Monet's Garden
Monet's Garden
Honfleur
Monet's Garden
Rouen
Rouen
Honfleur harbor
Rouen
Monet's Garden
Etretat
Rouen
Rouen Museum Atrium
Monet's Garden
Monet's House and garden at Giverny, home to his beloved lily pond
Musée d'Art Moderne André Mairaux, Le Havre
Musée des Beaux Arts, Rouen including Monet’s “Rouen Cathedral”
Etretat and the pretty port of Honfleur
Impressionism has long been associated with Paris, but there are many links and connections with the nearby region of Normandy, especially thanks to Monet’s love of the area. Having spent much of his childhood in Le Havre and the last 40 years of his life in Giverny, many of Monet’s most famous paintings are of Norman landscapes. Indeed, his painting ‘Impression, Sunrise’ of the Normandy coast gave rise to the term ‘Impressionism’, the heritage of which you will track on this tour throughout the region. This wonderful short lecture tour, based in Rouen, visit’s Monet’s House and Garden in Giverny as well as a host of other places associated with Impressionism in the area, all in the incomparable company of Prof. Anne Anderson or Dr Scott Anderson, whose knowledge and enthusiasm will enlighten and entertain.
Available Departures |
From |
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| 01 - May - 2025 | Limited Availability | Travel Info On Request |
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Provisional Timings Folkestone Departing: 01st May 2025 at 11:20 Returning: 04th May 2025 at 17:20 |
Day 1: Travel by coach from London Victoria Coach Station (approx. 07.30am) or Maidstone (08.45am) to Folkestone for Eurotunnel crossing to Calais and onwards to Rouen for check in to hotel. This evening there will be an introductory lecture, 'Monet at Giverny', followed by a welcome drink and dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 2: Monet's Garden and Musée d'Impressionisme, Giverny
Today is a full day visit to Giverny, the village which Monet fell in love with, and lived in, from 1883 until his death in 1926. There will be visits to Monet’s House, where you will be able to stroll around the magnificent gardens and lily pond that Monet created and captured in some of his most famous paintings, and the Musée des Impressionnismes, home to a series of exhibitions dedicated to Impressionism. This evening’s lecture, ‘Impressionism or painting quickly out of doors’ is followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Etretat, Musée d’Art Moderne in Le Havre and Honfleur
This morning we drive to the fishing village and resort of Etretat on the Normandy coast. Monet spent February 1883 here, painting twenty views of the beach and the rock formations in the area, exploring the colours and lumosity of the cliffs at different times of the day. This afternoon we visit Le Havre with entrance to the Musée d’art Moderne André Malraux (MuMa) followed by a visit to the pretty port of Honfleur. Time will be allowed for dinner (own expense) here before returning to Rouen for overnight stay.
Day 4: Musee des Beaux Arts Rouen and home
A morning visit to Rouen’s fabulous Musée des Beaux Arts that houses a wonderful collection including Monet’s Rouen Cathedral and works by Boudin and Dufy. Return transfer to Calais, and the Eurotunnel to Folkestone. Continue onwards to Maidstone (expected arrival approx. 18.00) and London (expected arrival approx. 19.30).
NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Travel Arrangements
The quickest and most convenient way to get to this area of Normandy is by modern, executive coach and Eurotunnel.
Departure from London Victoria Coach Station will be at about 07.30 with a further pick up made at Maidstone Services in good time for a scheduled Eurotunnel departure of 11.20. The Eurotunnel crossing operates up to 4 times per hour and takes just 35 minutes to Calais. The driving time from Calais to Rouen is approximately 2 hours.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Hotel Mercure Rouen Champ de Mars
Located a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre and the Cathedral, the Mercure Rouen Champ de Mars hotel offers modern rooms with all the comforts you need with a restaurant, bar, and comfortable bedrooms with private bathroom, TV, telephone and wifi.
Your Lecturers
Dr Scott Anderson MA, PhD, FNAVA, ASFAV (Associate of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers)
Scott is a University Senior Lecturer in the History of Art and Design and is an Honorary Fellow of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers. He is a specialist in Victorian and Edwardian art, architecture and antiques and is a consultant expert for the BBC2 'Flog It!' programme. Scott is an Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society and has lectured extensively to various societies, special interest groups and educational groups throughout Britain. He has extensive tour guiding experience in Britain, European locations such as Paris, Berlin, Vienna and New York.
OR
Prof. Anne Anderson
Prof. Anne Anderson author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, was a senior lecturer at Southampton Solent University for 14 years, specialising in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. Anne's career as an international speaker has taken her all over the world and her TV credits include the BBC's Flog It!. Anne has received a rapturous response from or customers at the many Travel Editions UK lectures and tours as well as a host of tours overseas and her knowledge, wit and enthusiasm bring her beloved subjects to life in whatever location she finds them.
Gill our tour manager was excellent. There were a couple of situations she had deal with and did so extremely efficiently. Nothing was too much trouble. Our coach driver Lloyd, was a very good driver and very friendly .
