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

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

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5 Days From

$845

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

5 Days Starting in Rouen and ending in London, UK

Visiting: Saint Pancras Station, Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Bayeux, Fondation Monet in Giverny, Eurostar

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

NR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$845 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

William the Conqueror, D-Day, atmospheric Honfleur, medieval Rouen immortalised by Monet plus delightful Bayeux. This gorgeous region, a microcosm of France, is just delightful.

For a short break with a difference, Normandy is hard to beat - it really is one of the truly unspoilt corners of Europe. The region is lush and green, with its patchwork of tiny fields and half-timbered buildings and if the beautiful landscapes alone were not enticing enough, Normandy is also known as 'Cider and Cream Country' which requires no further explanation!

The history of Normandy is so intertwined with our own. You will see echoes of Joan of Arc, the D-Day landings, Richard the Lionheart and of course the most famous of all, William, the -??Conqueror-? of England. Everything in Normandy seems vaguely familiar, yet foreign, it's hard to put your finger on it exactly. This is hardly surprising really as not only is so much of our heritage shared - the same Vikings who visited Normandy also visited Britain. In fact the present day Normans seem to have more in common with us, than they do with the rest of the French! So there is no doubt you will be made to feel at home. Rouen, Bayeux, Honfleur, Fecamp, Arromanches - some of the names you'll know and some of them you won't but that's the beauty of Normandy, it's sheer variety, so come with us and see.

Highlights

  • Explore Bayeux, home to the historic Bayeux Tapestry

  • Guided historic walk of Rouen, one of France’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities

  • Visit 

  • Visit Fécamp, renowned for the stunning Benedictine Palace

  • the picturesque port of Honfleur

  • Visit impressionist artist Claude Monet’s home and garden – see the ‘Water Lily’ pond and ‘Japanese Bridge’

  • Visit Arromanches and one of the WWII D-Day beaches

  • Four nights in four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast

  • Return rail connections available on selected dates from over fifty regional stations

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Location: Saint Pancras Station, Paris, Rouen

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

We take the Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris (exact time will be indicated on travel documents), arriving at Paris, Gare du Nord approximately 2 hours 15 minutes later. A coach will then take you to your hotel in Rouen.

Day 2

Location: Rouen

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rouen really does defy description – it is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Europe despite its often turbulent past. This morning we will have a 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.



During the afternoon we take a short drive to Fécamp, home of the famous liqueur Bénédictine. It was originally distilled in an old monastery from a blend of 27 plants and herbs. Today the Bénédictine Palace itself is a treasure house of artefacts. You can see beautifully delicate alabaster and ivory carvings, old chests with a fantastic number of locks, gold and silver chalices all dating from the Middle Ages, plus a fantastic collection of 19th century ironware and Flemish paintings together with a host of other interesting exhibits.



After our visit and tasting we drive through beautiful pastoral countryside, so beloved by the Impressionist artists who lived throughout the region during the last century, on our journey back to Rouen.

Day 3

Location: Honfleur

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 return to the hotel late afternoon.

Day 4

Location: Bayeux

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we have a full day out visiting places for which Normandy is perhaps more famous. We first of all visit Bayeux, which as its name suggests is home to the world famous tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 which subsequently led to the Battle of Hastings and the firm establishment of William as, not only Duke of Normandy, but as King of England too. The embroidery is extremely delicate and indeed this is arguably the most perfect relic we have of the Middle Ages.



After lunch we visit nearby Gold Beach, made so famous on 6th June 1944 – D-Day, the landing of the Allied Armies which led to the final liberation of Europe during the Second World War. We have the opportunity to visit perhaps the best museum in the area, at Arromanches, where the remnants of the Mulberry Harbour can be seen.



We then return to our hotel. Whilst the excursions are included in your holiday, they are not compulsory so if you do not wish to take any of them, you can have more time to explore Rouen. Its attractions are numerous: it boasts the largest ceramic art museum in Europe, an excellent Fine Arts museum, including works by Monet, Renoir, Boudin and Delacroix, a superb shopping area, the fantastic cathedral, together with some of the most beautiful “olde worlde” streets you will find anywhere.

Day 5

Location: Fondation Monet in Giverny, Eurostar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Claude Monet’s paintings are some of the most exquisite and familiar works of art ever produced, and to witness first-hand the spectacular displays of colour at the artist’s house and garden at Giverny is an unforgettable experience. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by a great willow tree and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his famous Les Nympheas (Water Lilies) series. Little surprise he referred to the garden as ‘my most beautiful masterpiece’. The interior of the house, including the artist’s studio, is similarly outstanding.



Later we continue to Paris for our return Eurostar.

What's Included

  • The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes: Standard class return seat on Eurostar Four nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast All local accommodation taxes All tours as mentioned Services of a Riviera Travel tour managerNot included is entrance to the Arromanches Museum - €8.20 approximate cost, payable locally.

  • Accommodation

    Four nights’

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance to the Arromanches Museum - €8.

    20 approximate cost, payable locally.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this Operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Nigel Stewart (Google Reviewer)  

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A...

15-Apr-2024

Cruise ship William Wordsworth: A cruise ship of excellence, very well appointed, comfortable & indulgent. We departed Budapest and cruised the Blue Danube heading to Vienna. The top deck offers sun loungers, a heated pool, golf and a place to just sit & relax. The cabins have everything you could want for but above all incredible comfortable. The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive and do everything to make your stay a pure pleasure. This is an experience you will remember for many years.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Dates & Availability

Thursday - Monday

May 16, 2024 - May 20, 2024
$1022 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024
$845 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Sep 26, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024
$1010 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
$1060 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$1161 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

May 08, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$1262 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$1262 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$1199 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$1262 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
$1237 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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