Common of more than 7000 inhabitants, Gaillon takes place in the department of Eure, in region Normandy. It is located in the Seine Valley, about forty kilometers from Rouen, and only a few kilometers from Andelys, Vernon and Evreux.
Originally Gallo-Roman villa, the town of Gaillon develops in the course of the eleventh century with the construction of a ducal castle to defend the borders of Normandy against the attacks of the King of France. Become property of the kingdom of France at the end of the twelfth century, the city knows a new boom in the fifteenth century thanks to George Amboise, legate of the Pope and Prime Minister of Louis XII. He undertook the construction of the first Renaissance palace in France. Shaken in the eighteenth and nineteenth century by local bourgeoisie business as Norman chouannerie, Gaillon has today become a high place of tourism in the old Haute-Normandie.
We discover in this authentic Norman city a beautiful old architecture and interesting historical monuments to discover the time of a stay in the region.
Listed as a Historical Monument, the Gaillon castle is a 16th century building built on the foundations of a first building of the 10th century. Remodeled many times, it was the first Renaissance palace in France. Former residence of the archbishops of Rouen and residence of summer, it is a very beautiful example of the transition between flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance style. From this time, we can particularly admire the beautiful Pavillon d'entrée. The park is itself listed as an historic monument and the site hosts many events throughout the year.
In the old center of Gaillon, you will be able to admire an interesting half-timbered house dating back to the 16th century listed as an historic monument. Installed on the Place de l'Eglise, it unveils wood carvings on the facade.
Listed in the general inventory of cultural heritage, the church Saint-Ouen dates from the thirteenth century and was redesigned in the eighteenth. One can admire a beautiful stained glass window made by glass master François Décorchemont in the mid-1950s representing the Crucifixion.
While walking in the city, do not miss to admire the richness of the architectural heritage with notably the old chantrerie and the collegiate church of Gaillon, the former penal colony of the Douaires of the XIXe century, or the numerous old houses.
You will also appreciate the 17th century Aunay manor house, the Château du Mont-Martin, the 18th century wash house and the 16th century house on Rue du Four in Baon and its remarkable porch.
The city also has a popular golf course, as well as an aquatic complex.
The market is held every Tuesday morning. A Christmas market with illuminations and animations is also proposed in December. A book and toy fair is organized in November.
Every first week of June, the city organizes once every two years the Aquarell'Eure festival dedicated to painting.
In June, the street and family festival "Macadam Renc'Art" brings the public together in the gardens of the Town Hall.
Many exhibitions are offered throughout the year at the laundry, located below the castle.
At the castle, open from April to October for guided tours, theatrical tours, exhibitions and concerts are organized every year.
