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Itinerary
Day 1
We meet this morning at our designated pick up point and travel by private coach to Portsmouth for our mid-afternoon Brittany Ferries crossing to Caen. On arrival in France we continue to Rouen and check in at the 3* Mercure Rouen Champ de Mars Hotel where we stay four nights. A set three course dinner without drinks is included in our hotel on the second evening and the first, third and fourth evenings are on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2
This morning we visit Monet’s Gardens at Giverny where the artist painted his Waterlillies series. The Water Garden is asymmetrical with an exotic Japanese feel to it and Monet came here repeatedly through his life, letting his imagination rove amid the complex interplay of water and light. We then visit the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes, dedicated to the history of Impressionism and its aftermath. The rest of the day is at leisure in Rouen.
Day 3
This morning we enjoy a guided tour at Château de Beaumesnil, a superb Louis XIII Baroque style castle surrounded by an 80 hectare park designed by La Quitinie. Built between 1633 and 1640, the Château houses a permanent museum dedicated to the art of bookbinding from the 16th century. We visit Le Jardin Plume this afternoon, created in 1997 by Sylvie and Patrick Quibel. This is a stunning contemporary garden combining structure and nature set in a typical Norman orchard, and the garden includes huge plantations of grasses and perennials as well as a central square pond, seasonal gardens and a vegetable garden.
Day 4
On arrival in Honfleur this morning we visit Musée Eugène Boudin, located in a 19th century chapel and named after the town’s most famous painter. The museum is home to a fine collection of impressionist works by artists such as Boudin, Dubourg, Monet and Jongkind. We then spend some time at leisure in Honfleur to explore the town that numerous French artists drew inspiration from. A guided tour at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen this afternoon introduces us to an outstanding collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Monet and Sisley.
Day 5
After checking out of our hotel, we spend some time at leisure in Caen, a thriving and dynamic city offering a rare wealth of heritage and culture. We continue to the port for our late afternoon Brittany Ferries crossing to Portsmouth, and onwards coach travel back to our original pick up point.
NB: Please note we reserve the right to alter the above itinerary if required for operational reasons. Given the historic nature of the places visited, a certain degree of walking will be involved, and this holiday may not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Price based on twin share. Minimum numbers required. Normal booking conditions apply.
Featuring
All excursions & guided tours included
One dinner included
Professional tour manager
Return Brittany Ferries crossings from Portsmouth to Caen
Executive coach throughout
Monet’s Gardens
Musée des Impressionnismes
Rouen
Château de Beaumesnil – guided tour
Le Jardin Plume
Musée Eugène Boudin
Honfleur
Musèe des Beaux-Arts – guided tour
Caen
Hotel
We stay four nights at the 3* Mercure Hotel Champ De Mars at Rouen (www.mercurehotels.com). Located a ten minute walk from the historic centre of Rouen, facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and bar, and all rooms are en suite and feature a television and telephone. A welcome set 3 course dinner without drinks is served in our hotel on the second evening, and the first, third and fourth nights are on bed and breakfast basis.
Extras
Single room supplement £129
Insurance £40
Entrance fees to places visited as part of this itinerary (£+/-40 per person)
Gratuities
Local accommodation tax to be paid directly to the hotel (approximately €1.50 per person per night)
Optional Excursions
All excursions & guided tours included