Gardens of Normandy and Brittany

A Floral Extravaganza

From wild coastal planting to the ordered beauty of Renaissanceinspired formal landscaping, the gardens of Brittany and Normandy reflect their surroundings – shaped by sea air, rich soil, and artistic vision.

Walk in Monet’s footsteps at Giverny, explore contemporary designs at Le Jardin Plume, and discover hidden gems from Vasterival to Kerdalo. With expert insight along the way, this is a journey through gardens both grand and personal, set between the cliffs of Normandy and the valleys of Brittany

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel by train from St Pancras to Rouen, then transfer on foot to your hotel. Checkin and enjoy a welcome drink reception. In the evening, join David Hurrion for an introductory talk on the gardens you’ll explore during the week.

Day 2: Begin with a visit to the romantic Jardins d’Angelique, a lush garden surrounding a 17th-century manor. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, tour the acclaimed Le Jardin Plume, known for its contemporary planting and structured design— guided by the owners (subject to confirmation)

Day 3: Travel to Bois des Moutiers for a guided tour, a garden blending Arts and Crafts design with rare plantings. Enjoy free time for lunch in the charming coastal village of Varengeville-sur-Mer. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Jardin Le Vasterival for a private garden tour through its diverse and naturalistic plantings.

Day 4: Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, a highlight of the tour. Enjoy lunch at Les Nymphéas, located just opposite the artist’s home. As well as the colourful flower garden in front of the house, we also visit the Water Garden with its Japanese bridge, weeping willows and water lilies that inspired one of Monet’s most famous series of paintings. Return to Rouen for a free afternoon.

Day 5: Visit Le Jardin Retiré for a guided tour. This secluded garden was designed to feel both theatrical and natural, with carefully selected plant combinations along with ornaments throughout. We have free time in the pretty spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, then continue to Rennes and check in to your hotel.

Day 6: We spend this morning at Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne, an expansive botanical and floral park which included 24 themed gardens, a global plant collections, and seasonal blooms, all surrounding a 19th century chateau. Return to Rennes for a free afternoon.

Day 7: Visit Jardin du Pellinec for a guided tour, followed by a free-flow visit to the enchanting Jardins de Kerdalo. Day 8: Transfer to Rennes Station for your return train to St Pancras via Paris.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers.

Tour Grading: Moderate

INCLUDED

• Return train from St Pancreas to Rouen via Paris
• Four nights’ accommodation at the four-star Radisson Blu Rouen and 3 nights at the four-star Mercure Rennes Centre based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room, on bed and breakfast basis 
• Three lunches, as detailed in the itinerary
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Accompanied by expert David Hurrion
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement £581
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

PLEASE NOTE: All clients are responsible for handling their own luggage, including carrying it on and off the trains and lifting it onto the luggage storage racks, which may be located overhead. Therefore, all luggage must be of a manageable size and should not exceed 15kg in weight.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTELS

Hotel Radisson Blu Rouen
Wonderfully located in the heart of historic Rouen, this elegant hotel sits opposite the Tour Jeanne d’Arc and within easy walking distance of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the famed Gros Horloge. Behind its refined façade, guests will find 93 comfortable rooms and suites, along with attentive service and thoughtful amenities. The stylish Le Jehanne Restaurant offers classic French dining with views of the Donjon, while the atmospheric Lounge Bar provides the perfect setting for a relaxed evening drink. With excellent green credentials and event facilities, this is an ideal base for exploring Rouen’s rich heritage.

Hotel Wesbite

Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement
Set in the heart of Rennes, just a short stroll from the Parliament of Brittany and the charming old town, the Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement offers a comfortable and stylish base from which to explore this vibrant Breton city. Housed in a former printworks, the hotel blends character and contemporary design, with well-appointed rooms and a welcoming bar and restaurant. The bustling Marché des Lices, one of France’s finest markets, is within easy reach, while nearby metro links and the main station ensure excellent transport connections. A relaxed and convenient hotel, ideal for discovering the rich history and culture of Rennes.

Hotel Website