The historic capital of Norman Vexin, the small town of Gisors, standing on the banks of the Epte, on the Historic Normandy-Vexin Route, invites you to discover its listed heritage. This includes the Church of St. Gervais and St. Protais from the 12th-16th centuries, remarkable for its Renaissance façade, Flamboyant Gothic nave and radiant Gothic chancel on the one hand; and the 11th and 12th-century castle fort on the other, a superb example of medieval military architecture.
Built in 1097 at the request of the King of England, William the Red, son of William the Conqueror, and then reinforced by Henry II Plantagenet in the 12th century, Gisors Fortress, which underwent a turbulent past during the Hundred Years War, is flanked by an imposing fortified enclosure, in the middle of which stands a feudal motte with an octagonal keep on top. A beautiful garden at the foot of the motte-and-bailey and a superb view of the town and Epte Valley from the top of the keep can also be enjoyed on the premises.
Other sights to see in Gisors are Rue de Vienne, a street dotted with old traditional half-timbered houses, as well as the picturesque wash house by the Epte, which features a wooden frame.
An exceptional architectural heritage, a medieval city full of riches... no doubt! You are at Gisors, capital of the Norman Vexin. Rich in its strategic position between Normandy, Picardy and Île-de-France, the dynamic city has many treasures. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, the town enjoys as many valleys and wooded area dotted with water bodies that perfectly preserved remains rising massively over the city. It is the Middle Ages that makes Gisors an inescapable place for meetings between kings, although its existence dates from the Gallo-Roman era. Economic and commercial crossroads in the twelfth century, the city has a castle in the thirteenth century. Following are avant-garde infrastructures for the time as a hospital and a new church. The village becomes permanent. Then, over time, the industries set up and despite the outrages of the war, preserve its historical heritage intact.
The city center, memories of the city of yesteryear: Despite the extent of the destruction caused by the bombings of June 1940, in addition to the visit of the castle, the church and the chapel Saint-Luc, at the turn of the streets, a walk in the city still allows to discover vestiges of the past life of its inhabitants. Vienna street and the old houses of the city center. Known as "Grande Rue" in the 19th century, the history of the city's main shopping street has changed in appearance and name over time. It is now called "rue de Vienne" to commemorate the support given to Gisors by this city of Isère at the end of the Second World War. Although the old city was partly destroyed, the bombings spared the north side of the street, which now houses many half-timbered houses. Continue your discovery of old houses in the extension of the rue de Vienne by taking the rue Cappeville, or the passage of Monarque which gives access to the castle from the city center. If you visit the city on a Friday or Sunday, you can also enjoy the market that drives the heart of the city every week.
The tour begins with the castle built on a clod of earth. This clod is not natural. It was established in the 11th century and was to be used to receive a first fortification and a wooden tower. In the twelfth century, the lords of the time continue the construction. They bring a low court of 800 meters, erect powerful stone fortifications and dungeons overlooking the whole. From the thirteenth century, the kings of France took over and built inter alia immense towers, including the colossal tower of the Prisoner. In 1605 deconstruction began with theft and looting of certain elements. The castle falls into ruin over the centuries. Yet, the construction resists time and history and remains today still an emblem of Gisors to visit absolutely. Equally remarkable, the church of Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais will not leave you marble. Its construction begins in the 13th century and continues until the 16th century. In fact, it undergoes all the influences of different eras and is found to be a clever mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance art. It is obviously classified as a Historic Monument. Finally, all you have to do is stroll through the city to admire the hidden treasures along the streets and alleys. You will come across the washhouse of the second half of the 15th century, the moat offering a unique view of the towers still standing of the castle, the Rue de Vienne where the castle entrance was, the 16th century verdure, the waterfall, the Golden Virgin, the chapel of the leprosarium and the castle of Pablo Picasso or more precisely the Boisgeloup which is a Gisorsian hamlet having sheltered the artist from 1930 to 1936.
Besides the old stones, many activities await you in Gisors. Hiking, fishing, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing on the Epte or diving in the swimming pool are as many leisure activities as you can practice on the town.
Current May, Gisors The Legendary does honor to its past. For a weekend, the village becomes medieval again and offers its visitors shows and animations, but also a medieval market. You will be able to discover the crafts of yesteryear, but also the lifestyles and the defenses put in place to protect themselves from the enemy.
May still run and also as part of the legendary Gisors, the castle becomes the theater of a sound and light show on the theme of the Templars and their hidden treasure in the castle cloak according to legend.
Finally, the market is held every Friday and Sunday morning in Gisors to shop in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Concert "Musiques Actuelles"
- On 31 may 2024
- 78 Rue du Faubourg de Neaufles
- Concert by the students of Thierry Martin, teacher at the Gisors music, dance and theater school. - Come and support them.
