Paris to Normandy Day 9 10/14/16 - Les Andelys

We arrived in Les Andelys after lunch today.  This is a garrison town of half-timbered houses and narrow lanes and high above this town looms the ruins of the mighty fortress of Chateau Gaillard.  As legend has it, the castle was skillfully designed in 1196 by Richard I, King of England and fuedal duke of Normandy.  Determined to block King Philip Augustus of France from getting to Rouen via the Seine, Richard spent a huge sum of money getting the castle built to the highest specifications in less than 2 years.  

There was a walking tour to the ruins and it was a very steep climb.  Off the boat we go and up the hill we start the climb.....halfway up Freida and I made the decision to turn around and retreat!!!  We found a bench at the bottom of the hill to wait for our group. 

First hill conquered!

After the 2nd climb Michael took the camera to the top and got the following photos from the top!

A very relaxing wait while we people watched and enjoyed chatting.  Ofter our group came down we walked with them all to Saint Saviour’s church is a small picturesque gothic church in the shape of a Greek cross.  It houses a world famous organ from the 17^th century!

After visiting the church we strolled around the town a bit! Look at the cottage hidden in the trees!

Michael got to see how the frenchmen fish! 

This is how river boats dock at port side by side then they use each others boats to get on and off!  This time we were fortunate to be the closest to port and not have to go up and over and down! 

Back to the we went to relax and wait for our farewell dinner.  They did it last night because today we have 2 tours and it will be about 7 pm before we get back to the boat!  

au revoir pour le moment!