Giverny, Eure, Haute-Normandie

A special place, assembling a collection of objects associated with the famous French composer in the house where he was born: Claude Debussy's birthplace is located in the historic quarter of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. It was in this 17-century house in the town that Claude Debussy was born, on 22 August 1862, and spent his early childhood. His father ran a china shop on the ground floor. After the composer's death in 1918, it soon became the main gathering place of his many admirers. Once inside, you will discover a wonderful little inner courtyard, where a splendid wooden staircase will lead you up to the museum. The museum, officially recognised as a 'Maison des illustres' ('Houses of the Famous'), displays objects and photographs that help provide a better understanding of the composer's creative process. In fact, Debussy liked to surround himself with objects from different places and artistic movements, which influenced his music. For example, a Japanese lacquered panel, which came from his Parisian mansion, depicting two fish swimming under a willow, musically metamorphosed into 'Poissons d'or', a piano piece (1907). A small museum but a grand tribute to one of France's greatest composers!

Come and spend a day among France's biggest monuments, all in one park! It's bound to appeal to both young and old! Prepare to explore France and its biggest landmarks in just a few hours by visiting the France Miniature park. Set off on a trip through France and discover 117 monuments reproduced at 1:30 scale and in the setting of a five-hectare park set out in the form of a map of France. Admire all of France's most beautiful sites, from Paris' most beautiful monuments in minature form, to Versailles, the Chateaux of the Loire region, the Auvergne Volcanoes, the Arles Amphitheatre, gothic and roman architecture, Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel and more... On this unconventional yet cultural tour you will find out the stories behind many French monuments. An attractions area, based upon the regions of France is also to be found in the park. Find inspiration for your future trips to France at France Miniature!

Located in the heart of Impressionist country, close to Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Versailles, the serviced apartments of Residhome Carrières La Défense benefit from an outstanding location. The residential hotel is close to the picturesque town centre, restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of Paris and the business district of La Défense, with fast access to RER A and Transilien rail services. Carrières-sur-Seine is a town with a country feel. For nearly two centuries it has been the charming green backdrop to pleasant walks, with its Parc de la Mairie (a classified "monument historique" site), washhouse, tithe warehouse, troglodyte houses, windmill, etc. Other sites and features in the area include: the Château de Versailles, the Château de Monte Cristo, a ride aboard the Dénicheur, the Impressionist cruise, the Serre aux Papillons (butterfly farm), the Parc Zoologique de Thoiry, and the Club Hippique de la Jonction at Saint-Germain-en-Laye (riding stables - hacking in the national forest), the Golf de l'Ile Fleurie, etc.

The Fournaise museum proposes a meeting with the artist during a show, punctuated by digital animations and videos, in the middle of the atmosphere recreated by the sets of theaters. of the museum. One hundred years after his death, Renoir is back in Chatou hologram! Familiarly, he tells us about his vision of painting, the harsh criticisms of his contemporaries, his workshop secrets, his loves, his relatives ... and the fertile inspiration drawn from the banks of the Seine. At the time of the first scandals, Durand-Ruel and some amateurs give him a decisive support by buying him paintings. Alphonse Fournaise is one of the first! He ordered his portrait and that of his daughter for 200 francs. For more than ten years, Renoir made frequent stays at home and around Chatou where he painted about thirty paintings. Aged nearly forty, he began the ambitious Breakfast of the Boaters. This painting, painted on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, is the result of long research. The painter feels then that he has arrived "at the end of impressionism". This great admirer of the masters of the Italian Renaissance dreams of making this work a bridge between Veronese, Raphael and the modern life of his century. Retained at the Fournaise by his painting in 1880, he wrote to Monsieur de Bellio: "You will not regret your trip. It is the most beautiful place around Paris. " To complete your experience in the footsteps of Renoir, go back in time on the Fournaise hamlet thanks to the virtual reality helmets, wander among the characters of the Breakfast of the boaters with the tactile tablets or create your own work according to the master in painting Virtual. In this unprecedented show, technology offers an innovative, fun and surprising approach to an immersive journey in the heart of the painter's Impressionist years in Chatou. - Departures of visits every 30 minutes. Come 15 to 20 minutes in advance. - Duration of the show: about 60 minutes

This little gem awaits you on the Ile des Impressionnistes in Chatou : visit the workshops of the Sequana association ! In addition to the visit of the worshop, short cruises aboard the electric-powered boat "Chloé" are possible in spring and summer. Sequana restores and sometimes buids replicas of the boats used during the boating era: yoles, 'périssoires' (a type of dinghy), canoes and sailing boats. The association also does historical research and takes part in various nautical events and festivals. In Spring and Summer, Chloé, an electric boat, accepts 9 passengers in addition to the pilot and the sailor for a guided tour on the Seine. In times of Covid, cruises are limited to 6 people or 9 if they belong to the same family.

The Grand Trianon was built in 1687 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Thus, the King Louis XIV could escape from all the ceremony of the Court and relax in the company of his concubines. The Grand Trianon is based on the Italian architecture and invites you to poetry and wandering. One little story: the Grand Trianon used to be surrounded by thousands of flowers in pots that were changed every day. Even now, this tradition is carried on every season. The display was amazing: we could admire flowerbeds of all colours and we could smell lots of scents. Thereafter, the Grand Trianon was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte and the French Presidents.

The Petit Trianon was built between 1763 and 1768 by the architect Gabriel, requested by Madame de Pompadour, mistress then friend of king Louis XV. Mme de Pompadour was the former mistress of the king but still his friend. She was the instigator of this little palace, built by Gabriel from 1763 to 1768 near the botanical gardens and the new menagerie to entertain him with one of his passions : sciences. To please the Marchioness, always aware of the last trend, the architect changed his rocky aesthetics to adopt pure lines and cubic shape. It was the latest architectural style, called “the Greek style”. It is not as simple as it looks like : each frontage is different, built to reply to its surrounding : the Courtyard, the French Garden and its lovely pavilion, the Botanical Garden and the Flower Garden. Even inside we find a modern style. The decoration of the Small Trianon is more simple than the rest of the estate. It is not about materials, you will notice the absence of gold for example, but more about the fineness and elegance of the sculptures dedicate, like the palace, to nature. Sadly, Mme de Pompadour died before the completion of the Palace in 1764. Nowadays it keeps the souvenir of an other inhabitant : Louis XVI made a gift of the Trianon Estate to his queen Marie-Antoinette in 1774. She lived there a distant life from the court, maybe too distant for some of the courtier.

ArrayYour Experience Use Your Passport to Tour the Château de Versailles Your ticket gives you access to the most famous places within the royal estate including the Royal Palace, the Park, Gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and entry to any exhibitions on show at the time of your visit. If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it’s worth paying the extra €8 for an upgraded Passport ticket, which includes access to the Musical Fountain and Garden shows. Learn About the French Monarchy with the Help of a Multilingual Audio Guide Upon entering the Palace, collect your complimentary audio guide from one of the two pick-up counters located on the ground floor, one at the entrance to the Apartment Ladies and the other at the entrance to the Gallery of Castles. Audio guides are available in 11 languages: Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese and Russian. Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! Explore 250 Acres of Gorgeously Landscaped Lawns and Fountains After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds, through the beautiful French gardens, and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. Next, stop by the Estate of Marie Antoinette and discover the life and antics of the Queen at the Petit Trianon. Walk around the Village of the Queen and English gardens, then see where Marie Antoinette built her own house, a Mill, a Preparation Dairy, a Cave, a Belvedere and the magnificent Temple of Love where lovers get engage. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time and would prefer to skip the long lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save your time. If you’d like to maximize your time at the palace of Versailles and get a more in depth Castle experience, click here. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

Listed as a World Heritage Site for 1979 years, the Château de Versailles is one of the finest achievements of 17th century French art. The Château and the Trianon estate are open every day except Monday. The Château opens at 9am, the Trianon estate only opens from 12pm. The Park and gardens are open every day and free of charge (access to the gardens is subject to a charge on the days of the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Nocturnes and during the Jardins Musicaux). Access to the Park only through the Queen's Gate (for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles every day), through the Saint-Antoine Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day and for vehicles at weekends and public holidays) and through the Sailors' Gate (for pedestrians and cyclists every day) from 7am to 8.30pm, with the last access at 6.15pm in the high season and from 8am to 6pm in the low season The Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, the Museum of French History: over the centuries, the Palace of Versailles, the seat of power until 1789, has never ceased to expand. At the beginning, it was only a modest castle built by Louis XIII for hunting. However, Louis XIV chose this site to build the palace we know today, a symbol of royal absolutism and the embodiment of French classical art. In the 1670s, Louis XIV had the Grand Apartments of the King and Queen fitted out. The most emblematic achievement of these spaces, places of parade and reception par excellence, remains the Hall of Mirrors designed by Mansart. In the following century, the extensions continued, notably with the construction of the Chapel and the Opera House. The Château now has 63,154 m2 divided into 2,300 rooms. Although the Château lost its vocation as the official seat of power in 1789, in the 19th century it had a new destiny: to become the Museum of the History of France, as desired by Louis-Philippe, who came to the throne in 1830. Many of the rooms in the Château then housed the new collections retracing the great events of French history, which were enriched until the beginning of the 20th century.

ArrayWhat to Expect Begin your visit by exploring the ornate King and Queen's State Apartments. Learn about the French monarchy and peek into the private lives of the infamous King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Next, make your way to the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Designed to protect the ornate walls and ceilings from smoke, the hall’s 357 mirrors were strategically placed to reflect the light of candles. With just a few flames, the reflection from so many mirrors was enough to light up the whole hall! After admiring the inside of the Palace, head outdoors and take in the grandeur of the estate’s impressive architecture. Stroll along the cobblestone grounds and pass by the gorgeous Versailles fountains. At the Carrosses Gallery, travel back in time as you explore carriages, coaches, sculptures and other artifacts left behind by the French Monarch. If you’re short on time or would prefer to skip the long entry lines, a Versailles skip-the-line entry ticket will allow you to save anywhere from 1-3 hours of waiting. If you happen to visit the Palace on a Tuesday, Saturday or Sunday, consider opting for a Versailles Passport ticket and catch one of the famous water fountain and musical shows. Each year, it is estimated that approximately 5 million people visit the Palace of Versailles, and between 8 and 10 million people walk its gardens. A place of immense beauty, Versailles stands as a symbol of France’s monarchy and its glorious history.

The Château de Gaillon is considered to be the first Renaissance château in the Seine valley. Built between 1498 and 1510, it is the most remarkable example of the combination of Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. The chateau was made famous by the Cardinal Georges d'Amboise, a forerunner of the development of Italian Renaissance in France. It would be dismantled during the French Revolution. