La Roche-Guyon, a château in the cliff

A village between the Seine and the cliff

La Roche-Guyon is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The village stretches along the Seine, at the foot of a chalk cliff, and its château is built right into that cliff.

A château shaped by every century

The fortress has stood against the cliff since the Middle Ages, and each era has left its mark:

• the medieval keep, at the very top, watching over the valley;
• the first cave rooms, in the chalk;
• the state rooms: the Grand Salon, the Library, the Little Theater;
• the 18th-century stables. In that century, the Duke of La Rochefoucauld and his daughter, the Duchess of Enville, carried out major works here.

During World War II, Rommel had bunkers built into the site.

The kitchen garden

Below the château, the kitchen garden and the English garden round off the visit. From above, you can see how much the estate looks toward the Seine.

Planning your visit

In 2026, the château is open daily from April 1 to November 1. Opening hours, prices and exhibitions: La Roche-Guyon château website.

From the estate

Domaine des Rives de Giverny is a 4-minute drive from the village of Giverny. La Roche-Guyon is a few miles away along the Seine: one day can cover Monet’s gardens in the morning and the château in the afternoon.

By bike, the Seine à Vélo route links La Roche-Guyon to Vernon in 19 km (about 12 miles), by way of Giverny.