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The Genius of Monet
From £1,070
Summary
Just as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, so they continue to enthrall countless visitors more than 90 years after his death. The lovingly restored gardens give a vivid impression of Monet's favourite subjects. The gardens are filled with poppies, lupins, delphiniums and peonies, and throughout the year the atmosphere is of abundant colour and luxuriant growth. Arched bridges, painted an acid apple green, are festooned with wisteria and the draped fronds of weeping willow frame the water lilies - Monet's paintings brought unnervingly to life.
The perfect complement to Giverny is the Orangerie Museum in Paris, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2006. The centerpiece of this outstanding collection is Monet’s breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas. Housed in two vast elliptical rooms, the 2-metre high murals extend to almost 200m in length and provide a moving and unforgettable testament to the genius of a painter at the height of his powers.
Besides Giverny, we visit the Château de Chantilly, with its extensive collection of fine art and its gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and the pleasant market town of Senlis.
Our tour is based at the 4-star Château de Montvillargenne, the largest château hotel in France, set in a 15 acre park. The hotel is noted for the quality of its food and wine is included with dinner each evening, making for a very convivial atmosphere.
Note that the 5-8 May departure will take place over the day of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on 6 May. We will therefore be offering the option of watching the event live on TV in the hotel, a unique opportunity to see this great British occasion from a French perspective!
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Your Departure date
Today's Price
£1,070
Deposit: £250 Single supplement: £245
Meet your Experts
Michael Gill
Michael Gill is one of Brightwater’s most popular tour managers with a loyal following among regular guests.
Your itinerary
Day 1 -
We depart from London St Pancras International on the morning Eurostar service through the Channel Tunnel to Paris Gare du Nord. (First Class upgrades and regional connections also available on request). On arrival we will be met by our comfortable local coach and travel to the charming town of Chantilly, situated in the heart of the Chantilly Forest, nineteen miles north of Paris. Our hotel, the Château de Montvillargenne, is approximately three miles from the town centre set in its own wooded grounds on Avenue Francois Mathet. Please note that due to renovation work the hotel swimming pool will not be available at this time.
Bedroom upgrades are also available to the executive deluxe rooms. They are all individually designed and offer a higher level of comfort including a private whirlpool bath.
In the evening once you have settled into your room join our party for a welcome glass of Kir in the bar before dinner. Wine is included with dinner each evening.
| Hotel | Château de Montvillargenne |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Dinner |
Day 2 -
Enjoy your buffet breakfast. This morning we transfer to the nearby the Château de Chantilly, a magnificent structure which stands on a rock surrounded by water. Our visit will include the sumptuously decorated Grands Appartements, dating from the 17th-19th centuries.
In the afternoon we transfer to Senlis, a pleasant market town typical of Picardy, where we will have some free time to wander round the shops and perhaps enjoy lunch or some pâtisserie.
Alternatively, as today is the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, you may stay at the hotel and watch the occasion on television.
We will return to the hotel in time for dinner.
| Hotel | Château de Montvillargenne |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 3 -
This morning, following breakfast, we depart for Giverny and the world famous house and gardens of Claude Monet. Our early start today will ensure an early arrival at Giverny - a time when the gardens are at their most tranquil. Both the house and gardens have been lovingly and accurately restored - one would believe that the family have just gone out to walk in the garden. You will have plenty of time to explore this marvellous garden at your leisure. Light lunch facilities are available near the garden (not included).
Following our visit we will enjoy free time in Giverny along with an opportunity to visit the little church where Monet is buried.
Dinner will be served at the Château de Montvillargenne in the evening.
| Hotel | Château de Montvillargenne |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Breakfast, Dinner |
Day 4 -
Enjoy your buffet breakfast. We the travel to Paris for a visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie des Tuileries, which re-opened in May 2006 after an extensive refurbishment programme. The highlight of the museum’s impressive collection is undoubtedly the series of 2-metre high murals entitled Les Nymphéas, a sequence of impressions such as clouds, reflections and sunsets which Claude Monet installed between 1914 and 1918, when he was at the height of his extraordinary powers. To stand before these unique paintings in peaceful meditation is a moving and memorable experience. In addition to the Nymphéas, the Orangerie offers a fabulous collection of masterpieces from the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection, a highly original insight into modern art featuring Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Rousseau, Matisse, Derain, Modigliani, Soutine, Utrillo and Laurencin.
Thereafter you will have free time to shop and sightsee at your leisure. Paris is, of course, the most romantic city in the world with wonderful art galleries, churches, and shops.
Later, we return to the Gare du Nord for our Eurostar train back to London where we expect to arrive in the evening.
| Meals included | Breakfast |
|---|
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Accommodation
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- Train travel
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
| Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 May 2023 | BMOG230505 | 5 May 2023 (Friday) | 8 May 2023 (Monday) | Michael Gill | £1,070 (ex. flights) |
£250 | £245 | Call for availability |
| 26 May 2023 | BMOG230526 | 26 May 2023 (Friday) | 29 May 2023 (Monday) | £1,070 (ex. flights) |
£250 | £245 | Call for availability | |
| 21 July 2023 | BMOG230721 | 21 July 2023 (Friday) | 24 July 2023 (Monday) | Michael Gill | £1,030 (ex. flights) |
£250 | £245 | Book your trip |
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