A dramatic bend in the Seine, ruled by the jagged silhouette of Château Gaillard — Richard the Lionheart's fortress built in a single year. This twin-village gem rewards walkers who go uphill.
Ships dock directly alongside the quay in Petit-Andely — you step off and you're already in the village.
💡 Pro move: Château Gaillard inner keep is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and is inaccessible for passengers with mobility limitations.
Les Andelys is a dedicated river cruise stop — ships moor directly alongside the quay with no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| AmaWaterways, Viking, Tauck, A-ROSA, Viva Cruises | Quai de Seine (Quai Grimoult), Petit-Andely📍 | Docked |
| Most Seine river cruise lines | Floating pontoon, Petit-Andely riverfront📍 | Docked |
History lovers can spend a full day here — castle ruins, Gothic churches, a Poussin museum, and the quintessential Normandy lunch await.
Climb to the dramatic 12th-century ruins of Château Gaillard, begun by Richard the Lionheart in 1196 and famously raised in a remarkably short span (largely complete by 1198) to defend Normandy. The outer grounds are free; the inner keep charges a small fee (≈€3.50–4.50). The panorama of the Seine loop is among the finest in all of Normandy.
Find Château Gaillard tours →Walk inland to Grand-Andely's magnificent Gothic collegiate church (13th–17th c.) with stunning 16th-century stained glass and a carved wooden organ loft. The adjacent streets have local bakeries and the small Nicolas Poussin Museum (≈€3) dedicated to the Classical painter born near here.
Find Grand-Andely walking tours →Steps from the dock, the early-13th-century Saint-Sauveur church (built c. 1198–1202) features an elegant spire and a Gothic choir. Stroll the half-timbered medieval streets along the Seine, then find a riverside café for Norman cider and a crêpe.
Find Petit-Andely walking tours →An 18th-century inn right on the riverbank near the dock, La Chaîne d'Or is the classic lunch choice in Petit-Andely. Expect rich Norman cuisine — creamy sauces, local cheeses, apple tart, and Calvados. Book ahead for busy port days.
Find Norman dining experiences →Combine the riverside promenade of Petit-Andely with the château climb for a half-day loop. The white chalk cliffs reflecting in the Seine inspired Impressionist painters including Monet and Paul Signac — easy to see why.
Find Seine valley walking tours →Two easy walks cover the whole town — flat riverside to Grand-Andely, and a steeper climb up to the castle.
Start at the ship's gangway on Quai de Seine and stroll flat along the riverbank to Petit-Andely's Saint-Sauveur church, then follow Avenue de la République inland to Collégiale Notre-Dame and the Poussin Museum in Grand-Andely.
From the dock, head into Petit-Andely and follow signs uphill through the old town to the château. The path is steep and uneven — trekking poles help. The reward is a 360° panorama of the Seine loop and Normandy countryside.
Climate normals for Les Andelys, Normandy, France (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 14 | 8:44 AM | 5:23 PM |
| Feb | 48°F / 9°C | 37°F / 3°C | 12 | 8:03 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Mar | 53°F / 12°C | 39°F / 4°C | 13 | 7:07 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Apr | 59°F / 15°C | 42°F / 6°C | 9 | 7:02 AM | 8:46 PM |
| May | 64°F / 18°C | 48°F / 9°C | 12 | 6:11 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Jun | 72°F / 22°C | 55°F / 13°C | 11 | 5:48 AM | 10:01 PM |
| Jul | 75°F / 24°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 | 6:05 AM | 9:54 PM |
| Aug | 74°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 10 | 6:46 AM | 9:10 PM |
| Sep | 70°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 9 | 7:31 AM | 8:06 PM |
| Oct | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 12 | 8:15 AM | 7:03 PM |
| Nov | 52°F / 11°C | 42°F / 6°C | 12 | 8:05 AM | 5:12 PM |
| Dec | 47°F / 8°C | 39°F / 4°C | 14 | 8:43 AM | 4:55 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise dock sits right at the edge of the village — the town center is steps away. Most of Les Andelys is easily explored on foot.
Richard the Lionheart's hilltop fortress is the port's star attraction. A steep but rewarding walk up from the town; some passengers join a ship excursion for transport assistance.
Local taxis serve the area; useful for mobility-limited visitors or reaching the château. Book via Uber app or ask at the dock.
Uber Taxi (hailing local licensed taxis) is available in Les Andelys via the app. No surge pricing — standard metered fare applies.
Most cruise lines offer guided excursions including transport to Château Gaillard and commentary on Norman history — a good option if the uphill walk is a concern.
Upcoming cruises that call at Les Andelys, Normandy, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.