Rouen and Monet’s Gardens – BEST SELLER
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Rouen in Autumn © Rouen Normandie Tourisme & Congras
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Rouen's landscape © Rouen Normandie Tourisme & Congras
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Rouen ©Rouen Normandie Tourisme & Congras
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Monet's Garden, Normandy
Discover Rouen’s Fascinating History!
A firm favourite with Greatdays’ groups, this short break combines the beautiful city of Rouen with Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Staying in Rouen gives you an opportunity to discover more about Normandy’s capital. Known as the “city of a hundred spires”, the medieval buildings and half-timbered houses hint at the city’s rich past.
Stretching along the Seine, historic Rouen is Normandy’s cultured and vibrant capital. With its soaring Gothic cathedral and well-preserved medieval quarter, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Monet’s canvases of the cathedral have made it the best-loved building in town, but many other glories stand out. Explore the excellent museums and in the historic quarter you’ll find tempting shops and restaurants. Marvel at the ‘Gros Horloge’, a great astronomical clock which is one of the city’s most popular sites!
Monet’s Garden: A Floral Paradise
2026 marks 100 years since the death of Monet, with over 2,000 artworks that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Monet’s masterpieces, from Impression, Sunrise – the painting that gave Impressionism its name, to the Rouen Cathedral series and the legendary Water Lilies all represent the enchanting landscapes of Normandy coast, its picturesque towns, enchanting gardens and the light-filled banks of the Seine.
Claude Monet lived in the quaint village of Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Step into his former home and stroll through the world-famous gardens that served as inspiration to the master of Impressionism. Discover the stunning flower gardens and see the famous water lily pond which he painted so often.
Rouen and Monet’s garden in Giverny will charm you with their mix of picturesque beauty and intriguing history. Although it is only a short break, you are sure to go home with a host of amazing memories!
Dates
Dates on Request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Rouen
Drive to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Continue on to Rouen for the next 3 nights.
Day 2
Rouen Sightseeing
Meet up with a local guide for a city tour (by coach and on foot). It was Victor Hugo who noted the many spires that give Rouen its distinctive skyline, and standing proud above them all is the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Erected in 1876, this example of flamboyant Gothic style has the highest spire in France. See the ‘Gros Horloge’, the famous 14th Century astronomical clock, and the Vieux-Marché square where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431. Today, the Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc church is a modern building in the centre of the square. The Aître Saint-Maclou, a former charnel house, is a quiet, mysterious place of timber-framed buildings decorated with macabre details. There are many attractions to explore and the town itself is beautiful, its streets lined with half-timbered houses, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Day 3
Monet’s Garden
Today we follow the Seine upstream in the direction of Paris to visit the picturesque village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here for over 40 years. The artist’s former home and elaborate gardens, where he produced his famed water lily series, are now the Fondation Claude Monet (guided tours available). During the visit we’ll see Clos Normand, the beautiful flower garden that sits in front of the house, and then take the underground passage to see the contrasting, but no less stunning, Japanese-inspired water garden. Wander through the spacious house and feel the tranquillity and beauty of the place, enhanced by the riot of colour from the multitude of flowers. It is only thanks to generous donors that these beautiful gardens have survived and flourish.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day
Chantilly
Visit the nearby town of Chantilly. The Chateau de Chantilly is surrounded by parkland, gardens and the Foret de Chantilly. You can also visit the Racecourse and Great Stables with optional guided tours.
Suggested hotels
Novotel Rouen Sud Zenith Parc Expo ****
The Novotel Rouen Sud Zenith Parc Expo is located in a green park on the outskirts of Rouen and is an ideal base for exploring the city with its majestic Cathedral and medieval streets. There is public transport from the hotel in and out of Rouen (approx 25 minute tram ride). It offers air-conditioned guest rooms, each with a private bathroom, satellite TV, coffee/tea making facilities and free WiFi access. There is a fully renovated restaurant and bar with terrace. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool and fitness centre. Free on-site coach parking.
Holiday Inn Express Rouen Centre – Rive Gauche ***
Located near the historical centre of Rouen, a short walk from Rouen Cathedral. It has 85 spacious air conditioned rooms equipped with all the modern amenities including a flat-screen TV and free unlimited Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities. There is a 24 hour bar and a high tech meeting room. The hotel works with a catering service and can provide group meals only. Two coach parking spaces in front of the hotel which are free of charge (cannot be pre-booked/subject to availability).
We also offer group tours based in Paris with visits to various museums displaying Monet’s famous works as well as excursions into the countryside of the Seine Valley, which inspired the many renowned works of Monet and his fellow Impressionists – please ask for details.
Novotel Rouen Sud Zenith Parc Expo ****
Holiday Inn Express Rouen Centre – Rive Gauche ***
| Departure date | Twin/Double per person | Single Supplement |
| Selected dates in 2026 & 2027 | From £265.00 per person | From £129.00 per person |
Optional 3-course dinner available at hotel from £32 per person per night.