Concert "El Juke Boss Karaoké Live"
- On 31 may 2024
- 15 Route de Paris, ZAC du Mont de Magny
- Karaoke Live - We're all familiar with the principle of karaoke : eyes glued to a screen, lyrics underlined by a marble marking the rhythm to be followed, a microphone and off you go. - With El Juke Boss, there's no screen, no marble to follow, no haggard stares strained towards the hypnotic light of the skylight… but three musicians on their instruments performing the songs you want to sing, with the lyrics highlighted to prevent forgetfulness, and active listening to follow your performance, in this unique moment when you become the band's singer.
Chanson d'Occasion
- On 1 june 2024
- 78 Rue du Faubourg de Neaufles, Salle polyvalente
- Musical and humorous show - Chanson d'occasion mischievously recycles the nuggets of popular song, given a gypsy swing makeover. - François (guitar, vocals) and Manolo (double bass) have been joined by Jean (guitar, vocals). - A new dynamic for the group, who are back on stage to set the stage alight with their swing, jazz and electro covers. A chance to rediscover cult hits in an unexpected and unforgettable way ! - All audiences - Duration 1h30 - Free seating, seated
Rendez-Vous aux Jardins - Parc du Château
- From 1 to 2 june 2024
- Place de Blanmont
- From the first half of the 18th century, the outer edge of the castle glacis was used as a promenade by the inhabitants of Gisors. It was at their request that Fouquet de Belle-Isle, Duke of Gisors, agreed to plant some of the first trees to adorn them. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Monsieur Thierry, mayor of Gisors from 1848 to 1862, transformed the fortress and its walls into public gardens. - The gardens and promenades of the Château de Gisors, which are vast and pleasant, were listed as a site in 1940. This protection guarantees the remarkable character of the landscape. And even today, the gardens and promenades of Château de Gisors are a pleasure to stroll along under the shady, centuries-old avenues lined with beech, elm, lime, chestnut and plane trees. - Dogs allowed on leash.
Rendez-Vous aux Jardins - Parc Environnemental Frédéric Passy
- From 1 to 2 june 2024
- 5 rue des Fontaines
- Rare plants, remarkable trees, African art sculptures on the theme of peace by Dieudonné Fokou, an eco-managed pond with varied fauna, birds such as the warbler and the kingfisher - these are the assets of this green lung of Gisors ? Skate-parks, playgrounds and a fitness trail, open to all, provide the perfect place for families and sports enthusiasts to enjoy a good time together. The Epte and Troësne rivers run through this space for relaxing and strolling in the heart of the town center. Tables and benches are available for picnics. Don ? T miss the tree trunks laid down by the 1999 storm, where trees have grown back perpendicular to the ground - a true spectacle of nature. - Dogs allowed on leash.
Concert "C-Gem & The Moon Tree"
- On 1 june 2024
- 15 Route de Paris, ZAC du Mont de Magny
- Soul / Funk - C-Gem & The Moon Tree offer a very personal, lounge-style take on rock, pop and jazz standards, from Melody Gardot and Amy Winehouse to Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Carnaval
- On 8 june 2024
- 20 Rue de Vienne
- Carnival organized by Crédit Mutuel de Gisors. - 9:30 am : make-up workshop, mask creation - 11:30 am : Come in disguise ! Parade through the branch - 12pm : festive and gourmet snack - Free raffle. Open to all.
Spectacle "Mémoire d'Enfance et Trésors d'Émotions"
- On 8 june 2024
- 78 Rue du Faubourg de Neaufles
- Performed by students in theater classes at the Ecole de Musique, Danse et Théâtre de Gisors. - Directed by Sabine Sendra. - Part 1 "Pirates, vous avez dit pirates ?" by Davy Colella, by the éveil 2 class - Part Two "La Chorale" by Jean-Paul Allègre, by the adult theater workshop
Visite Guidée du Château de Gisors
- From 7 july to 14 august 2024
- 1 Passage du Monarque, rue de Vienne
- Step back in time and discover an Anglo-Norman fortress on the border of two kingdoms. In the heart of the Vexin Normand region, Château de Gisors is a testament to castral architecture from the 11th to 16th centuries. - This fortress, a veritable stronghold and eastern lock of Normandy, is part of a vast campaign of fortifications in the Epte valley, the natural frontier between the Duchy of Normandy and the French possessions. - Legend has it that the Château de Gisors contains the famous Templar treasure. - The guided tour takes in the recently restored Tour du Prisonnier, with its graffiti-covered dungeon room, as well as the motte féodale (keep and cellars). - Bring sneakers or hiking boots. The tour route takes in steep, narrow stairs with 300 high, irregular steps. - For safety reasons, children under 6 years of age are not allowed access to the top of the dungeon and the Prisoner's Tower. - Smoking, vaping and the consumption of alcohol are prohibited during guided tours. Any offender may be immediately excluded from the tour without compensation. - Meeting point : Office de Tourisme, 1 passage du Monarque (access via rue de Vienne) 27140 GISORS. - Please arrive 30 minutes before the start of the guided tour.