After a full 11-hour day yesterday, we slept in this morning, had a leisurely late breakfast, and enjoyed a restful few hours

Today’s excursion was to the small northern French village of Les Andelys, located on a bend of the River Seine about 60 miles northwest of Paris.  White cliffs along the river greet visitors traveling the meandering Seine. Overlooking the village are the ruins of Richard Lionheart’s medieval castle, Chateau Gaillard. Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart who was simultaneously King of England and feudal Duke of Normandy. Les Andelys was built at the same time to accommodate workers building the castle.

Today’s guide lead us from the Viking Rinda along cobblestone streets to the gothic Saint-Sauveur church (containing one of the finest organs in France). The cathedral-like church was built concurrently with the castle, and is surrounded surrounded by lovely half-timbered buildings. We immensely enjoyed walking the narrow cobbled streets lined with tourist shops selling their wares.