Updated on 6 May 2024
Reading time: 8 minutes
Normandy, alongside Paris and its surroundings, stands as the very cradle of Impressionism: a realm where countless painters and visionaries converged to create the masterpieces that would redefine the artistic landscape of the late 19th century. From Monet to Pissarro, Morisot to Renoir, and the pioneers like Boudin and Millet, these luminaries etched the essence of Normandy onto canvas, capturing its maritime vistas and lush countryside with the spirited flair of the Impressionist movement. Today, many of these sites and artistic treasures are easily accessible by train and public transport. Join us on this inspiring journey!
Follow our car-free adventures to Impressionist sites and museums!
- Giverny and its surroundings
- Rouen and the Seine Valley
- The Seine Estuary
- The Alabaster Coast
- From Caen to Cotentin
Normandy Impressionnist FESTIVAL
The famous artistic movement has its own festival in Normandy, and it’s happening right now! The 5th edition, from March 22nd to September 22nd, 2024, celebrates the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. Many events are accessible by train, taking place in Impressionist hotspots like Giverny, Rouen, Le Havre, Deauville, Caen, Cherbourg, etc.
Giverny and its surroundings
The Vernon-Giverny railway station serves as an excellent starting point for visitors eager to immerse themselves in the world of Impressionist painters. Vernon, a charming small town nestled along the Seine River boasts interesting remnants of its medieval history: the Old Mill, half-timbered houses, the Notre-Dame collegiate church, ruins of the Philippe-Auguste castle… and the Musée Blanche Hoschedé-Monet , where an exquisite collection of Impressionist paintings awaits, alongside animal art and an original drawing cabinet.
Taking the shuttle from the station provides easy access to the village of Giverny, which is best explored on foot. Here, visitors can tour Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, renowned for its iconic Japanese bridge spanning the water lily pond, and also discover the Musée des Impressionnismes, which showcases two annual temporary exhibitions. Giverny village invites leisurely strolls, with informative panels lining its cultural trail. Feel free to enter the former Hotel Baudy, now a lively restaurant, where once thrived a vibrant community of visiting artists in Giverny.
Why not embark on a cycling tour of Giverny? Led by Chloé, a local knowledgeable guide, immerse yourself in history of the Impressionists as you cycle through picturesque landscapes. To make the most of your trip to Giverny, spend a night in one of Giverny’s charming hotels.
« Travel Tips »
A bike rental shop awaits just outside the Vernon-Giverny station, offering a range of options including classic and electric bicycles, electric scooters, and various accessories suitable for both adults and children. Once you’ve crossed the Seine, you can pedal your way to Giverny along a segment of the Seine à Vélo cycling route.
GETTING TO THE musée Blanche Hoschedé-Monet à vernon
12 rue du Pont
27200 Vernon
Impressionist collection, animal art, drawing cabinet.
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Located 750 metres walk from the Vernon-Giverny station.
GETTING TO THE Musée des Impressionnismes IN Giverny
99 rue Claude Monet
27620 Giverny
Two annual temporary exhibitions focusing on the influences of Impressionism.
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Navette Giverny 100% electric shuttle service from the Vernon-Giverny rail station. Operating from April to November. 5 departures and 10 returns from Monday to Friday; 6 departures and 9 returns on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Shuttle schedules align with train timings. Single fare: €5, round trip: €10. Transport tickets available onboard the shuttle or through the Atoumod M-Ticket app (SNGO transport network).
The little train also takes passengers from Giverny from the station for a 20-minute guided tour. Operating from April to October. 5 round trips daily. Single fare: €5, round trip: €10. Tickets
GETTING TO CLAude Monet’s House and Gardens
84 rue Claude Monet
27620 Giverny
The life of Claude Monet, his passion for botany and his remarkable artistic legacy
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Navette Giverny 100% electric shuttle service from the Vernon-Giverny rail station. Operating from April to November. 5 departures and 10 returns from Monday to Friday; 6 departures and 9 returns on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Shuttle schedules align with train timings. Single fare: €5, round trip: €10. Transport tickets available onboard the shuttle or through the Atoumod M-Ticket app (SNGO transport network).
