Gaillon

Gaillon is a commune in the Eure department in the Normandy region of northern France. It lies in a rural setting within the northern part of the department and is part of a network of villages and towns in the Seine valley area. The commune serves as a local center for residents and maintains a mix of agricultural and service activities.

The most prominent landmark in Gaillon is the Château de Gaillon, an early Renaissance château dating from the first decades of the 16th century. Built under royal and ecclesiastical patronage, it is widely cited as one of the earliest French Renaissance buildings and is protected as a historic monument. The château and its surrounding grounds reflect early adoption of Renaissance architectural ideas in France and contribute to the cultural significance of the area.

Historically, Gaillon developed around feudal landholding and agricultural activity, with the castle playing a central role in the locality’s prominence. In the modern era, the commune has grown into a small town that provides local services, shops, and governance while retaining a predominantly rural character. It participates in regional planning within the Eure department.

Gaillon is accessible by regional roads and relies on nearby towns for rail and air links. The local economy remains largely agricultural, complemented by small-scale industry and commerce that serve the surrounding communities.