Claude Monet spent the last 43 years of his life in Giverny. Since 1966 the property has belonged to the Fine Arts Academy: the pink house has once again found its colourful décor and original charm together with its priceless collection of Japanese prints. The studio and gardens have been faithfully reconstructed in front of the house, Le Clos Normand –the wonderful flower garden divided in narrow footpaths- leads down to the water garden with its Japanese bridge and water-lilies that so inspired the impressionist artist.

Versailles, vast palace, built for Louis XIV to symbolize his power and the influence of France, bears witness to the luxurious court and the artistic genius of the 17th and the 18th centuries. Whether it is the gilt and marbles of the King’s apartments, the silks of Marie- Antoinette’s bedroom, or the impeccable design of Le Nôtre’s gardens, you will feel you are entering a dreamworld where the history of France was written for more than a hundred years, just before the French Revolution. The excursion includes: guided visit to the Monet’s gardens, free time to visit the house on your own, lunch (drinks not included) at Le Moulin de Fourges picturesque mill on the banks of the Epte river. At Versailles, guided visit to the Great Apartments and free time to stroll in the gardens.

Summer
Tour ends around 5.30pm.