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As the leaves turn to shades of gold, burnt orange, and deep red, Normandy transforms into a palette of colors that seem to have been conjured straight from an Impressionist painting. There’s a palpable magic in the air during the fall—a perfect season to explore the region known not only for its historic landmarks and dramatic coastlines but also as the cradle of French Impressionism.

This revolutionary artistic movement was birthed 150 years ago by a group of artists (some known, some yet to be discovered) and friends longing to break free from the rigid rules and limitations of the Art world at the time: Monet, Cezanne, Pissarro, Degas, and others

I have clients preparing to visit Normandy this Autumn in the hopes of immersing themselves in the world of the Impressionists, at a time when nature and its hues are louder than the bustling crowds of tourists that come to the region in Spring and Summer. Here is a sampling of their upcoming trip and I hope it inspires you as well!

Giverny: Monet’s Living Masterpiece

Heading west from Paris, a visit to Giverny, Monet’s home and the site of his famous water lily ponds, is a must. Although the full bloom of flowers will have passed come fall, there’s a unique charm in the serenity of the garden as it dons an auburn cloak. The Japanese bridge, framed by willows and maples dressed in autumn colors, offers a live composition that continues to inspire artists today.

The town offers a number of quaint hotels and cottages and a selection of restaurants from the classic and authentic to contemporary Michelin gems.

Honfleur: A Harbor Frozen in Time

Honfleur, known for its beautiful old port characterized by slate-covered façades. The port was a favorite subject of artists like Gustave Courbet and Eugène Boudin—the latter being credited with introducing Monet to plein air painting. Honfleur in autumn is particularly breathtaking; the water reflects the fiery foliage, and the air carries a crispness that sharpens the senses, perhaps the same crispness that inspired the Impressionists to capture these scenes so vividly.

Rouen: The Gothic City through Monet’s Eyes

As the days grow shorter, a trip to Rouen provides an urban contrast to Normandy’s rural landscapes. Here, Monet famously depicted the Rouen Cathedral series, capturing the facade in different lighting conditions. Autumn illuminates the city’s gothic architecture in a spectral light, inviting a contemplation of time just as Monet did more than a century ago.

Impressionism and Its Roots

Throughout your travels in Normandy, the connection between the landscape and Impressionism becomes unmistakably clear. The movement, which began as a rebellion against the restrictions of academic painting, found its voice in the Normandy countryside, where light and color interact with nature in endlessly changing patterns. 

Why Visit in Autumn?

Visiting Normandy in the fall offers the unique opportunity to see and feel what the Impressionists saw and felt: the transformative power of light and shade, and the profound beauty in fleeting moments. The cooler weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant colors enhance the experience, making it a perfect pilgrimage for art lovers and travelers alike.

As the shadows lengthen and the days cool down, Normandy stands not only as a historical and scenic marvel but also as a testament to the artists who changed how we perceive the world. It’s a place where every autumn leaf, every stroke of light seems to whisper the legacy of French Impressionism.