The little train also takes passengers from Giverny station for a 20-minute guided tour. Operating from April to October. 5 round trips daily. Single fare: €5, round trip: €10. Tickets
Planning your journey
To streamline your travels via public transportation in Normandy and map out your route, you can use the regional route planner Atoumod, which encompasses all Normandy transport networks: https://atoumod.fr/ (in French)
Rouen & THE SEINE VALLEY
The city of Rouen has been a significant inspiration for Impressionist artists, as have the meanders of the Seine River that wind through the region, offering truly captivating plays of light. Today, the Rouen Fine Art Museum houses a substantial collection of Impressionist works, notably Claude Monet’s series of 28 paintings depicting the iconic cathedral.
Top tip: If you opt for a guided tour of Rouen, the Tourist Office offers a low-carbonrate, providing a reduced fare to visitors arriving by bike, train, or coach!
Before leaving Rouen, take a detour to the top of Sainte-Catherine Hill to enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the city, especially at sunrise and sunset.
In the outskirts of Rouen, nestled within the bends of the Seine, MuséoSeine recounts the river’s story through the landscapes captured by Impressionist artists. A guided tour, showcasing reproductions of these paintings, offers insight into the Seine’s transformations since the mid-19th century.
GETTING TO ROUEN cathEdral
25 place de la cathédrale
76008 Rouen
Guided tours are available through the Rouen Tourist Office.
From Rouen train station, you have the option to walk to the cathedral (1.3 km, 15 minutes) or take one of the Astuce de Rouen network buses (Bus F7 from the station towards Sotteville-lès-Rouen City Hall – Stop at République; 9 minutes by bus).
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus.
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO THE MuséoSeine
Avenue Winston Churchill
76490, Caudebec-en-Caux
Exploring the history of the river through reproductions of Impressionist paintings.
Expected duration of visit: 1 hour 30 minutes.
From Rouen bus station, take one of the Astuce de Rouen network buses (Astuce Bus 530 from the bus station towards Caudebec – Quai, Stop: Terminus Caudebec – Quai; 1 hour by bus and 4 minutes walk).
From Yvetot train station, take the NOMAD Car 503 towards Rives-en-Seine – Caudebec-en-Caux-Stade; Stop: Rives-en-Seine – Caudebec-en-Caux Quai; 45 minutes by bus + 5 minutes walk.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the ASTUCE network bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
THE Seine ESTUARY
The Seine estuary unveils an exquisite tapestry of river and sea, a haven of inspiration for artists drawn to its unique embrace of light. While Le Havre earned its title as the cradle of Impressionism, on the opposite side of the estuary, colonies of Impressionist painters flourished in Honfleur and along the coastline, amidst the burgeoning seaside resorts that emerged during the 19th century.
In Le Havre, Claude Monet painted “Impression, Sunrise” in 1872, a masterpiece that would lend its name to the Impressionist art movement. Today, the André Malraux Museum (MuMa) proudly showcases one of Normandy’s finest collections of Impressionist works.
On the opposite shore of the estuary, Honfleur has inspired numerous painters, captivated by the picturesque allure of its harbour, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Follow the walking trail “In the Footsteps of the Painters” set up by the Honfleur Tourist Office, where you’ll encounter 14 observation panels showcasing paintings produced right on the spot.
Countless artists have found inspiration at the Ferme Saint-Siméon, a historic inn turned iconic 5-star hotel. Here, guests can even indulge in plein air painting classes and perfect their impressionist techniques.
In the heart of the quaint town, the Eugène Boudin Museum pays tribute to the “master of skies,” a pivotal figure in Claude Monet’s artistic evolution.
In Trouville-sur-Mer, Villa Montebello houses a collection of paintings, including watercolors by Eugène Boudin, focusing on the emergence and growth of seaside resorts in the late 19th century.
On the other side of the Touques River, in Deauville, Les Franciscaines, an innovative cultural centre, presents the « Peindre en Normandie » Impressionist collection throughout its spaces, and also hosts regular temporary exhibitions.
At the end of the Flowered Coast shoreline, explore the Villa du Temps Retrouvé in the seaside resort of Cabourg, where over 350 artworks and objects take visitors back to the Belle Époque, a period which ignited the creative fervour of countless plein air artists.
Located just off the coast, the Alfred Canel Museum in Pont-Audemer houses the masterpieces of Impressionist artists from the Rouen School, making it a charming destination along the “little Norman Venice” route, leading towards the Seine estuary.
