In Les Andelys, between Paris and Rouen, Château Gaillard overlooks one of the most beautiful meanders of the river Seine. Built by Richard the Lionheart in 1198, it barred the river Seine before Rouen to protect the Duchy of Normandy. After the death of Richard the Lionheart in 1199, his brother, John Lackland, inherited it. But in 1204, King Philip II Augustus seized it which made the Duchy of Normandy part of the Kingdom of France. Nowadays, the site provides a stunning view over the splendid Seine valley.
Built in only one year and so proud of his work, Richard the Lionheart exclaimed "How beautiful she is my one-year-old daughter! What a “gaillard” castle". ("gaillard" here means well-fortified).
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