As our holiday drew to a close there was just enough time
left for the family to play tourist and visit a local castle.
As the car wound its way slowly round the roads of Les
Andelys, it was clear from the eldest that she was indicating signs of “are we
nearly there yet”. “Just a little further” we tried reassuring her but guessing
that at her age she didn't understand.
We passed a huge church (possibly Saint Saviour’s church)
that reminded me of the Notre Dame in Paris and my husband was keen to visit
after our trip to Chateau Gaillard but alas we ran out of time. Perhaps one day
we will return and have a look around.
Settled on an embankment overlooking the River Seine and Les
Andelys, Chateau Gaillard was built by Richard The Lion Heart (King of England
and Duke of Normandy) around 1196. The castle was ordered to be demolished in
1598 and the building was used to create other buildings around the area. They
are now restoring the castle with the latest work having been carried out
between 2011 and 2013. It was thought that the castle looked like this
illustration.
On a beautiful sunny day like it was when we visited you can
see all around and the view certainly is magnificent. During the summer months
there are mediaeval activities to draw in the tourists but alas we didn't see
any when we visited. My hubby did however see two geocaches out of four while
we were up there. Well you didn't think we could leave those out do you?
Looks like you had a great time #bestandworst
ReplyDeleteWe did
DeleteAh looks really historic and beautiful! I bet you want to go back at some point! Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
ReplyDeleteThat sure would be lovely especially if I'm whisked off by a knight - ah a girl can daydream - sorry hubby x
DeleteHaha I'm glad you found some geocaches! It does look like a stunning place to visit and well worth the 'are we nearly there yet' enquiry. I love visiting historic places they really make me think and I bet it's great in the summer with all the activities. Thanks so much for sharing at #familyfun. Hope you can come back next week xx
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased we made time to stop and take in this magnificent place. Perhaps the little ones will see and appreciate the activities there when they are older.
DeleteThe view is simply stunning! Lovely place to be a tourist =) #whatevertheweather
ReplyDeleteIt sure is
DeleteWow it looks beautiful! We used to love geocaching but haven't done it for ages - must start it up again! Thanks so much for linking up to #FabFridayPost
ReplyDeleteYou really should. They are great at encouraging you to see places you'd not have otherwise.
DeleteLooks like the castle had a commanding position. What a perfect setting for medieval activities. Shame you didn't have time for the church, but it does sound like a good excuse to go back. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteIt sure is. One day I'm sure we will return.
DeleteIt looks gorgeous! And wow, it must have been huge before it was destroyed. I love that no matter where you go you find a few geocaches, you are a true geocaching family! :) Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather :) x (P.s. could you please add the badge to your post?, thank you!)
ReplyDeleteYes with 10,000 odd geocaches you could say we are addicted. Please see that the badge is in the sidebar.
DeleteI imagine so yes. Although it was a little too windy for the likes of little squishy.
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing. I bet it was stunning in its heyday! Well done on finding some geocaches :-)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looks that way from the illustration doesn't it
DeleteWow what a place to visit, so rich in history. I kind of day out. Looks like you had decent weather too. Awesome! Stopping by from #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteIt was really hot. We'd packed for British weather!
DeleteWhat a fab place to explore, it's amazing the history of the castle, the kids must've loved seeing a castle in construction. The views there were simply amazing though, I bet it was lovely to just appreciate them for a while. It's fab that you found some geocaches as well, a perfect family holiday activity!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up and sharing with me on #CountryKids.
You're welcome. We really enjoyed visiting.
DeleteLooks like it was an interesting place to explore and fascinating to read a little more about the history too. Glad you managed to find a couple of geocaches while you were there as well! :-) #countrykids
ReplyDeleteThe geocaches were a bonus. They do take you to some wonderful places.
DeleteGeocaching is something we haven't tried yet.That view looks amazing and you definitely need to go back again.
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely. Maybe we'll plan to when an event is there too.
Delete