Programme > Extra day in the Seine Valley

(Precise schedule to be confirmed)

7:30 Departure by bus from Rouen (on both the outward and return journeys, the bus will follow the Seine valley, stopping for a few panoramic views).

9:15 Giverny: visit of the Monet Foundation (Claude Monet's house and gardens) and free time in the village.

https://fondation-monet.com/en/

CLAUDE MONET’S HOUSE AND GARDENS A must-see in Normandy, Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny encapsulate the very essence of Impressionism. This renowned site, the second most visited in Normandy after Mont Saint-Michel, presents a vibrant display of hues and scents. Renowned for its water garden, its pond, and its countless flowers, the painter’s garden beckons visitors to uncover all of its secrets. In 1883, when Claude Monet (1840 – 1926) set out to find a home for himself and his family, the man was instantly drawn to Giverny’s unique light of the Seine Valley. Stepping into his preserved house, one feels the enduring presence of the artist, with little changed since his passing. Colours from the painter’s own palette were used for the interior : verdant greens for the doors and shutters, sunny yellows adorning the dining room, complemented by Japanese prints from the 18th and 19th centuries, and soothing blues for the kitchen. The Foundation Claude Monet oversees the preservation of this historic site in Giverny, where the artist resided and painted for 43 prolific years. Monet’s gardens and floral delights inspired him to create numerous iconic works, particularly featuring water lilies, the Japanese footbridge, and a weeping willow tree. Like many other Impressionists, the artist believed that it was important to surround himself with nature and paint outdoors. Until his death in 1926, Monet remained devoted to Giverny, spending hours contemplating his beloved water garden, captivating guests with its beauty, and tirelessly transforming the once-neglected estate into the floral masterpiece that inspired many of his greatest artworks.

12:30 Visit of the Ferme des Ruelles and its cider house, and degustation in the cellar.

Lunch in the farm barn or in the garden (weather permitting)

16:00 Visit of Château-Gaillard (Les Andelys).

CHATEAU-GAILLARD Considered a cutting-edge example of military architecture in its day, Château-Gaillard is an emblem of medieval military prowess, and has stood proudly atop the chalk cliffs overlooking the meandering Seine River for over 800 years. Commissioned by Richard the Lionheart (1157 – 1199) in a remarkable two-year period between 1196 and 1198, this fortress served as a key strategic stronghold safeguarding his Norman possessions and its capital, Rouen. Its formidable presence shaped the landscape, leading to the merging of surrounding villages – Le Grand Andely and Le Petit Andely – into the charming village of Les Andelys, at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Renowned for its impregnability, the castle stands as a testament to the tumultuous relationship between Richard the Lionheart and Philip Augustus, epitomizing the medieval power struggles that culminated in the annexation of Normandy by the Kingdom of France. Following Richard’s death in 1199, his brother John Lackland inherited the fortress. However, in 1204, King Philip II Augustus seized control, integrating the Duchy of Normandy into the Kingdom of France. Over the centuries, the castle witnessed many conflicts, including the tumultuous Hundred Years’ War, until finally coming under permanent French dominion in 1449. Today, Château-Gaillard remains an essential stop, offering breathtaking vistas that have long inspired artists, including the famous Impressionists. Its complex and advanced design, with concentric fortifications and intricate enclosures, reflects the ingenuity of medieval engineering. The castle consists of three enclosures separated by dry moats, with a keep in the inner enclosure. Listed as a historic monument, the castle’s weathered ruins evoke a sense of medieval grandeur, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of European heritage.

19:30 Return to Rouen

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