This itinerary invites you to embark on a journey with friends. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Normandy's heritage, set off on a unique adventure following in the footsteps of Norman castles and the Impressionist legacy, and discover the program of the Normandy Impressionist Festival.
Stage 1
Begin your visit in Caen. Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the city has undergone considerable reconstruction.
Stroll through the historic center and visit the Church of Saint Nicholas, usually closed to the public, to discover a plant creation by the Dutch artist Diana Scherer.
© Diana Scherer, Exercises in Root System Domestication, 2015
Don't miss Caen Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, which houses the Museum of Fine Arts. There you can admire its free permanent collection, including a room entirely dedicated to Normandy and paintings by Monet, Boudin, and other Impressionist artists. For this new edition of the festival, come and discover the exhibition by artists Caroline Bouyer and Lise Duclaux.
To enjoy Caen's good restaurants, head to the picturesque Vaugueux district.
Stage 2
Head to Falaise, a town of artisans and merchants and the birthplace of William the Conqueror. Visit the Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant, one of the first stone castles in Normandy. In Falaise, you can also experience the visual and sound installation La vague irrésolue – Un jardin sonore (The Unresolved Wave – A Sound Garden).
© Clément Davout & Léo Fourdrinier, The Unresolved Wave, Le Confort Moderne © Adagp, Paris, 2018
Stage 3
End your journey at Mont-Saint-Michel, whose mount and bay are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As part of the Normandy Impressionist Festival, at the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, you can discover an exhibition, Radiance of Spring, by Cai Guo-Qiang.
© Cai Guo-Qiang, Study in Progress, 2026. Gunpowder on canvas. Photo by Mengjia Zhao, courtesy Cai Studio