Review by Gibbons who travelled 23-May-2024
Review by Williams who travelled 23-May-2024
Very enjoyable and informative. We would have liked longer in the Le Havre art gallery to look at the paintings on display in the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-May-2023
Review by Ridley who travelled 19-May-2023
Excellent, friendly and caring tour manager accompanied by a superb, knolegeable and amusing art historian guide: a great combo; well-chosen museums and locations.
Review by Bacot who travelled 19-May-2023
This was an excellent tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a problem with the coach on the morning we were due to drive to Giverney, but Stephen, Ann and the driver all worked really hard to ensure that the visit was unaffected and we had a really good day. It must have been very stressful for them, but it worked out really well for us!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-May-2023
A wonderful few days in Normandy. Monet's garden was delightful A real treat. Museums and gallery visits were superb. Etretat and Honfluer were very interesting and beautiful. Anne Anderson, Steve and Phil were a dream team. Anne¹s lectures, amazing knowledge, enthusiasm and passion were brilliant. Thank you.
Review by Cartwright who travelled 05-May-2023
One of my best tours this spring. ANNE WAS EXCELLENT (AS USUAL) especially in giving introduction to Monet's predecesors & contemporaries. Whisper machines didn't arrive but proved to be no obstacle, thx to arrangements made for us to talk in galleries. Big mess with bus 'break-in' deftly handled by Steven (tour mgr) in record time, so we fully enjoyed a marvelous day in Giverny. Nerve-racking for organizers though. Hotel great (kettle in room, designated smoking area, generous meals).
Review by Stewart who travelled 05-May-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-May-2023
This was my first experience of an organised holiday and I was not disappointed. It was an excellent tour which I would highly recommend. Professor Anne Anderson's knowledge of the subject area as well as her delivery is very impressive both, in terms of explaining the works of art in fine detail and putting Monet and his work into a wider context. Her enthusiasm for the subject was evident and made listening to her very enjoyable. I certainly learned a lot. Steve Hartnell's organisational skills came to the fore when, at short notice, he managed to find replacement transport for the damaged bus with the result that there was no impact on our enjoyment of the tour. I would like to make one small suggestion. I would have found it helpful to be reminded that there is a variety of shops and restaurants at the Euroshuttle at Folkestone. This way one can decide whether to bring one's own or buy from the shop. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone at Travel Editions for a great experience.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-May-2023
Stephen did a great job getting us taxis when the coach was broken into. We liked to look around some of the galleries by ourselves but learnt a lot from the evening talks by Anne. Somewhat restricted by group tickets so everyone has to go into Giverney etc at the same time when a few people wanted lunch first.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-May-2023
The tour was first class with the art historian Anne Anderson, tour manager Steve and driver Phil forming an excellent team. Even when the coach was vandalised over night the tour continued using taxis and the coach was repaired ready for use later that day. The gallery visits and commentaries plus evening talks were excellent. Accommodation was very comfortable and the food good, the hotel being just a short walk into the centre of Rouen. Thanks everyone including the administrators who arranged it all. PS The coach journey was long when we could have use Eurostar to Paris and then a local train but we needed a coach to travel around Normandy.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-May-2023
Karen was an excellent tour manager and I would be delighted if we were on another tour together. I understand TE had no control over the change from Channel tunnel to Ferry but the travelling was far too long on the day of departure and last day for a 3 night break. The hotel was very good with an excellent breakfast. The food on the first night was ok but an unacceptable standard on the second night. The tour expert , Ann, had an amazing depth of knowledge This was my first organised tour and I would consider another with TE at some time in the future
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-August-2022
Review by Earley who travelled 05-August-2022
19 Passengers. A very memorable and enjoyable holiday. Thanks to Karen and Anne. The problems with Eurostar, P & O and Customs is no fault of Travel Editions.
Review by Bush who travelled 05-August-2022
Wishes there had been more time allowed for travel so that more time for free time
Review by Rynberg who travelled 05-August-2022
We very much enjoyed the tour. Anne Anderson is an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining lecturer. Our tour manager, Gerard Venet, was charming and efficient, as well as being very informative. We enjoyed the programme and learned a lot. The icing on the cake was having our own coach for the entire trip, which was very convenient.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
Both our guide, Anne and our tour manager, Gerard were excellent. Maybe in fuutre to spend an extra day in Rouen.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
Prof Anne was excellent too
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
We visited some beautiful towns during our trip and gained a huge amount of knowledge about the Impressionist artist. Excellent tour guide.
