Château Gaillard

Château Gaillard

Château Gaillard is located in the region of Gisors in the Eure department of the French region of Upper Normandy. It was once a crucial fortress for the Dukes of Normandy between the 11th and 12th centuries. This castle was built to resist the territorial expansion claimed by the King of France over the Normans in England.

The initial construction of Château Gaillard dates back to 1095, featuring a large courtyard and an outer bailey. Later, the Duke of Normandy — Henry I of England — added an octagonal stone guardhouse to oversee both the inner and outer baileys of the castle. After 1161, the castle’s fortification not only made it stronger but also led to a certain degree of expansion. The wooden palisade of the courtyard was replaced with stone, the walls of the outer bailey were entirely rebuilt in stone, and flanking towers were also constructed. In the early 13th century, a cylindrical structure was added to the outer walls of the castle, known as the “Tour du Prisonnier” or Prisoner’s Tower. Further reinforcement of the castle took place during the Hundred Years' War. As a crucial stronghold, Château Gaillard even served as a royal residence at one point.

Since 1862, Château Gaillard has been classified as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture, which has carried out its protection and restoration.

Château de Gisors

Must-visit reason: The most important castle ruin in the Gisors region

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Upper Normandy Region [Upper Normandy Region]