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)
Upcoming cruises that call at Les Andelys, Normandy, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
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