Review by Gebbels who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Russell who travelled 06-May-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
I thought that Gerard was amazing and that he worked well with Anne. The hotel looked tired on the outside but my room was very good. The food was initially disappointing- lack of vegetables in the evening meal and a very poor selection at breakfast. There was a marked improvement in the second evening meal and by the end of the tour the only weak point with the breakfast was the filter coffee. The improvements being down to Gerard working with the staff to raise standards. There was a considerable amount of time spent on the coach but the tour was well put together and we had a great deal of variety. We started Day 2 at Etreat and it might be helpful to suggest that those wishing to ascend to the Church or the top of the cliffs bring a walking pole/ stick as there are no hand rails. Anne was very knowledgeable and we certainly packed a lot into a short tour. I am definitely planning to do more Tours with you - the organisation is superb. Finally a big thank you to Peter - a wonderful driver.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-May-2022
1. Travel - in view of the tour being for 3 nights only, travel by Eurostar then coach (or even train) from Paris to Rouen would have been quicker than coach from London and allowed more time to explore Rouen on arrival and departure days - and been more environmentally-friendly. 2. Guest lecturer was very disappointing - too verbose, first lecture contained inaccuracies (I felt he was relying on his undoubted knoweldge and lacking proper preparation); the second lecture was better. However it was not acceptable to be told on arrival at MuMa in Le Havre that, as he'd never been there before, he didn't know anything about the collection, when there is a lot of information available on the internet. Had this been my first experience of a Travel Editions tour it would not encourage me to look at other tours - fortunately I have experienced excellent lectures on the previous tours I have undertaken, but I will not be choosing any where this lecturer is listed.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-May-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-May-2019
I felt that there was too much coach travel, but this is only a personal dislike. I enjoyed spending time in Rouen and changing the museum trip to Monet's garden into the morning was better.
Review by Bessant who travelled 03-May-2019
Our very own Andrew Graham Dixon, Dr Anderson, revealed a very special talent for spotting flâneurs, summing up Eugene Boudin's prodigious herd and demythologising the cult of the Impressionist Washerwoman. Bravo!
Review by Mr Peter Jones who travelled 06-May-2016
Magical trip we enjoyed every moment. Fantastic tour guide,art expert,coach driver. Recommend the tour.....fabulous.
Review by Mrs Maureen Jennings who travelled 06-May-2016
A comfortable coach with a loo made the trip easier also a good driver who very considerately went via Waterloo on the way back as a two hour hold up at Calais had caused problems for some people travelling on.
Review by Mrs A Nevill who travelled 06-May-2016
good driver; compact programme ; excellent art lectures; good food. stay at Honfleur could have been a bit longer
Review by Mr G Kunz who travelled 06-May-2016
I was very impressed by the high standard of service from Gil the tour manager, nothing was too much trouble for her. Also the depth & quality of knowledge from Dr Anne Anderson. I would definitely travel with your company again.
Review by Mrs Patricia Fuller who travelled 06-May-2016
All the people involved in making the trip happen were excellent. Gordon the driver was courteous and unflappable throughout; Anne, the lecturer was extremely knowledgeable and a very talented speaker; and Jill, the tour manager juggled taking one of the party to hospital, unexpected road closures due to a road race, and delays to the Eurotunnel shuttle, whilst also herding an unruly band of guests around the countryside. I'm full of admiration for all three of them. An excellent and very enjoyable trip!
Review by Mrs Julia Wise who travelled 06-May-2016
We were blessed with wonderful weather, but, because it was a holiday weekend, the Rouen museum was closed except for the extra exhibition. Because of the extra exhibitions, an additional day would have been good...just all a bit too crammed.
Review by Ms Helen Leigh who travelled 06-May-2016
I am deaf so although formal lectures were good and easy to follow, there was generally too much talking, which required me to switch off frequently . . . so too much information
Review by Mr David Buck who travelled 06-May-2016
Anne Anderson and Helene Gaujac both worked incredibly hard to make the trip really successful and both gave commitment over and above what the programme indicated.
Review by Mrs Monica Frost who travelled 08-May-2015
A map of honfleur would have been welcome
Review by Mrs Catherine Foot who travelled 08-May-2015
In particular our lecturer, Anne, was excellent. She is extremely knowledgeable, very entertaining and a very good speaker. This was my fourth trip and we will be booking again soon!
Review by Ms S Davenport who travelled 08-May-2015
my original guest was ill so we're going again next year. "the journey was one of ecstasy as well as travel" (A Journey in Ladakh)
Review by Mrs Judith Cox who travelled 02-May-2014
Very good tour especially the Tour Manager and the excellent Guide. Only criticism is that I had to telephone 3 times to try to find out what time the coach left from Victoria and could not get a time from anyone. Think you need to either send out final detials earlier or at least basic details eg what time the coach is leaving because of the need to arrange either accommodation the night before or check transport times to get there. Apart from that it was very good.
Review by Mr Stephanie Carver who travelled 02-May-2014
Travel Editions feedback:
We are glad you enjoyed the tour and apologise for the lack a of a coach time before your departure documentation, sent 14 days in advance.
Honfleur was not up to standard. Third rate museum and 4 hours to fill. Another house and garden like the Parc de Bois des Moutiers would have been perfect. Giverney was brilliant-house, garden and museum.
Review by Mr John Garton who travelled 02-May-2014
