Colorful Normandy & Monet’s Gardens
We’ll see centuries of garden making on our tour of gardens in Normandy, from formal 17th-century planting schemes to 19th-century impressionistic designs, to 21st-century beds filled with movement and whimsy. Together we’ll explore castles, wander streets of historic towns and soak up the lovely French countryside. Enjoy it all with a group of fellow garden lovers, Linda Vater and your hosts from Garden Gate magazine.
Tour Confirmed
We have sufficient interest to confirm this tour will occur as planned.
Tour Dates
July 12 – July 20, 2026
Tour Prices
$7,295 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$8,695 (USD) per person, single occupancy
Tour Includes
• All 4-star hotel accommodations
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including tips
• Admission to all gardens, including tips
• Comfortable coach transport
• Friendly & knowledgeable local tour coordinator
• Garden expertise of Linda Vater, Kristin Beane Sullivan and Eric Flynn
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy: Expect to walk 10,000 steps per day with occasional level changes.
Itinerary
Day 1, Sunday, July 12: ARRIVAL
Tour members arrange their own transportation to Paris and to the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel, where we will stay this first night. We will gather for a welcome dinner this evening at the hotel restaurant (included in tour price).
Day 2, Monday, July 13: JARDINS D’ANGÉLIQUE, MONET’S GARDENS AT GIVERNY
We’ll depart our airport hotel for Giverny and the world-famous Claude Monet’s Gardens. This garden also has two very different parts: The Flower Garden around the famous Grande Allée, and the equally famous Water Garden and Japanese Bridge. But there is much to explore on this 2½-acre property. And be sure to wander through the home and stroll through the village of Giverny while we’re here.
Next we will visit the beautiful and intimate Jardins d’Angélique, just outside of Rouen. This garden was planted in memory of the owners’ daughter, Angélique, and features plants in the restful colors of white, pink and blue. They have a particularly large collection of roses and hydrangeas. One side of the house features lawn and a large, more casually planted flower border, while the other side features a garden planted in a more formal style and displays a profusion of white roses and perennials inside clipped boxwood hedges. We’ll have plenty of time to ask the owner questions and will enjoy a lovely lunch here.
Day 3, Tuesday, July 14: LES JARDINS D’ÉTRETAT, LE JARDIN PLUME
We’ll start the day at the enchanting Jardins d’Étretat, a magical landscape that combines contemporary topiary and art elements with the dramatic coastline views. Visitors walk through seven parts of the garden, each designed to elicit different responses. This is an experience you won’t want to miss.
After our visit to the gardens, we’ll have some free time to continue enjoying the striking rock formations and white cliffs of Étretat while grabbing lunch on our own.
Our next stop is at Le Jardin Plume, a unique garden installed on the site of a former orchard. Owners Patrick and Sylvie Quibel have incorporated grasses and fine-textured perennials with more traditional and whimsical hedges to create a very interesting mixture of contemporary and conventional ideas. They’ve designed it so that no matter when you visit, you’ll find something to admire, but we’ll get to enjoy it filled with peak summer color.
Day 4, Wednesday, July 15: ROUEN, JARDIN LE VASTERIVAL
Enjoy a free morning in Rouen exploring the many landmarks and attractions of the city. To indulge in more history, consider visiting the Rouen Cathedral, the tower of Joan of Arc, and the Gros Horloge – a 14th-century clock tower that straddles Rouen’s main shopping street. Explore some of the many art and history museums in the city, take a stroll along the River Seine, or do some shopping.
In the afternoon we'll take a guided tour of Jardin Le Vasterival, the private residence and passion project of Princess Greta Sturdza. For more than 50 years she tamed a wild woodland thicket into a rich tapestry of over 7,000 plant species.
Enjoy dinner on your own this evening in Rouen.
Day 5, Thursday, July 16: MIROMESNIL, JARDIN AGAPANTHE
We’ll begin our day at the Château de Miromesnil, where author Guy de Maupassant was born in 1850. The property’s large working potager should be full of both vegetables and flowers when we visit in high summer. Elsewhere we’ll see beautiful flower gardens and a pretty park on this 35-acre property. Don’t miss the 16th-century chapel hidden in the woods. We’ll enjoy lunch in this historic home’s dining room before we depart.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the much smaller 1.4-acre Jardin Agapanthe for a guided tour. Pathways, terraces, walls, watercourses and pools lead you through different experiences in the always-changing garden of designer Alexandre Thomas. Prepare to be surprised by the unique and playful plant combinations.
Day 6, Friday, July 17: CALVADOS CHRISTIAN DROUIN, HONFLEUR, CHÂTEAU DE BRÉCY
We’ll start the day in the orchards at Calvados Christian Drouin. We'll get to sample their famous calvados along with Norman cheeses and see how calvados is distilled.
At midday we'll visit the picturesque city Honfleur, where the Seine meets the English Channel. It’s easy to see why so many artists, such as Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin, have made this breathtaking city their home. We’ll be able to check out galleries and shops, enjoy the view of the water and have lunch on our own.
