THE BIRTHPLACE OF IMPRESSIONISM

The day begins with exploring the town of Moret-sur-Loing, a major inspiration for many artists and Impressionist painters, including Alfred Sisley. The "in the footsteps of Sisley" walk traces the painter's inspirational viewpoints. Then, head for Barbizon, to discover the city's painters' museum, the meeting place for artists and nature. Barbizon painting is considered one of the points of origin of the birth of the Impressionist movement.

1st night at Château de Bourron.

After spending the night in the heart of Fontainebleau, at Château de Bourron, head for Paris with a visit of the Musée d’Orsay, internationally renowned for its collection of Impressionist art, the largest in the world. Then cross over the Seine to enter the musée de l’Orangerie where the Claude Monet's Water Lilies is preserved.

2nd night at the Hôtel d’Orsay.

The third day begins with a walk along the river banks of Croissy-sur-Seine, a key meeting place for boaters, artists, and writers in the second half of the 19th century. The walk then continues with a visit to the city's La Grenouillère museum, which plunges you into the vibrant life of the times on the Ile de Croissy. Then head to Giverny, to visit its famous Impressionist museum. Combined tickets for the Museum of Impressionisms + Claude Monet Home and Gardens or the Museum of Vernon + Museum of Impressionisms are also available. For more information, click here.

3rd night at Les Hautes Sources.

The fourth day is dedicated to the Seine Valley, a privileged place for the great Impressionist painters like Monet and Pissarro. From the château Gaillard des Andelys, you will enjoy a splendid view of the medieval fortress built by Richard the Lion Heart. Then take one of the guided tours available, to discover the Andelys cliffs overlooking the Seine valley. Finish the day with a guided boat trip on the river.

4th night at the Château de Bonnemare.

The last day opens with the visit to Rouen, the city of 100 steeples represented by Monet through his series of cathedrals. You will discover the many museums on offer, like the Fine Arts museum. Then take the road to Le Havre to enter the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art  - MuMa, the second largest Impressionist collection in France after the Musée d’Orsay. Finish the day by visiting the Eugène Boudin museum in Honfleur, and discover the works of the eponymous painter, considered one of the precursors of Impressionism.

Last night at Manoir des Impressionistes.