Gisors

Description:

Introduction
Gisors is an ancient frontier town In Eure , Upper Normandy and the capital of what was known as the 'Vexin Normand' as opposed to the 'Vexin Francais'. The river Epte, on which Gisors sits is the frontier between the two Vexins.

Geography

Gisors is located 76km (45m) north-west of Paris and 64km (40m) north-east of Rouen. Historically, the town held a strategic defensive position between Normandy and the rest of France to the west of the river Epte.

Economy
Set in largely an agricultural area, the town also has some light industry. It is a satellite town for Paris and its suburbs and is to some extent a commuter town for people working in there.

Culture
The church of St Gervais-et-St Protais dates from the 12th century with a choir in the Gothic style. Although undoubtedly including a mixture of styles introduced over several centuries, the church has some fine features including stained glass and a monumental sculpture from the 16th century depicting the Joshua Tree. The interior is particularly attractive.

Tourism
Tourist attractions include the historic castle, which is an excellent example of military architecture and which dominates the town. It was built in 1047 by William the Red, son of William the Conqueror. Legend has it that Templar treasure was buried there although it has never been found. At least three important Knights Templar are recorded to have stayed in Gisors Castle in the middle of the 12th century.

Worth a Visit

The castle and the church have historic connections as have the nearby Chateau sur Epte where a treaty was signed in 911 between Rollo, the first Viking and Norman king and Charles the Simple creating the Duchy of Normandy, which eventually was claimed by the kings of England leading to wars over several centuries between England and France. Nearby Forges some 15km south of Gisors is a delightful and quiet village with a former watermill now converted into a very attractive restaurant.

Sports & Other activities
With its location in the valley of the river Epte, Gisors and its environs provide opportunities for walking and cycling , especially on the Green Road or Voie Verte which descends the valley on the former railway line. There is also fishing, including spinning or fly fishing for trout on the river. Pike and other coarse fish can also be fished.