The remainder of the afternoon will be spent at Château de Brécy, a masterpiece of a garden that grows around a historic 17th-century castle. Here meticulously pruned yew and boxwood hedges and topiary extend for miles in a series of terraces that each feature a different style of planting—formal gardens at their best.
At the end of the day, we’ll move to our hotel in Caen.
Day 7, Saturday, July 18: OMAHA BEACH, CAEN
We’ll begin the day at one of the most historic sites in Normandy, Omaha Beach. This is one of the five landing areas of the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, D-Day, and the spot that saw the most devastating losses for the Allied forces. Walking along the gorgeous beach can conjure strong emotions on its own, but several memorials scattered along the site also offer moments for reflection and remembrance.
The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free time to explore and enjoy the historic city of Caen, which also experienced heavy battle and played a crucial role in the liberation of France during World War II. Thankfully, the most famous landmarks in the city, a castle and a pair of abbeys built by William the Conqueror, survived the destruction and can still be enjoyed today along with shops, restaurants and several public gardens.
Day 8, Sunday, July 19: CHAMP DE BATAILLE, JARDIN DE VALÉRIANES
We’ll start the day at Champ de Bataille, a 17th-century château that French designer Jacques Garcia began restoring in 1992. The formal gardens were recreated from original sketches, and new additions maintain the spirit of the baroque designs. Here we’ll find terraces, a grand canal, temples and arches. This garden is listed by the French Ministry of Culture as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
Our final garden in our time together will be Jardin de Valérianes, which has two very different spaces: An Asian-inspired garden complete with bamboo, cloud-pruned trees and a stunning water garden contrasts with a traditional English cottage-style garden, whose borders burst with perennials. It’s the best of both worlds in one very charming private garden!
Day 9, Monday, July 20: DEPARTURE
Our time together has ended, but garden lovers always find fresh inspiration wherever they are. Tour members can choose to return home or carry on the adventure.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Pricing
Tour price
$7,295 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$8,695 (USD) per person, single occupancy
Tour price includes
• All 4-star hotel accommodations
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including tips
• Admission to all gardens, including tips
• Comfortable coach transport
• Friendly and knowledgeable local tour coordinator
• Expertise of your Garden Gate hosts
Tour price excludes
• Airfare. Each tour member books their own flight to arrive in Paris by 3 p.m. local time 7/12/26 and depart from the same airport on or after 7/20/26.
• Travel insurance (required)
• 1 breakfast, 6 lunches, 2 dinners and all drinks, including water, and snacks.
• Tips for coach driver & tour coordinator
Payment schedule
A $1,500 (USD) deposit is due when you book your tour.
Final payment, in full, is due on May 22, 2026.
After April 13, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If you are able to join, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.
NOTE: Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate offers thoughtfully arranged garden tours. Each tour is guaranteed to proceed as soon as the minimum of 15 reservations has been met. If our reservation minimum is not met, Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled by us.
If you need to cancel your reservation, the deposit and final payment are fully refundable until April 13. After April 13, we are not able to refund the deposit. After May 22, no refunds for deposit or final payment will be issued.
Please DO NOT make your airline reservations until Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate has guaranteed (by email) that the tour will proceed.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Accommodations
HOTELS
July 12 – Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel
July 13-16 – Radisson Blu Hotel Rouen
July 17-18 – Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel
July 19 – Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Packing Recommendations
Weather Forecast
Normandy's average daytime temps in July are in the mid 60s to mid 70s. Because we'll be outdoors quite a bit, it's a good idea to prepare for all kinds of weather.
Packing Recommendations
Be prepared to carry your own bags at each hotel, possibly up a flight of stairs or down a long hallway. If you can, travel with just one easily carried carry-on sized suitcase and one tote or backpack. Don’t be afraid to wear every item more than once and plan to layer. Dress is casual and comfortable (jeans and sneakers are fine), but you may choose to bring one or two business casual items as well. Some guests prefer to change for dinner, others don’t. Either way is fine.
2-3 long-sleeved shirts
4-5 short-sleeved shirts
3-4 pairs of pants or skirts (jeans are fine)
1-2 sweaters
1 waterproof rain jacket and/or another jacket
Umbrella
2 pairs of good walking shoes (in case one pair gets wet)
Passport
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
Chargers and cables for your electronic devices
Portable phone charger
Adapter. In France there are two associated plug types: C and E. France operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Terms & Conditions
1. Responsibilities
As the hosting organization, Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc., the publisher of Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate and referred to herein as “Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate”, provides reservation and coordination services. Each third-party service provider (including but not limited to hotels, airlines, ground transportation operators, local guides, and garden venues) is solely responsible to the participant for providing their respective services. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate acts as an agent for these third-party providers and not as a principal. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate does not select, supervise, or control the manner in which third-party providers render their services.
By making a reservation for a tour hosted by Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate, the participant certifies that they have disclosed any condition that may require accommodation or that may affect their ability to safely participate in tour activities. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a tour at any time for any legitimate, non-discriminatory reason.
