A cultural cruise following in the footsteps of the Impressionists

Your cultural quest in the footsteps of the master Impressionist painters begins in the heart of Paris, the ultimate destination for romance and artistic creativity. 

Start with a stroll around the iconic Jardin des Tuileries, a lush-green oasis, before then heading to the famous Musée d’Orsay which houses the most extensive collection of artworks by Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Pissarro. These painters are well-known across the globe for their revolutionary approach to depicting light and colour. 

Then you’ll be sailing along the river as the sun goes down, as you listen to a captivating talk from passionate experts about this movement, including how it first began and how it differs to other artistic movements. This first evening will really plunge you into the world of Impressionism.

Around sixty kilometres south-east of Paris, on the edge of Fontainebleau forest, the village of Barbizon awaits you for an unforgettable interlude. This charming little village is the beating heart of the pre-Impressionist movement and served as a place of refuge and muse for many painters and artists on a quest for inspiration in this idyllic place. Go on a bucolic stroll in the footsteps of these artists, exploring all the hidden little places around the village where some major artworks took shape. 

Stop by the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon for a fascinating tour inside the authentic Auberge Ganne. There’s a wide range of cultural activities and talks here so you can really feel the excitement of the artistic world back then. The day ends on a high note with an enjoyable evening as you head towards your next stop.

For the third day of your adventure on the water, it's time for another cultural experience in Paris! On the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, the  Musée Marmottan  Monet is a 19th century architectural gem that houses the biggest collection of Claude Monet’s work in the world, as well as some wonderful artworks from other talented artists such as Eugène Delacroix, Boudin, Manet, Degas, Pissarro, and Gauguin. Just take in the magic of their paintbrushes. 

Head to Mantes-la-Jolie at sunset, before beginning your exploration of the charming little village of Giverny in Normandy.  

75 kilometres north of Paris, come and explore Giverny, a wonderful treasure of Normandy that Claude Monet fell in love with. It was in this picturesque village that the master Impressionist painter produced his very last artworks up until 1926. Plunge into the world of Monet  as you visit his colourful house, legendary studio, and then wander around the amazing bucolic gardens surrounding the house, where he drew inspiration for some of his most famous paintings. Admire the scenery all around where every flower, every reflection on the water appears to have been touched with Monet’s paintbrush. 

If you have enough time left, go and visit the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny to really make the most of your time here, before getting back on the boat to head to Rouen.

Welcome to Rouen and its beautiful, colourful narrow streets. Once your boat has docked in the harbour, go on a guided tour on the theme of the Impressionist painters. Rouen goes by the nickname “the town of a hundred bell towers” and is well-known essentially for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic-style treasure that captivated the imagination of countless Impressionist artists including Claude Monet who devoted a series of 30 paintings to this monument. 

Don’t miss the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), a venue that houses a superb collection of Impressionist artworks. And for a final, gourmet touch to your adventure, stop by the Brasserie Paul, a real institution where scholars and artists would once get together.

It’s time to drop anchor in the pretty harbour of Honfleur. The range of pastel shades in this coastal town captivated the imagination of many an Impressionist painter. For this sixth day, come and embrace the enchanting atmosphere at the old harbour in this medieval town. Wander around the narrow streets, past the atypical little houses, walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest Impressionist painters. Finally, stop by the Musée Eugène Boudin to admire the remarkable collection of artworks there.

Continue your exploration in the afternoon and admire the beautiful cliffs along the Côte d’Albâtre, a few kilometres away from Le Havre.  Just take in the spectacular sight of these white cliffs and the stunning light bouncing off them. They have been an endless source of inspiration for Impressionist painters. 

Your cruise comes to an end as you arrive in Honfleur, but that does not mean your Impressionist adventure ends there. Make the most of this 7th day for one last historic and cultural excursion to Le Havre, Claude Monet’s muse for his famous artwork, “Impression, Sunrise”. You can easily get there by bus, and on the way you’ll have a chance to admire the magnificent scenery, especially as you cross the Normandy bridge and pass through the picturesque landscapes of the Seine Estuary Natural Reserve.

When you get to Le Havre, venture inside the André Malraux Museum of Modern Art, where you’ll come across other treasures from the Impressionist artistic movement. Then, round off your trip with an exceptional culinary experience at the Jean Luc Tartarin Michelin-starred restaurant, well-known for its exceptional dishes and great atmosphere.

• Visit Paris
• Visit Normandy

Further reading : 

• France Celebrates 150 Years of Impressionism with Exhibitions Throughout the Country !