From Dieppe to Le Havre: In the footsteps of the Impressionists in Normandy

Begin by exploring Dieppe. Countless painters flocked to this seaside town in the late 19th century. Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Eugène Boudin were among them. To embrace the artistic vibe here, follow the information panels that are strategically positioned just like master painters’ canvases facing the scenery. You can find the details of each step of a two-hour walking tour entitled, La Villégiature Impressionniste route, on the website for Seine-Maritime.

For lunch, treat yourselves to a delicious, plant-based meal at Ursulines, a vegan coffee shop (the first one in the town) with a menu that changes every day depending on the chef’s inspiration and the produce available.

To round off this day, take the time to visit the Château Musée de Dieppe where you can admire "Dieppe Beach" by Eva Gonzales, as well as some other stunning paintings from Impressionist painters such as Pissaro, Renoir, Boudin, and Sickert.

In the evening, head to Fécamp, to the Grand Pavois, a hotel in an ideal location with a breathtaking view of the marina. 

Begin your day in Fécamp at Cap Fagnet, the highest point of the Côte d’Albâtre, standing at an elevation of 344 feet, and admire the stunning view of the cliffs and the town.

Budding artists can take part in an outdoor painting workshop, which is a great way to embrace the elements and emotions while painting on canvas! Sophie Justet invites you to come and sign up for this workshop, and follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists. The workshop lasts 3 to 4 hours. All the necessary equipment is provided, just make sure you dress accordingly depending on the weather. 

During the low season, head to the Coastal Path and admire the spectacular view of the Etretat cliffs. The unique light here is incredible late afternoon. The constantly changing colours on the limestone rock are stunning and have inspired Monet and countless other painters.

It’s time to get a drink and something to eat, and why not do it in style! L’Huitrière is an institution in Etretat with a panoramic view and extensive choice of seafood platters on the menu (and some delicious vegetarian options too).

Keep a close eye on the sea and the cliffs by booking a room for the night (and breakfast) at the Hotel du Donjon where you’ll have a beautiful view from up above, down across the town, the sea and the cliffs. 

From Etretat to Le Havre, the road winds around the Côte d'Albâtre with spectacular views of the waters of the English Channel crashing up against the chalky cliffs. It will take you 30 minutes to get to the vibrant port town where you can feel the contemporary art vibe and maritime history in the air. This is where Monet painted “Impression, Sunrise” in 1872, and this painting then went on to launch the artistic movement! Pissaro was also inspired by this place for his series of twenty or so harbour paintings, and Boudin painted his famous “Heavy Winds off of Frascati”. It’s therefore impossible to miss the MUMA where you’ll find the second most extensive collection of Impressionist paintings.

For a luxurious experience this lunchtime, take the lift up to Fauves, a gourmet bistro-style restaurant where local products are key and the menu changes depending on the chef’s mood and inspirations found at the market. 

After lunch, and to perfectly round off your exploration in the land of the Impressionists, we recommend heading to “Les Jardins Suspendus” , to take a stroll around the 17 hectares of nature, 3,000 m2 of greenhouses, admire the panoramic view of the town, the Seine, and if you’re lucky, visit a temporary exhibition. Keep your eyes peeled!

Visit la Normandie

Further reading : 

• Francecelebrates 150 years of impressionnism with exhibitions throughout  France ! 
• Impressionnist adventures: The Seine Estuary from le Havre to Deauville