Thick walls, deep moats and a commanding position above the Seine gave it the image of an almost impregnable castle. Richard the Lionheart, King of England and Duke of Normandy, built it to protect Rouen and control the Seine route. The fortress was raised on the rock of Andely, about 100 metres above the river, in only one year. Richard proudly called it his “one-year-old daughter”. After a six-month siege, Philippe Auguste captured it in 1204. Later, Château Gaillard served as a prison and place of refuge.
The Sainte-Clotilde Fountain: Until the end of the 19th century, the Fontaine Sainte-Clotilde was an important pilgrimage site in Normandy. According to local tradition, Queen Clotilde helped thirsty builders during the construction of the church by transforming water from a nearby spring. The legend says that only the workers could taste the miracle, while others found the water unchanged. Over time, sick visitors came in search of healing. In 514, a paralytic person was said to have recovered the use of his legs after bathing there. Every year, on June 2, a procession still honours Sainte Clotilde.
Saint-Sauveur Church: Located in Petit Andely, Saint-Sauveur Church was built around the same period as Château Gaillard. Its baroque organ, given by the abbess of the Abbey of the Treasury, is one of its main treasures. After the French Revolution, the church was used as a depot, and much of its furniture was removed. The organ, dating from 1674, is now listed as a Historic Monument. It allows visitors to hear baroque music with sounds close to their original composition. The church also contains a richly decorated altarpiece of the Adoration of the Shepherds.
The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame: In Grand Andely, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is another major monument. Its stained glass windows are especially admired. A modern window designed in 1952 by master glassmaker Gaudin decorates the back of the altar. It stands beside older windows from the 16th century, whose colours, scenes and details continue to attract visitors. Together, they create a strong visual link between medieval craftsmanship and post-war artistic renewal.
Grand’Maison: Grand’Maison was once one of the most remarkable Renaissance-style houses in Les Andelys. Built by a wealthy bourgeois family, it included its own chapel. Unlike several other mansions in the town, it was not destroyed during the First World War. However, the building was later dismantled and rebuilt in England. For a visit to Les Andelys, you can arrange one of our pick-ups, cars, limousines or vans for a comfortable journey through the Seine valley.