Château des Tourelles, Giverny

Castle in Giverny

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Spedona

Château des Tourelles is one of the top attractions in Vernon, a striking medieval castle rising above the Seine with its four round towers and imposing square keep. Built in 1196 by King Philippe Auguste during his conflict with Richard the Lionheart, the fortress has survived virtually unchanged for more than eight centuries. Its robust silhouette, thick walls, and defensive features make it a captivating reminder of Norman and French medieval warfare.

This atmospheric site is often visited on walking-tours of Vernon, where the castle's exterior can be explored freely. Even though the interior is not open to the public, the surrounding riverside and historic streets frame it beautifully, offering visitors both a historical experience and a scenic location for photography. The château's enduring presence speaks to Vernon's importance during the Middle Ages and its role in centuries of Anglo-French rivalry.

History and Significance of Château des Tourelles
Things to See and Do in Château des Tourelles
How to Get to Château des Tourelles
Practical Tips on Visiting Château des Tourelles
Where to Stay close to Château des Tourelles
Is Château des Tourelles Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Château des Tourelles
Nearby Attractions to Château des Tourelles

History and Significance of Château des Tourelles

Constructed in 1196 on the orders of King Philippe Auguste, Château des Tourelles formed part of a strategic network of fortifications designed to counter Richard the Lionheart's influence in Normandy. Positioned along the Seine River, the castle gave French forces the ability to control a key crossing point and monitor movement through the region. Its design-featuring a square tower flanked by four cylindrical corner turrets-showcased the evolving military architecture of the late 12th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the château played an important role in regional conflicts, especially during the Hundred Years’ War, when control of fortresses along the Seine proved vital for both English and French forces. Despite witnessing sieges and shifting allegiances, the structure remarkably survived without major damage or alterations.

In modern times, Château des Tourelles gained recognition as a rare surviving example of early medieval military architecture. Classified as a Monument Historique in 1945 and later acquired by the commune of Vernon in 1955, it has been preserved as a cultural landmark that reflects the turbulent history of the region.

Things to See and Do in Château des Tourelles

Visitors can walk around the base of the fortress to admire its sturdy construction, towering presence, and defensive details. The 20-metre-high keep and four rounded turrets offer excellent opportunities for photography, particularly when viewed from the riverbank. The narrow arrow slits, thick masonry, and symmetrical layout highlight the tactical considerations of the era.

Although the interior is closed, the exterior setting provides a memorable stop, enhanced by views of the Seine and Vernon’s charming houses. Wander along the riverside paths for alternative angles, or combine a visit with other nearby medieval attractions in the town.

The castle is especially atmospheric during golden hour, when the warm light highlights the texture of the stone. Interpretive signs in the area help contextualise the château’s history within the broader landscape of Normandy’s medieval fortifications.

How to Get to Château des Tourelles

Travellers typically arrive via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Paris Orly Airport, both offering convenient connections to Normandy and Vernon. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Giverny on Booking.com.

The easiest train route is via the Paris-Rouen line, stopping at Vernon-Giverny station. From the station, it is a short walk or quick taxi ride to Château des Tourelles and the historic riverside. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If travelling by car, well-marked routes lead from Paris or Rouen into Vernon, with parking available in the town centre and near the riverbank. A short walk along the Seine leads directly to the château. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Château des Tourelles

Suggested tips: Explore the riverside paths to find the best vantage points of the castle.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening for warm light and pleasant walking weather.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free; the interior is not accessible.
Opening hours: Accessible from public paths year-round.
Official website: Check Vernon tourism pages for local history information.
How long to spend: Around 20-40 minutes.
Accessibility: Exterior areas are generally accessible, though riverside paths may vary.
Facilities: Available in Vernon’s town centre nearby.
Photography tip: Frame the castle with the Seine in the foreground for a classic Norman scene.
Guided tours: Occasionally included in broader historical tours of Vernon.
Nearby food options: Vernon’s cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are a short walk away.

Where to Stay close to Château des Tourelles

Staying within Vernon provides easy access to the castle and nearby attractions. For refined accommodation and dining, Le Jardin des Plumes offers elegant rooms close to Giverny and Vernon. A convenient in-town option is Hôtel Normandy Vernon, located near the train station. Travellers seeking a tranquil countryside setting may enjoy Le Clos de l'Ambre, offering peaceful surroundings near local cultural sites.

Is Château des Tourelles Worth Visiting?

Yes, Château des Tourelles is one of the best places to visit in Vernon for those who appreciate medieval architecture, historic settings, and riverside scenery. Its remarkable preservation and dramatic silhouette make it a memorable landmark, even without access to the interior. It complements a wider exploration of Vernon and nearby Giverny beautifully.

FAQs for Visiting Château des Tourelles

Can I go inside the château?
No, the interior is closed to the public.

Is it free to visit?
Yes, the exterior can be viewed freely at any time.

How close is it to the town centre?
Just a short walk from central Vernon and the riverfront.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the area around the castle is open and family-friendly.

Does it get crowded?
It is usually calm, especially outside of peak summer months.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, pets can accompany you along the public paths.

Is it lit at night?
Lighting varies, but evening visits can be very atmospheric.

How long should I plan to stay?
Around half an hour is ideal for walking around and taking photos.

Is it open year-round?
Yes, the exterior is accessible in all seasons.

Are guided tours available?
Occasionally through local tourism groups or as part of wider tours of Vernon.

Nearby Attractions to Château des Tourelles

Old Mill of Vernon: A picturesque mill perched on medieval bridge piers along the Seine.
Collégiale Notre-Dame de Vernon: A beautiful Gothic-Romanesque church in the town centre.
Château de Bizy: An elegant 18th-century estate with gardens and guided-tours.
Musée des Impressionnismes: A modern museum exploring the evolution of Impressionism.
Giverny and Monet's Garden: The iconic home and garden of Claude Monet, just minutes away.

The Château des Tourelles appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Giverny!

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