2. Physical Fitness & Medical Acknowledgment
Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate tours involve physical activity including walking on uneven terrain, cobblestones, steps, and outdoor environments in varied weather conditions. By booking this tour, the participant represents that they are physically able to participate and will disclose any medical or mobility condition requiring accommodation prior to departure. Accessibility cannot be guaranteed at all sites, though reasonable efforts will be made when feasible upon advance request.
3. Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability
BY BOOKING THIS TOUR, THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF TRAVEL AND TOUR PARTICIPATION including risks of injury, illness, delays, transportation incidents, weather, or third-party actions.
The participant releases Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate and its representatives from claims arising from participation except where directly caused by proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
4. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate’s total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the tour.
- Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate shall not be liable for indirect or consequential damages including missed connections, loss of enjoyment, business losses, or emotional distress.
- Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate is not responsible for loss of baggage or personal property.
5. Third-Party Service Providers
Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate arranges services through independent suppliers such as airlines, hotels, transportation providers, and guides. These suppliers are solely responsible for their services. All bookings are subject to supplier terms and conditions.
6. Force Majeure
Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or losses caused by events beyond its control including weather, disasters, government actions, labor disputes, pandemics, or other force majeure events. Refunds are not guaranteed in such cases unless required by law.
7. Price
Prices are based on exchange rates and costs at time of publication and may change before full payment is received. Once paid in full, the price will not change due to rate or tax fluctuations. If a pre-final payment increase exceeds 8%, participants may cancel within 14 days for a full refund.
8. Cancellations by Participant
Written cancellation is required. Refunds depend on timing relative to departure date and final payment deadline. After final payment deadline, no refunds are issued. Mid-tour departure yields no refund.
9. Tour Cancellations or Changes
Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right to cancel or modify tours for operational, safety, or business reasons. If a tour is canceled by us, a full refund of amounts paid will be issued. We are not responsible for incidental expenses such as airfare or visas. Itinerary changes may occur when necessary and comparable substitutions may be provided.
10. Participant Conduct
Participants must behave respectfully and lawfully. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate may remove any participant whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, unlawful, or incompatible with tour enjoyment. Removed participants receive no refund and are responsible for return costs.
11. Smoking & Vaping
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on transportation and in most shared spaces unless expressly permitted.
12. Travel Documents
Participants are responsible for passports, visas, health documentation, and entry requirements. No refunds are provided for denied boarding or entry due to improper documentation.
13. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for certain tours. Coverage should include emergency medical expenses and hospitalization and medical evacuation and repatriation. Participants who travel without insurance accept full financial risk.
14. Complaints
Complaints must be reported promptly during the tour so they can be addressed. Formal written complaints must be submitted within 20 days of return.
15. Dispute Resolution
Parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation followed by mediation before litigation. Class actions are waived where permitted by law.
16. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware and disputes shall be resolved in the United States.
17. Photography & Media Release
Participants grant permission for photographs and video taken during tours to be used for promotional or editorial purposes without compensation. Those who object must notify us before departure. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them.
18. Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
19. Entire Agreement
These Terms together with booking confirmation documents constitute the entire agreement and supersede prior understandings. Any modification must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative. Rights may be assigned to affiliates or successors.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Reserve A Spot
Secure Your Reservation:
To reserve your spot on this tour:
- Fill out and submit the online reservation form.
Reservation Form - Submit your tour deposit of $1,500 USD by calling
800-978-9631
or completing a checkout through our online store.
Pay Deposit Online
Questions? Contact us at gardentravel@aimmedia.com or 800-978-9631. We would love to chat with you about this exciting trip!
Note: After May 22, 2026, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.
Payment Details:
Deposit amount: $1,500 USD
Full payment:
$7,295 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$8,695 (USD) per person, single occupancy
Note: For reservations made after May 22, 2026, the full payment will be due immediately.
Additional information about the tour costs, including details about inclusions and exclusions, can be viewed under “Pricing”.
PLEASE NOTE: Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.
Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination countries.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
Tour Hosts
Kristin Beane Sullivan
Executive Editor, Garden Gate & Horticulture
In her 27 years at Garden Gate (and now Horticulture), Kristin’s enthusiasm for visiting gardens and meeting other gardeners has only grown and she learns something through almost every experience. Although she’s packed a lot into her small urban garden in Des Moines, Iowa, she’s found that miraculously, there always seems to be room for one more plant!
Linda Vater
Garden Designer, Author, Media Producer
Linda is a self-taught garden designer and stylist who also writes and produces garden media for TV, magazines, Instagram, YouTube, and the web. She lived and gardened for over thirty years in her 1935 English Tudor home before moving to her very lively “Cottage on the Hill” in Oklahoma City. Her gardens have been featured in numerous national and local magazines and have been toured more times than she can count.
Eric Flynn
Executive Art Director, Garden Gate & Horticulture
Eric Flynn started as an illustrator with Garden Gate more than 27 years ago, and now he directs all the design for both Garden Gate & Horticulture. Although his roles (and design technology!) have changed through the years, you might still occasionally still see him with a pencil or watercolor brush in his hand. Eric especially prides himself on the containers that fill the porch and deck of his suburban home in every season.
Contact 800-978-9631 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.
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