This route invites you to explore the gardens that are scattered along the Alabaster Coast, which is famous for its 120 kilometers of cliffs. From Étretat to Varengeville-sur-Mer, let yourself be guided by the legacy of the Impressionist masters who immortalized this landscape in their paintings. You can discover the region’s gardens by attending the events of the Normandy Impressionist Festival along your route.
Stage 1
Start in Varengeville-sur-Mer. On your way, make sure to make a stop in Veules-les-Roses, a picturesque village known for its charming streets. Varengeville-sur-Mer was a favourite destination for many artists such as Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro, in your visit you will have the opportunity to discover a minimalist installation named Les Balises ,in its iconic garden. This piece explores the theme of cliff erosion of the cliffs that threatens the coastal gardens.
In the neighboring village of Hautot-sur-Mer, visit the Jardin des Loups to participate in the Révolutions du Vivant: Art'griculture. On site, you will see visits, creations and an exhibition in a 1.5-hectare garden.
Stage 2
Head to Étretat, which is renowned for its steep white cliffs. You can discover the site whilst strolling along the coastal paths, which offer exceptional views. Saunter through the town square, which was a source of artistic and literary inspiration for many artists such as Monet, Boudin, and Flaubert.
In the Gardens of Étretat, a magnificent site combining landscape architecture and sculptures, you will be able to discover the choreographic performance Les Eaux Dormantes.
Stage 3
Then go to Le Havre. There you will get to know a unique seaside city, whose light was a source of artistic inspiration for the Impressionists; it was the place where Monet painted Impression, Sunrise, the classic work that gave its name to the movement.
Poussez la porte du Musée d’art moderne André Malraux (MuMa), qui abrite la deuxième plus grande collection d’œuvres impressionnistes en France, après le musée d’Orsay à Paris. Dans le cadre du festival Normandie Impressionniste, découvrez l’exposition d’une centaine d’œuvres de Monet dédiée à ses années de formation au Havre. Au MuMa, vous pouvez découvrir les Water Lilies d’Ai Weiwei, installations composées de 650 000 pièces de LEGO® qui fait écho à la célèbre série de Monet, Nymphéas.
You should then head to the Jardin des Personnalités in Honfleur to immerse yourself in the fog installation created by Japanese artist Fujiko Nakaya, a pioneer of environmental art.
Make sure you explore the Sainte-Catherine district or enjoy the many terraces around the Old Port. You can also attend lectures on Impressionism at the Ferme Saint-Siméon, a place that hosted Impressionist artists such as Corot, Boudin, and Monet.
To go further
Head to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. Stroll through the city's narrow streets and seize the opportunity to visit Point du Jour for the " Making a Garden".
Nearby, on Tatihou Island you can participate in the Empreintes project, encapsulating a garden, a participatory art-science project that encapsulates a garden, combining research-creation and sensory experience.