GETTING TO THE Musée André Malraux (MuMa)
2 boulevard Clemenceau
76000 Le Havre
Low-Carbon Fare scheme: MuMa offers a reduced fare to visitors arriving by bicycle, train, or bus!
Discover a rich collection of Impressionist paintings
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
From Le Havre train station, take one of the Lia du Havre bus network’s buses (Bus Lia 13 from Le Havre train station, towards Etretat – Gares, Stop: MuMa; 7 minutes by bus).
Purchase your transport ticket on board the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (Lia transport network)
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO honfleur
The village of Honfleur is an essential destination in Normandy. To make the most of your trip and and fully enjoy your visit, we recommend exploring Honfleur during the off-peak season, from September to April, and consider staying for at least one night.
Estimated visit duration: Minimum 2 days and 1 night.
From April to October, SNCF NOMAD Train offers a direct ticket for the Paris – Honfleur line, allowing travelers to take the train from Paris to Deauville-Trouville and then transfer by bus between Deauville-Trouville and Honfleur. More information.
Outside of this period, and throughout the year, you can reach Honfleur with the train to Deauville-Trouville and then take NOMAD Car n°111 to Honfleur.
From Le Havre train station, you can also take NOMAD Car n°111, n°122 or n°123 to reach Honfleur.
Purchase your transport ticket: Paris – Honfleur on the SNCF Connect website. Deauville-Trouville – Honfleur, Le Havre – Honfleur on board the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO La Ferme Saint-Siméon
20 rue Adolphe Marais
14600 Honfleur
Luxury Accommodation, Fine-Dining Restaurant, Painting Workshop
From Honfleur bus station, the Ferme Saint-Siméon in only a 15 min walk away (1.3 km).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO THE Musée Eugène boudin
Place Erik Satie
14602 Honfleur
A collection of a hundred art works by the ‘master of skies,’ Eugène Boudin
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
From Honfleur bus station, the Eugène Boudin Museum is only 9 minutes walk away (800 metres).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO THE Villa Montebello
64 rue Général Leclerc
14360 Trouville-sur-Mer
Exploring the origins of seaside bathing and the evolution of resort culture on the Flowered Coast
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour
From Deauville-Trouville train station, Villa Montebello is only 18 minutes walk away ( 1.6 km).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the Franciscaines
145B avenue de la République
14800 Deauville
Innovative cultural center, Impressionist collection integrated into various spaces, temporary exhibitions
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours.
From Deauville-Trouville train station, you have the option to walk to Les Franciscaines (21 minutes, 1.8 km) or to take NOMAD Car 111 towards Caen – Bus Station; Stop: Deauville – Les Franciscaines (5 minutes by bus and 3 minutes on foot).
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the Villa du Temps Retrouvé
15 avenue du Président Raymond Poincaré
14390 Cabourg
Life during the Belle Époque
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
From Dives-Cabourg train station, you can choose to walk to the Villa du Temps Retrouvé in just 14 minutes, covering a distance of 1.2 km. If you’re coming from Caen, Deauville-Trouville, Honfleur, or Le Havre, take the NOMAD Car 111(Stop: Cabourg – Hôtel de Ville; 9 minutes walk).
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the alfred Canel Museum
64 rue de la République
27500 Pont-Audemer
Explore the life of the writer and works of Impressionist artists from the Rouen School
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour
From Rouen bus station, take NOMAD Car 228 towards Pont-Audemer – Gare routière; Stop: Terminus Pont-Audemer – Gare Routière; 1 hour 10 minutes by bus, 8 minutes walk.
From Lisieux, take NOMAD Car 224 towards Pont-Audemer – Gare routière; Stop: Terminus Pont-Audemer – Gare Routière; 50 minutes by bus, 8 minutes walk.
From Honfleur bus station, take NOMAD Car 214 towards Pont-Audemer – Gare routière; Stop: Terminus Pont-Audemer – Gare Routière; 38 minutes by bus, 8 minutes walk.
From Evreux bus station, take NOMAD Car 214 towards Pont-Audemer – Gare routière; Stop: Terminus Pont-Audemer – Gare Routière; 1 hour 48 minutes by bus, 8 minutes walk.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
The Seine à Vélo and Vélomaritime Cycling Routes : follow the Impressionists Trail
Long-distance cycling routes are ideal to fully immerse yourself in scenic landscapes of Normandy.
