We have two itineraries to make the most of a weekend break based in Rouen, with charming, cobbled streets, a magnificent cathedral and the historic clock, Gros Horloge. Explore the dramatic Normandy coastline and charming Honfleur or admire the famous Monet’s Garden at Giverny and a lesser-known garden at Etretat.
Honfleur
Gros-Horloge, Rouen
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in.
Day 2 Monet’s Garden at Giverny & Vernon
This morning, we travel to Monet’s country retreat in Giverny where we visit the impressionist painter’s charming pink house and iconic gardens. Explore the gardens at our leisure, admiring the Japanese bridge and famous waterlily pond. Later, we travel to the pretty neighbouring village of Vernon with its half-timbered houses, wrought iron shop signs, cobbled paths and the famous Old Mill. After lunch we can explore the riverside village at leisure. On our return to the hotel, we stop at the viewpoint above the Seine at Chateau Gaillard for photos.
Day 3 Rouen & Honfleur
We spend this morning in Rouen, exploring the many small streets and enjoying market day (Sunday). We have time to explore the medieval cobbled streets and to admire the half-timbered houses, Gothic monuments and the magnificent Gros Horloge (Great Clock) with the oldest mechanism of its kind in France. We also see the Market Square where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. In the afternoon we travel to Honfleur, Normandy’s most charming port and a favourite with impressionist painters such as Monet. Utterly enchanting, the Vieux Bassin area is the heart of the port, characterised by its front-row homes – built by wealthy families of days gone by – overlooking the yachts in the harbour.
Day 4 Departure & Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme
After breakfast, we begin our journey home. We may wish to make a scenic lunch stop en-route to Calais at the charming resort of Saint Valéry-sur-Somme, with its lovely medieval town, beautiful promenade along the bay and picturesque harbour.
Hotel
Ibis Rouen Rive Droite Pasteur
The modern minimalist hotel on the banks of the River Seine is just 15 minutes’ walk from Rouen’s historic centre and a good base for touring the area with easy motorway access. All 79 rooms feature flat screen TV, hairdryer and air conditioning. A hot/cold buffet breakfast is served in the light breakfast room. Evening drinks can be enjoyed in the welcoming and friendly bar, Le Pasteur with snacks available on a 24-hour basis. Parking off-site is subject to availability.
Please note that the hotel does not have a restaurant and porterage is not available.
LiftNewParking Off Site & Free of Charge
Pricing
3 Nights Bed & Breakfast
Based on Friday arrivals
Inclusions
- Return short sea crossing
- Entrance to Monet’s Gardens
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions
