Normandy impressionism and the modern movement

Transcription

1 Normandy impressionism and the modern movement Fishing boats bob up and down in the old harbour, the quayside is buzzing with life, the sea sends up a tangy breeze. The brightly coloured bathing huts bear the names of Hollywood stars: Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Robert de Niro. This beautiful part of has been attracting celebrities and artists for years. Our journey takes us through wild landscapes towards the north-east. Narrow country roads twine towards the coast, leading to the region's artistic and culinary highlights. Route profile Country: Distance: Absolute Driving time : Recommended tour duration: Best touring season: Route character Track exhilarating Landscape wild Destinations intellectual 230 km / 143 mi 5 Hours 1 Day Apr. - Oct. relaxing picturesque pleasurable

2 Approx. 4 hours, 37 minutes for 230,3 km / 143 mi Hotel Ferme Saint-Siméon Hotels Formerly a legendary artists' hostel, today, the Ferme Saint-Siméon is a stylish hotel. It still retains the charms of olden days. Located high above the little harbour town of Honfleur, it provides a picturesque view of the mouth of the Seine. It was the meeting place of such painters as Boudin, Isabey and Jongkind, who were inspired by the beauties of nature, the silence, the sea breezes. Two historic farmhouses contain 34 bedrooms, furnished with high-quality fabrics and antique furniture. Hôtel Ferme Saint-Siméon, Rue Adolphe-Marais, Honfleur, The Boelen family, proprietors Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) accueil@fermesaintsimeon.fr Open year-round.

3 Ancient columns and artistic wall paintings decorate the light-filled swimming baths of the very unique spa km / 10 mi Thalasso & Spa Centre Deauville Health & spa The Thalasso & Spa Centre Deauville is just a short distance from the fine sandy beaches of Deauville. This is where the mysteries of the sea are revealed, as thalasso therapy involves revitalising treatments with algae, seawater and mud. Visitors are pampered with hydrotherapy, classic cosmetic treatments, oriental body wraps and pressure point massages to stimulate the meridians. Professional therapists and doctors care for guests and provide individual advice. Thalasso & Spa Deauville, 3, Rue Sem, Deauville, Julien Patty, director Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) thalasso-deauville@groupebatteur.fr Mon. Fri. from 09:15 19:00 hrs, Saturday from 08:45 19:00 hrs, Sunday from 08:45 14:00 hrs. On public holidays and during the Paris school holidays, open daily from 08:45 19:00 hrs. There is a 32 C warm sea water pool with a view over the Atlantic km / 17 mi Calvados Distillery Coeur de Lion Local manufacturers When Christian Drouin senior bought the Sainte-Anne estate in the Gonneville mountains in 1960, he had a vision he wanted to manufacture the best Calvados in central Normandy. Some 50 years later, his brandies adorn the menus of the best bars and restaurants in the world. The stills are still heated with wood, in part, following the old tradition. The amber-coloured apple brandy matures for decades in small barrels generally old sherry casks. Drouin's oldest vintage dates from Calvados Coeur de Lion, RD 677 Pont-L Evêque-Deauville, Coudray- Rabut, Christophe Dutois Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) coudray@coeur-de-lion.com

4 Open year-round, Mon. Sat. from 09:00 12:00 and 14:00 18:00 hrs. The 800 Anniversaire Cuvée Spéciale edition is a unique mixture of 22 of the best Calvados vintages in the history of the distillery km / 40 mi Pont de Tancarville Bridge Sightseeing When it was completed in 1959, it was the largest suspension bridge in Europe. Even today at 1,410 m length, it is still the second-longest bridge crossing the Seine. After the Second World War, the Pont de Tancarville was 's first major traffic project. 50 metres above the river, it connects Rouen with the small harbour town of Le Havre. It was named after the Tancarville Castle on the banks of the Seine. The Pont de Normandy was opened in 1995 to ease the traffic. Open year-round. A toll of 2.90 per car is charged for crossing the bridge. 117 km / 73 mi The chateau of Cany Sightseeing It is regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy. Pierre Le Marinier started to build the Château de Cany in 1640, and the castle was completed six years later. Impressive moats, a chapel and 30 hectares of parkland laid out in traditional English style surround the privately run stately home. The original 17th and 18th century inventory provides visitors with an insight into the life of the castle back then. At the same time, it hosts a collection of art from various epochs. Le Château de Cany, Route de Barville, Cany Barville, Thierry Normand, proprietor Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) thierrynormand@hotmail.com Open daily in July and August from 10:00 12:00 and 15:00 18:00 hrs. Closed Fridays and the fourth Sunday in July. Admission charges: Adults 6.00 / Children It is worth visiting the chateau even when it is closed. The beautiful English style park and plenty of

5 water features are ideal for an afternoon stroll km / 88 mi Les Petites Dalles beach Sightseeing 159 km / 99 mi Hotel Chateau Sassetot & Restaurant Les 3 roses Food & drink When the Austrian Imperial Court told the Empress Elisabeth in 1875 that the iodine-rich sea air at the castle of Sassetot would be beneficial to her daughter Valerie s health, she stayed a whole two months. The castle lies in an idyllic rural setting, surrounded by park and forests. The kitchen of the Les 3 roses restaurant combines the best from the sea with fresh products from the surrounding farms. Old paintings, antique furniture and the opulent décor take visitors back to ancient eras. Hôtel Château de Sassetot & Restaurant Les 3 roses, Rue Elisabeth d'autriche, Sassetot Le Mauconduit, Jean-Philippe Renaudat, proprietor Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) reception@chateau-de-sassetot.com Open year-round; closed for holidays from A walk from the castle leads through the forest right to the beach km / 109 mi Palace of Bénédictine Local manufacturers When Alexander le Grand discovered an old recipe for a liqueur from a Venetian monk in 1863, he refined the elixir of 27 herbs and plants and called it Bénédictine. The liqueur quickly became famous. In 1882, Le Grand built the distillery where the golden-coloured herbal liqueur is still manufactured today. The eccentric palace is a colourful mixture of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Visitors can learn all about the world of art and crafts associated with Bénédictine in the museum.

6 Palais Bénédictine, 110 Rue Alexandre Le Grand BP 192, Fécamp, Danielle Delaule, curator Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) Parking available in the town. Open year-round; February, March, October December from 10:30 12:45 and 14:00 18:00 hrs; April June and September from 10:00 13:00 and 14:00 18:30 hrs; July and August from 10:00 19:00 hrs; last admission one hour before closing; closed each year for one month as of the second week of January for annual holidays. Admission charges: Adults 6.50 / children 2.00 / children under 12 years old free. The superb collection of art acquired by the Le Grand family since the 18th century is supplemented by changing exhibitions of contemporary art km / 109 mi Hotel & Restaurant Dormy House Food & drink The Dormy House Hotel and Restaurant is famous for its typical regional dishes and its breath-taking view of the rocky coast of Étretat. In a round dining room, guests enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood and are enchanted by the unique natural landscape of the craggy coastline. The cliffs cut into the sea in the most unusual formations. The former manor house lies above the tiny fishing village, surrounded by a park and woodlands high above the cliffs. Dormy House, Route du Havre, Étretat, Jerôme Courbet, proprietor Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) info@etretat-hotel.com Open daily from 12:30 14:00 and 19:30 21:00 hrs. Make sure you book a table by the window overlooking the sea. The view of the rocky coast of Étretat is extraordinary! km / 109 mi Golf d'étretat

