Highlights of Normandy: Monet’s Garden, Rouen and Honfleur

We take the Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris, arriving at Paris, Gare du Nord approximately 2 hours 15 minutes later. A coach will then take you to your hotel in Rouen.

This morning we step back in time on a guided walking tour around the centre of this superb city and although it is not very long in distance, in time however, history will come alive. In the cathedral, immortalised by Claude Monet, you can see the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and William the Conqueror’s grandfather over the centuries it  has been built, destroyed by fire, rebuilt, damaged in the Wars of Religion and embellished to create the fantastic Gothic edifice we see today. 

This afternoon is free to explore maybe visit the Museum of fine art, the Jeanne D’arc exhibition or the Jardin des plantes.

Today we take the drive to perhaps the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast – delightful Honfleur. Beautifully preserved, its old harbour, complete with both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is surrounded by a perfect waterfront of tall, pastel coloured 18th century houses, many of which have been converted to restaurants specialising in seafood.

Along the waterfront, watch the talented artists at work, capturing the delightful view for eternity whilst the intricate maze of streets behind are worthy of some exploration. The eaves of the tall, half-timbered buildings almost touch and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling all sorts of items such as antiques, books and fine foods.

The locals stop to exchange a few words, kiss each other on both cheeks and continue on their way: everything here blends together so effortlessly to create a most charming example of a French provincial town.

Honfleur was the birthplace of Eugene Boudin, the forerunner of Impressionism whose most famous pupil was a certain Claude Monet. There is a museum, which is well worth a visit, housing a number of his works together with those of other artists including Monet himself (please note opening hours vary according to season).

*We'll visit the new immersive museum experience in Honfleur, which features the reconstructed battleship of William the Conqueror, known as “La Mora.” This experience brings over 1,000 years of history to life, telling the story of William and his army, from their preparations for the crossing to England, through the sea voyage, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings itself. 

We return to the hotel late afternoon/early evening.

*This tour usually operates with a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry, but the museum will be closed for renovations from 1 September 2025 for approximately two years. As a result, we’ve amended the itinerary from previous years and arranged an alternative visit to La Mora in Honfleur. Excitingly, the Tapestry is due to return to the UK for the first time in 900 years as part of an exhibition at the British Museum, scheduled to open in September 2026. 

After a leisurely breakfast , we make our way to the historic Gold Beach, famously associated with the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. This significant event marked the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation and led to the liberation of Europe during World War II. At Arromanches, you can visit one of the most insightful museums in the region, where the remains of the Mulberry Harbour still stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the Allies, or explore the fascinating old town further. 

Following this poignant visit, we return to our hotel late afternoon.

Claude Monet’s paintings are some of the most exquisite and familiar works of art ever produced, and you will witness first-hand the spectacular displays of colour at the artist’s house and garden at Giverny. The interior of the house, including the artist’s studio, is also outstanding.

Later we continue to Paris for our return Eurostar.