Expert-led
Visit Monet’s France through paintings and gardens with Paula McWaters
Tour the enchanting gardens at Giverny that inspired Claude Monet's world-famous paintings on this four-day trip that will delight lovers of art and beautiful gardens.
Take a guided tour of the stunning gardens that inspired the founder of the impressionist movement in the company of gardening expert Paula McWaters, who'll give an enlightening talk and Q&A on the gardens prior to your visit.
The gardens have been painstakingly restored and at this time of year are bursting with poppies, lupins, peonies and delphiniums. Majestic weeping willows frame the iconic waterlily ponds, and arched bridges painted apple green are adorned with wisteria.
The ideal complement to Giverny is the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, where you'll get to admire Monet's series of murals, Les Nymphéas, which cover almost 200m and show various scenes from his beloved flower gardens.
Also on the itinerary is a trip to the Château de Chantilly, with its extensive collection of fine art and gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and the market town of Senlis, where you can enjoy a stroll through the old town's cobbled streets, lined with mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.
You'll be based at the four-star Château de Montvillargenne during your trip, which is the largest château hotel in France, set in a 15 acre park and in the midst of the historic Chantilly Forest. You'll have dinner in the hotel restaurant each night, savouring fine wine and quintessentially French fare in an elegant dining room with views of the garden.
Reasons to book
Stay in a 19th-century Château
Hear from Paula McWaters
No-fly holiday
Tour the Gardens of Giverny
Musée de l'Orangerie
Château de Chantilly
You'll be joined by
Price includes
- Three nights' dinner with wine, bed and breakfast at the Château de Montvillargenne in the original château building
- Return standard class rail travel from London St Pancras International to Paris. (First Class upgrades and regional connections also available on request)
- Comfortable coach transport in France
- Visits to the Orangerie Museum, Monet's Garden, the Château de Chantilly, Senlis and the Parc Bagatelle
- Services of a tour manager
- Talk and Q&A session and guided tour of Monet Gardens in the company of Paula McWaters
Additional information
International rail
19-22 July
Departing London St Pancras 10.24, arriving Paris 13.50
Returning from Paris 17.12, arriving London St Pancras 18.32
Single supplement
£295
Accommodation
Château de Montvillargenne*This information is indicative and subject to change*
Book now
Itinerary
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Day1ParisParis, France
You'll take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, from where you'll transfer to the Musée de l'Orangerie des Tuileries to see the museum's impressive collection.
The highlight is undoubtedly the series of two-metre high murals entitled Les Nymphéas, which Claude Monet installed between 1914 and 1918, when he was at the height of his career.
In addition to the Nymphéas, the Orangerie offers a fabulous collection of masterpieces from the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection, featuring Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Rousseau, Matisse, Derain, Modigliani, Soutine, Utrillo and Laurencin.
Later you'll travel out to the charming town of Chantilly, situated in the heart of the Chantilly Forest, and check-in to your hotel, the Château de Montvillargenne.
In the evening once you have settled into your room join our party for a welcome glass of Kir in the bar before dinner.
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Day2Château de Chantilly, SenlisSenlis, France
Enjoy your buffet breakfast at Château de Montvillargenne this morning before travelling to the nearby Château de Chantilly, a magnificent building which stands on a rock surrounded by water. Your visit will include the sumptuously decorated Grands Appartements, dating from the 17th-19th centuries.
In the afternoon you'll transfer to Senlis, a quintessential Picardy market town, where you'll have some free time to wander round the shops and perhaps enjoy lunch from a pâtisserie.
This evening over dinner you will enjoy an informative talk and Q&A with Paula McWaters.
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Day3Giverny and Monet’s gardenGiverny, France
This morning following breakfast you'll depart for Giverny and the world famous house and gardens of Claude Monet for a visit with Paula, who'll give her insights as you explore.
You'll arrive early at Giverny, at a time when the gardens are at their most tranquil. Both the house and gardens have been lovingly and accurately restored - you can almost believe that the family have just gone out to walk in the garden.
You will go on a guided tour and also have plenty of time to explore this marvellous garden at your leisure and enjoy a light lunch (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 before returning to the hotel for dinner.
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Day4Parc de BagatelleParis, France
After breakfast you'll travel to Paris for a visit to the Parc de Bagatelle situated at the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. Created in 1775, the park and its chateau were built in 64 days after a wager between Queen Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law, the Count of Artois.
Along with an Orangerie and some classic French parterres, Bagatelle is famous for its rose garden, laid out in 1907, and the very essence of Gallic charm and style.
After your visit you'll have some free time to shop and sightsee at your leisure, perhaps visiting some of Paris' wonderful art galleries, churches, and museums.
In the evening, you'll return to the Gare du Nord for your Eurostar journey back to London.
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Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £295. Deposit £250. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Brightwater Holidays (ATOL 4498).