La Roche-Guyon Touring
Hidden gem on the way to Normandy

The town of La Roche-Guyon has its own historic chateau, famous for being the first troglodytic (cave dwelling) château in France. Just over an hours drive from Paris will bring you to this interesting little town by the Seine. See map below for direction details.



The château de La Roche-guyon is also equipped with stables and gardens. A medieval keep (donjon) is accessed from within the chalk & limestone cliff face via the troglodytic passageways. The château has some interesting although small displays, including tapestries. The vast halls within the chateau are often used for local exhibitions and celebrations.


You can climb to the top of the keep to experience an amazing view over the town, surrounding cliffs and Seine river. The château de La Roche Guyon is open from 10H to 17H (5pm) Saturday to Friday and until 19H (7pm) in the warmer months. Entry costs: 7,50 € for adults and 4 € for 6-25 yr olds (tarifs réduits). This is substantially cheaper than the Loire Valley chateaux.



For those who like a good workout - climb the steps to the top of the keep where your efforts will be rewarded. You'll also come across a dovecote along the way. For a less strenuous, more leisurely visit, stroll across the road to the historic chateau gardens by the Seine.




Touring TIP:
If you have active kids, they'll love the mysterious and spiraling steps to the keep. And if they ever wondered how the guards coped with all those stairs when nature called - they'll also find an authentic medieval toilet at the top too!


Touring TIP:
If you're wearing dark coloured clothes, watch out for the powdery, chalky walls of the passageway to the keep!




The town's main attraction is, of course, the Château de la Roche-Guyon, but the town's postition by the Seine means that there are some lovely tranquil spots to have a picnic by the banks of the river, free from the crowds of Paris. There are also a couple of antique shops and the town regularly holds (usually every 2nd Saturday) local antique markets where you can pick up some bargains or interesting and authentic souvenirs.

Click on the white pointer below for directions from Paris or Giverny...


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