The chalk cliffs that tower above the Seine here — rising steeply from the river's edge to the ridge where Château Gaillard stands — give Les Andelys a visual drama that few Normandy towns can match. Walking along the riverbank in Petit-Andely, with the cliffs and ruined castle above and the slow green river below, is one of the most atmospheric experiences in the region.
Several riverside paths lead along both sides of the Seine, and the stretch between Petit-Andely and the old ferry landing makes for a particularly pleasant hour's walk. The Seine cruises that operate from Les Andelys in summer take you downstream through the great loops of the river, giving a different perspective on the cliffs and the castle. If you are driving the Seine valley route between Rouen and Vernon, Les Andelys is the most scenic stopping point.