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Origin and history

The Château de Gaillon, located in the Eure in Normandy, is an emblematic monument of the transition between the flamboyant Gothic and the Renaissance. Originally, it was a medieval fortress built in the 12th century, controlled successively by the kings of France and England. In 1197, Philippe Auguste donated it to the mercenary Lambert Cadoc, before taking it back in 1220. In 1262 the archbishop of Rouen, Eudes Rigaud, became his owner and indeed his summer residence, marking the beginning of his metamorphosis.

In the 15th century, after the destruction of the Hundred Years' War, Archbishop William d'Estouteville began his reconstruction. But it was Georges d'Amboise, cardinal and prime minister of Louis XII, who transformed him radically between 1502 and 1509 into a Renaissance palace, inspired by Italian models. It uses Italian artists like Andrea Solari and local artisans to create a sumptuous building, including a marble fountain of Carrara and gardens designed by Pacello da Mercogliano. This castle thus becomes the first example of Renaissance architecture in France.

After the Revolution, the castle was converted into a central prison in 1812, welcoming prisoners until 1901. In the 20th century, it was restored and reopened to the public in 2011. Today, he bears witness to both his episcopal past, his prison role and his architectural importance as jewel of the French Renaissance.

The site includes elements classified and listed as historical monuments, including the remains of the gardens, the chapel decorated with woodwork and sculptures, and graffiti left by prisoners. The Italian fountain, dismantled in the 18th century, was transferred to the Château de La Rochefoucauld. Since 1975, restoration campaigns have been aimed at restoring the castle to its radiance, while preserving the traces of its turbulent history.

Gaillon Castle was also marked by its military occupation at the beginning of the 20th century, especially during the First World War, where it served as a training centre for Belgian officers. A commemorative plaque recalls this past, while gardens and buildings preserve the stigmas of their successive uses, from the episcopal palace to the prison, through the barracks.

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