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Gardens of Normandy
6 days
Choose your dates with your group.
From 6900 USD
Tour Summary
Discover Normandy’s garden treasures on a six-day tour based in Bayeux and Honfleur in France.
Visit iconic estates such as Vasterival, Bois des Moutiers, Chateau de Brecy, plus D-Day beaches.
Stay in manor hotels and savor Calvados, creamy cheeses, grass-fed beef and fresh seafood while exploring historic and contemporary private gardens.
Small group, private bus, expert guides and leisurely pace included.
Overview
- Choose your dates with your group.
6 days
Your group of 12 - 15 people
Enquire below for price information
June, July, September are the best times to go
Tour highlights
Château du Champ de Bataille
The estate of world-renowned decorator Jacques Garcia.
Le Vasterival
The life work of the late Princess Sturdza who started it in 1957 in Sainte Marguerite sur Mer.
The D-Day beaches
As we drive through Normandy visiting gardens, the many memorials make a visit to D-Day sights feel necessary.
Le Bois des Moutiers
The property has been in the Mallet family for more than 100 years and is a rare example of Arts and Crafts design on the continent
Château de Brécy
Characterized by their Italian style and meticulously laid out over four terraces.
Sample itinerary
Here is an idea of the places we will visit.
This can all be adjusted and tailored to your needs.
This can all be adjusted and tailored to your needs.
Day 1
We meet in Paris, board our private bus and drive to Bayeux.
On the way visit the gardens of Château du Champ de Bataille , Le Neubourg, the estate of world-renowned decorator Jacques Garcia who purchased it in 1992 and has been working to restore the gardens and interiors to their former 17th century splendor ever since.
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Lunch and dinner
Day 2
In the morning we visit Jardins de Castillon, Plantbessin, a delightful award-winning private garden started in 1982 around a nursery.
In the afternoon we visit Château de Brécy, a most unusual Italianate garden, restored to near-perfection by the owners.
Day 3
We’ll visit the D-Day beaches with a private guide.
Off to a new hotel in Honfleur.
Day 4
In the morning we visit Le Bois des Moutiers, Varengeville.
The house and garden were created by Robert Mallet starting in 1898 with the assistance of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.
The property has been in the Mallet family for more than 100 years and is a rare example of Arts and Crafts design on the continent.
In the afternoon, we tour Le Vasterival, in Sainte Marguerite sur Mer, the life work of the late Princess Sturdza who started it in 1957.
Its renown is based not only on its botanical diversity but also on its brilliant landscaping which offers something of interest for the visitor at every season.
Day 5
On our way back to Paris, we visit Château de Miromesnil, Tourville-sur-Arques : a lovely potager garden around a historic château.
After lunch at a local Norman Auberge our final stop is Le Jardin Plume, a contemporary private garden combining a formal use of space with an innovative use of plants and sculptural mowing of grasses.
We reach Paris in the early evening to end our tour.
Day 6
We visit the Jardins d’Étretat, a neo-futuristic garden that extends over the cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, one of the wonders of Normandy.
Meet Marie, your tour leader
Inspired by a lifelong love of gardens and travel, Marie is a garden tour expert who has been crafting tailor-made garden tours in Europe for small groups since 2010.
More about Marie
What's included
- Airport transfers
- Transportation in comfortable VIP coach
- All entrances and guide fees
- Breakfast every day
- …
What's not included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages with meals
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Enquire to book
Gardens of Normandy
Send Marie a message via the contact form to book your spot or ask a question.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions I get about the tours. If you have any further questions, send me a message here.
Do I need to be a gardener to enjoy the tours?
No, you don’t need to be a professional gardener.
The tours are designed for anyone who enjoys gardens and the natural world.
My travelers range from expert horticulturists to passionate amateurs, all of whom love discovering a country through its gardens.
Will there be time for personal exploration?
Yes! Most tours include two or three free evenings on a week-long itinerary. This gives you time to explore local restaurants, enjoy a spa or massage, order room service, or simply relax at a café or hotel bar. Group dinners are lovely, but having personal time ensures the experience remains enjoyable and balanced.
How do I book a tour?
You can contact me directly to book by clicking on the “Taking bookings. Enquire here” button on the tour page or via the contact page here.
If the tour is SOLD OUT, you can be put on the waiting list to receive information about the next tour here.
If you need personal assistance or have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to get in touch with me directly also.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made up to four months before the tour receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a small administrative fee.
After that, cancellations are only possible if you find someone to take your place.
When is the best time to go on a garden tour?
The ideal time depends on the destination, but as a general rule, spring and early autumn offer the most vibrant blooms and comfortable weather.
This is indicated in the summary information at the top of each tour page.
Specific gardens may have peak times for flowering or seasonal displays, which I consider when planning each tour.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Tours involve walking through gardens, which can include stairs, slopes, and uneven paths.
You should be able to walk at least a mile comfortably and manage steps.
Read my blog post for more information: How fit do I need to be for a garden tour?
How many people are in each tour group?
Groups are intentionally small and intimate, with a maximum of 15 people.
This allows for a personal, immersive experience and easy conversation with fellow travelers.
What if I have food allergies or intolerances?
Just let me know in advance, and I will ensure that the restaurants we visit accommodate your dietary needs.
What meals are typically included?
Breakfast is included on all tours.
Lunch is usually a light meal to refuel after morning visits and give you energy for the afternoon.
Occasionally, we may enjoy a more elaborate lunch depending on the country or location.
Dinners are relaxed and carefully planned to showcase local cuisine and provide a memorable dining experience.
What should I bring on a garden tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a hat for sun protection, and a camera or notebook if you like to record your impressions.
A more detailed list will be sent a couple of months before the tour dates.
Read my blog post for more information: Ten tips on what to pack for a garden trip.
What kind of transportation is included?
All tours include private, comfortable transportation between gardens and accommodations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Often transfers between to and from the airport may also be arranged.
Airfare to the destination is not included.