HONFLEUR, FRANCE

Departing the quayside, we drive to Giverny, a pretty village located on the banks of the River Seine, and renowned for being the location of Claude Monet’s house.

The world-famous impressionist painter lived in this house from 1883 until his death in 1926. Between 1886 and 1890, a whole colony of painters joined him in order to take advantage of the ‘garden art’ form. It was in this very picturesque setting that Monet painted the huge canvases of the Water Lilies, which can be seen in Paris at the Orangerie Museum.

Upon arrival, we first visit the Clos Normand – the arches of flowers – whose palette of varying colours inspired Monet. We continue to the pink and green house standing at the top of the gardens. Reproductions of Monet’s works and his collection of 18th and 19th century Japanese prints can be seen in the different rooms.

Our tour will end back in the gardens, where our guide will lead us through the picturesque ‘water garden’ shaped by weeping willows, its famous Japanese bridge and its pond, which inspired Monet in his work. At the end of our visit, there will be some free time, before we begin our return journey to Honfleur.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one and a quarter hours of walking, some of which will be over uneven ground, and there are around 15 steps to negotiate. It is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There will be approximately 45 minutes of free time, where walking is at the discretion of the individual. For reference, the driving time to Giverny is approximately one hour and 45 minutes. What flora may be seen is obviously subject to seasonal change. A bottle of mineral water will be supplied on the coach.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES