Tower of Archives (Tour des Archives)

The Tower of Archives is the most impressive surviving remnant of Vernon's medieval castle, a 22-meter cylindrical keep built by King Philip II Augustus at the end of the 12th century to defend the French royal domain against English forces. Originally a square Norman tower constructed by Henry I of England in 1123, the structure was rebuilt in its current round form after Philip Augustus captured Vernon in 1196. The tower features remarkably thick walls measuring 3.5 meters at the base and contains three storeys connected by a 102-step spiral staircase. Originally called the "Tower of the Sixteen Knights," it gained its current name in the 18th century when it was used to store municipal archives and notarial records. The tower is normally closed to the public but opens during the European Heritage Days in September, when visitors can climb to the top for panoramic 360-degree views of Vernon and the Seine valley. Standing on the left bank of the Seine, it faces the Château des Tourelles across the river – both structures once guarded an ancient bridge that has since been ruined.