La Seine à Vélo cycle route takes you through the places that deeply influenced the Impressionist painters, from Giverny to Honfleur and Le Havre, passing through Rouen.
To follow along the coastline and discover all the towns that have inspired the passions of numerous artists, the Vélomaritime route stretches from Le Tréport to Mont-Saint-Michel, passing through iconic locations such as Dieppe, Fécamp, Étretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Deauville-Trouville, Cabourg, Caen, Port-en-Bessin, and Cherbourg.
THE ALABASTER COAST
Renowned for its majestic white chalk cliffs, the Alabaster Coast has long been an endless wellspring of inspiration for Impressionist artists. A true masterpiece of nature, it continues to offer its breathtaking panoramas to hiking enthusiasts and visitors seeking cultural discoveries.
In the north, the Château-Musée of Dieppe presents a splendid panorama of the town, both a fishing port and a seaside resort. The museum hosts a collection centered around the history of Dieppe and includes a fine selection of Impressionist works. Nearby, in Offranville, the Musée Jacques-Emile Blanche Museum celebrates the life and works of this painter and writer, who called the area home for 40 years in the early 20th century.
Further south, the Musée des Pêcheries in Fécamp recounts the history of this quaint Norman port town, which has inspired several plein air painters, including Claude Monet and Berthe Morisot.
As you follow the coastline, the town of Etretat emerges as an unmissable gem, renowned for its sculpted chalk cliffs, featuring iconic formations like the Needle and the Elephant. Situated in woodland near the top of the cliffs, the enchanting gardens of Etretat combine artistic landscapes with contemporary sculptures to create a unique ambience, all against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas, staggering white cliffs and La Porte d’Aval, a natural stone arch that once stirred Claude Monet’s creative soul.
While you’re there, why not extend your trip along the Alabaster Coast with unique experiences? Unleash your inner artist during a painting workshop perched on the cliffs, go out at sea to stand-up-paddle through the majestic arches of Etretat, or navigate an ancient sailing vessel along the rugged coastline. For horse riding enthusiasts, we also recommend a horseback ride to see the sunset over the cliffs!
Getting to the Château-Musée OF Dieppe
Rue de Chastes
76200 Dieppe
Exploring the maritime history of the city and its port, Impressionist artworks
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour
From Dieppe train station, you have the option to walk there in 16 minutes (1.4 km) or to take one of Deepmob buses from Dieppe (Bus 1 from the station, towards Clinique Mégival – Stop Sévigné; 4 minutes by bus and 5 minutes walk).
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the Musée Jacques-Emile Blanche
Parc du Colombier 453 Rue Louis Loucheur
76550 Offranville
Life and work of the painter-writer Jacques-Emile Blanche
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour
From Dieppe bus station, take the NOMAD Car n°501 heading towards Luneray – Centre; Stop at Offranville – Grand Place or Offranville – Sente des Oiseaux; 21 minutes by bus and 2 to 10 minutes walk.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the Musée des Pêcheries de Fécamp
The Fécamp Fisheries Museum explores the history of the town, and includes artistic works
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
From the Fécamp train and bus station, there is only a 6 minute walk to reach the museum (500 meters).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to etretat
The village of Etretat stands as a quintessential gem of Normandy. To make the most of your trip and fully enjoy your visit, we highly recommend experiencing Etretat during the off-peak season, from September to April, and consider spending at least one night in town.
Duration of visit: Minimum 2 days and 1 night
From April to November, SNCF NOMAD Train offers a direct ticket for the Paris – Etretat line, allowing travelers to take the train from Paris to Bréauté-Beuzeville and then transfer by bus between Bréauté-Beuzeville and Etretat. More information.
Outside of this period, and throughout the year, it’s also possible to reach Etretat by train to Bréauté-Beuzeville and then take NOMAD Car n°504 to Etretat. From Le Havre and Fécamp, take NOMAD Car n°509 to reach Etretat. Another option from Le Havre is to take the Lia line (Bus Lia 13 towards Etretat Gare).
Purchase your transport ticket:
*Paris – Etretat on the SNCF Connect website.
*Bréauté – Etretat, Le Havre – Etretat or Fécamp – Etretat : purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (NOMAD Car or Lia transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the Gardens of etretat
Avenue Damilaville
76790 Etretat
Discover this avant-garde open-air gallery of compelling sculptures and artworks blending art and botanic with stunning views of Etretat
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
From the stop Grandval in Etretat, the Gardens of Etretat Gardens are 14 minutes walk away. (1.2 km). The gardens are located on the cliff of Amont, requiring ascent along a steep incline to reach them.
