Monet's Garden & Gardens of Normandy

On arrival in Paris we will transfer by private coach to Jardins d’Angelique , a romantic garden where the rose is queen; set around a manor house is an English style garden where pathways flow among exuberantly planted beds.

After our visit we travel to Dieppe for a welcome meal together in our centrally located hotel.

Following a leisurely breakfast join us on an excursion to Jardin Plume in Upper Normandy. This contemporary garden specialises in grasses and perennials set around a central orchard.

Transfer to Chateau de Miromesnil where lunch (included) will be served in the Chateau.

Sheltered behind towering beeches is the 16th century chateau, birthplace of Guy de Maupassant. Enjoy a guided tour before exploring the flower- filled potage, which is a fine example of a traditional French Garden. Evening free to experience the restaurants of Dieppe; Iain will advise and escort.

Free morning to explore the wonders of Dieppe, have a swim, explore the museum and castle or visit the market and shops.

This afternoon we will Jardin Le Vasterival. For more than 50 years (1955 - 2009) Princess Greta Sturdza transformed 30 acres of wild thicket into a magical undergrowth where the shapes, colours and scents of more than 9000 species and varieties blend in perpetual change enchanting visitors year round. 

Depart our hotel for a morning visit to Parc Floral William Farcy set in the heart of the village of Offanville, a five-acre garden with 18 separate themed areas and a vast array of plants from old roses to trees to grasses. 

Our afternoon visit today is to the remarkable Jardin Agapanthe - a garden of great style and originality where water, stone, topiary and planting combine to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Free evening at leisure.

This morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel before our final day of garden visits.  Our day begins with a visit to Jardin de Valerianes. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, this 3-acre garden subtly combines roses and perennials and comprises a beautiful collection of trees, shrubs and hydrangeas. The garden showcases its owners' creativity: mixed borders, grass paths, brick and stone walkways and a walk around the meditative pond.

Following some free time in Giverny we will visit the garden of the renowned painter, Claude Monet who lived in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Here he created a garden full of perspectives, symmetries and colours; one side devoted to borders filled with colour at all times of the year, the other, a contrasting calmness with the renowned bridge and water lily pond.

This evening we return to Paris for our flight to Dublin.