Welcome to Normandy, the birthplace of Impressionism. Inspired by the unique light, the beauty and the mystery of Normandy, Impressionist painters set up their easels along the Channel coast and the banks of the Seine, in Rouen’s old town and Monet’s private gardens in Giverny.
Things to see and do
Impressionist must-sees
All of the must-see sites in Normandy, where the Impressionists set up their easels, including the Alabaster Coast, along the River Seine, the Flowered Coast and the Cotentin Peninsula as well as all of the art museums across the region.
More to explore
Major events
In 2025, Caen celebrates its Millennium
20 March 21 December 2025
1000 years of History! To celebrate its Millennium, Caen has decided to go all out! Focusing not only on the history of the city of William the Conqueror and his wife Matilda of Flanders, but also on its heritage, its people and its artists, the Caen Millennium invites you to celebrate an historic anniversary. Once…
Normandy Impressionist Festival
29 May 27 September 2026
In 2026, the Normandy Impressionist Festival returns with an exceptional edition marking the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death. For the first time in its history, the festival adopts a 100% contemporary programme, imagined as a dialogue between today’s artists and Monet’s revolutionary vision of nature, light and gardens. From historic cities to coastal landscapes,…
European Night of Museums
23 May 2026
The European Night of Museums is back on Saturday 23 May 2026 for a 22nd edition. Visitors are able to visit a wide range of cultural sites, after hours and free of charge. A UNESCO-backed initiative Museums across France remain open, free of charge, to visitors until midnight as part of the French Ministry of…
A different way to discover Impressionism
Our selection of Impressionist Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
The Seine Valley cycle route, in the wheel of the Impressionists
Cycling is a brilliant way to travel through the Seine valley in Normandy. Moving at a slower pace, engage more deeply with the landscapes that so inspired the Impressionists and capture unrivaled views of the meandering River Seine on this cycle route connecting Giverny to the English Channel at either Le Havre or Deauville.
To find out more
The Impressionist movement and the famous painters
Inspired by the unique light, the changeable weather, its picturesque beauty, and its relative accessibility from Paris, artists and writers gathered in Normandy, setting up their easels from Rouen to Etretat, Honfleur and beyond. Steam locomotives, new techniques in the manufacture of colours and of paint tubes, portable easels, photography, all converged to help revolutionise painting and help it break the bonds of convention.
Our ideas for Impressionist outings
Combine your fascination for art with your love of the great outdoors on a two-wheeled adventure to Giverny. This picturesque village in the Seine Valley is famously known for being where Claude Monet, the Master of Impressionism, lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Today the Seine Valley is one of the most cycle-friendly…
Useful information
Impressionist adventures
In Normandy and Paris Region
Welcome to the heart of Impressionism and our Impressionist destination! Here in Normandy and the Paris Region, marvel at the widest array of Impressionist paintings in the world. Visiting these parts, experience the intense sensations that inspired our great artists. So, get ready for your own Impressionist adventures, following in the footsteps of the likes of Monet, Renoir, Morisot, Degas, Sisley and Pissarro!
Impressionist destinations
Download the map
This map shows the 9 areas of the Impressionist destination in the footsteps of Monet, Renoir, Degas, Caillebotte…
Map of Impressionnist destinationsYour Impressionist adventure