7 Golf courses Normandy is one of the ten best golfing regions in the world. Golf d Étretat lies on top of the cliffs with a stunning view across the Atlantic and the chalk cliffs. The changing light, which has already inspired many famous artists, can be seen particularly well from here. When the wind blows, the game suddenly becomes a challenging adventure. The 10th hole is already well known in golfing circles as golfers tee off, they have a magnificent view of the cliffs, the sea and the beach. Golf d'étretat, Route du Havre BP 7, Étretat, Edith Morea, director Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) contact@golfetretat.com An 18-hole course open year-round; office open daily from 08:30 19:00 hrs; starting times daily from 08:30 19:00 hrs. Course: An 18-hole course (par 72). Handicap: Non-members with at least the course handicap are also permitted to play on Mon. Fri., or with a minimum handicap of 35 on Saturdays and Sundays. Greenfee: 18-hole course, Mon. Fri ; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays Golf Pro: Jean Morea Non-golfers can also enjoy the beautiful complex and the spectacular panorama in a walk along the coastal path right up on the edge of the cliffs km / 127 mi Goats Cheese Manufactory Le Valaine Local manufacturers The little farm at the Manoir de Cateuil manor house is picturesquely sited among meadows, farm land and orchards, with a view over the sea and the chalk cliffs of Étretat. This is where Agnès and Bernard Dherbécourt make their culinary delights from goats' milk. Combining traditional methods and a passion for craftsmanship, they create unpasteurised cheeses, Valaine chocolates and goats' whey ice-cream. There's also home-made cider and goat pâté with Calvados alongside the dairy products. Le Valaine, Manoir de Cateuil, Route du Havre, Étretat, Agnes and Bernard Dherbécourt

8 Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) Open daily March November; guided tours on Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 hrs; guided tours in July and August Sat. Wed. and on public holidays at 11:00 hrs and by arrangement, duration ca. 1 hour. Admission charges: Guided tour: Adults 6.00 / children 4.00 / children under 8 free. An allergy to cows' milk gave rise to the idea of making chocolates from goats' milk. Today, they are one of the highlights of the range you simply must try them! km / 137 mi The André Malraux Museum of Fine Arts Museums Following the last wishes of Eugène Boudin, his brother Louis donated 60 canvasses and 180 panels painted by the famous artist to the Mayor of Le Havre. Today, this is the largest collection of Boudin's work in any one place. This modern steel and glass structure, located right by the sea, houses the works of Boudin and other Impressionist artists of the region. There is a wonderful view of the coast and passing ships from the museum café. Musée des Beaux-Arts André Malraux, 2, Boulevard Clemenceau, Le Havre, Annette Haudiquet, director Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) malraux@ville-lehavre.fr Open year-round; Mon. Fri. from 11:00 18:00 hrs, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 19:00 hrs. Admission charges: Adults 5.00 / concessions The studio attached to the museum runs various workshops km / 142 mi The Pont de Normandy Bridge

9 Sightseeing When finished in 1995, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. It has a span of 856 m and is still the largest in Europe. It was designed by Michel Virlogeux, a star of international bridge-building. The 2,141 m long structure of prestressed concrete and steel is integrated into the river landscape with complete architectural elegance. Because of the ships passing below, it rises very steeply. The Pont de Normandy links the harbour town of Le Havre with the small town of Honfleur. Parking available on the southern bank see signs. Open year-round. A toll of 5.00 per car is charged to cross the bridge. 230 km / 143 mi The Eugène Boudin Museum Museums The Eugène Boudin Museum has lain behind the historical walls of the chapel of an Augustinian monastery since Two modern extensions have expanded the exhibition area. The view over the town and the Seine is picturesque. This significant collection of Pre-Impressionist and contemporary paintings includes works by Eugène Boudin, Claude Monet, J-B. Jongkind and other paints from the Honfleur region. A collection of Normandy costumes, hoods and furniture completes the exhibition. Musée Eugène Boudin, Place Erik-Satie BP 80049, Honfleur-Cedex, Anne-Marie Berjeret, curator Tel.: +33 (0) Fax: +33 (0) musee.eugene.boudin@wanadoo.fr Open daily except Tuesday, March September from 10:00 12:00 and 14:00 18:00 hrs; open daily except Tuesday, October March from 14:30 17:00 hrs, Saturday and Sunday also from 10:00 12:00 hrs. Narrow, slate-covered houses line the picturesque harbour basin. A walk along the small harbour promenade des Vieux Bassin is certainly recommended. Freshly caught fish and seafood are beautifully prepared in the traditional Au Vieux Honfleur Restaurant right on the harbour.