Monet’s Garden and Rouen

This morning, we head to the charming village of Giverny to visit Claude Monet’s home, where he lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. His house and gardens, famous for inspiring his iconic water lilies paintings, have been carefully restored to their original design.

Monet’s gardens, which extend from his house to the river, were the muse for many of his renowned works, including the ‘Nympheas’ (Water Lilies) series and the ‘Pont Japonais’ (Japanese Bridge), which has been rebuilt for visitors to enjoy.

We then continue to Rouen, where you’ll have time to explore at your leisure. Visit the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, with its Butter Tower, famously depicted in Monet’s paintings. Stroll through the Old Market Square to see the Gros Horloge, a historic astronomical clock, and the Church of St. Joan of Arc, designed to represent the pyre where Joan was martyred in 1431.

Versailles

Enjoy a full-day visit to Versailles, home to the renowned château and stunning gardens.

Located on the western edge of Paris and originally created for Louis XIV, you’ll have free time to explore the vast gardens of this historic site (château entry is an additional cost). Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, along the Grand Canal, or discover the many fountains and pools that dot the landscape.

If you’d like to visit the palace, various admission options are available depending on the areas you’d like to explore. (Château entry is extra, with prices ranging from €18 to €27, and is subject to local queueing times. We recommend not purchasing tickets in advance, as itineraries may change unexpectedly. Please note, we cannot assist with independent ticket bookings.)

Lisieux; Cheese & Calvados

Spend the day exploring the picturesque Pays d’Auge, renowned for its lush green countryside, delicious cheeses, and expansive apple orchards. Our first stop is the charming city of Lisieux, home to a stunning hillside basilica and considered the second most important pilgrimage site in France, thanks to Saint Therese Martin.

We then continue to the village of Camembert, globally famous for its cheese. Along the way, we’ll visit a local cheesery for a taste of authentic Camembert, and a traditional Normandy farm to discover how apples are transformed into cider, calvados (apple brandy), and Pommeau (a mix of apple juice and brandy), with a chance to sample these regional delights.

Return home.