April 6, 2026

After breakfast, we went out on a walking tour with our guide, Martin. He is Belgian but has been in France for 30 years. And can he talk! Many stories and lots of history awaited us as we went to the the Chateau de la Roche-Guyon.

The limestone outcropping began its history as a cave dwelling and later transformed into a fortress, where medieval knights stood guard against invading Vikings. Over the centuries it grew into a proper palace, housing a string of lords who gave the chateau its name – “La Roche-Guyon” which translates into “The Rock of Guy”, Guy being a typical name for these noblemen.During WWII, Rommel made his headquarters here because the ancient fortifications and caves were so secure.

The buildings show the original limestone and the windows that have the traditional arched shape typical of the 18th century when many additions were made to the chateau.

The village is considered one of the most beautiful of all France and we could see some of it as we climbed up into the castle.

Richard the Lionheart was a Duke of Normandy and the ruins of his castle still remain – the Chateau Gaillard. We didn’t visit the ruins but heard the stories of the fighting between the two castles.

Here are some pictures of the inside of the chateau. Most of the rooms are bare and what little furniture is in them is not from the period, but are reproductions. The tapestries are original.

There are three chapels in the chateau.

Apple and pear orchard belonging to the chateau. Our riverboat is in the background.

We returned to the ship for lunch and then headed out to explore Giverny. I will do a separate post about it and about our evening.