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
FROM Caen TO Cotentin
Many impressionist artists also ventured into the western part of Normandy, spanning from Caen to the Cotentin Peninsula, renowned for its wild and authentic landscapes.
In Caen, within the storied walls of William the Conqueror’s castle, lies the Fine Arts Museum, home to a treasure trove of impressionist gems. Venturing westward, Port-en-Bessin emerges as a muse for artists, its vibrant fishing port offers a captivating ballet of maritime life.
A few kilometers away, the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History in Bayeux showcases an eclectic array of European art, including a delightful collection of impressionist works.
Continuing the journey along the Cotentin coast, venture to the port of Barfleur, a cherished source of inspiration for Paul Signac, now adorned with the prestigious label of “Plus Beau Village de France” (Most Beautiful Village of France).
In Cherbourg, explore the Thomas-Henry Museum which houses approximately 300 paintings and sculptures spanning from the 15th to the 20th centuries, including a significant collection of works by Jean-François Millet, one of the painters who paved the way for the Impressionists. For hiking enthusiasts, the birthplace of Jean-François Millet, now transformed into a museum, is accessible by following the GR®223 trail, or alternatively by taking a bus.
GETTING TO THE Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen
Le Château
14000 Caen
Explore a diversity of art collections, including some impressionist works
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
From Caen train station, take any tram line from the Twisto network departing from either the Gare SNCF – Caen stop (T1 towards Hérouville Saint-Clair, T3 towards Château Quatrans) or the Gare – Rives de l’Orne stop (T2 towards Caen Campus 2); Stop: Saint-Pierre (5 minutes by tram and 4 minutes walk ).
Purchase your transport ticket on the tram platform or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app (Twisto transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO Port-en-Bessin
Port-en-Bessin is a picturesque fishing harbour, renowned for scallop fishing and its vibrant maritime atmosphere.
Plan for a half-day excursion to fully immerse yourself in the charm of Port-en-Bessin.
From Bayeux train station, hop aboard NOMAD Car 120 bound for Grandcamp-Maisy; Stop at Port-en-Bessin-Huppain-Cemetery or Church after a scenic 20-minute bus ride.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app ( NOMAD Car transport network)
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History
37 rue Bienvenu
14400 Bayeux
History of European Art
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
From Bayeux train station, you can easily walk to the Baron Gérard Museum of Art and History in 13 minutes (1.1 km)
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO barfleur
Barfleur is a charming coastal village, distinguished by the prestigious label of ‘Plus Beau Village de France’ (Most Beautiful Village of France).
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours.
From Cherbourg, take the bus from Line C of the Cap Cotentin network heading towards the SNCF Valognes train station. The bus stop for Barfleur is ‘Mairie – Barfleur,’ and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app ( Cap Cotentin transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
GETTING TO THE Musée Thomas-Henry of Cherbourg
4 Rue Vastel
50100 Cherbourg-Octeville
Admire a fine selection of 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century, including a beautiful collection of works by Jean-François Millet
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
From Cherbourg train station, you can easily walk to the museum. It’s just an 8-minute stroll ( 650 m )
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Getting to the House of Jean-François Millet
19 Hameau Gruchy
50440 Gréville-Hague
A showcase of the painter’s life through original artworks, ethnographic objects, and audiovisual materials
Estimated visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
From the Schuman-Delaville stop in Cherbourg, take the bus from Line A of the Cap Cotentin network heading towards Goury – Cap de la Hague. The bus stop for Gréville-Hague is ‘Gréville-Hague – Mairie,’ and the journey takes approximately 37 minutes by bus followed by a 15-minute walk.
Purchase your transport ticket onboard the bus or via the Atoumod M-Ticket app ( Cap Cotentin transport network).
Plan your journey: nomad.normandie.fr/itineraire
Unlimited Travel with the Pass Normandie Découverte !
The Pass Normandie Découverte is a transport ticket valid on all intra-Normandy NOMAD trains and all regional NOMAD buses. It allows 2 adults and up to 3 children (under 12 years old) to travel unlimitedly on this NOMAD network for 2 consecutive days, for €20 every weekend of the year and €35 on weekdays (during school holidays only).
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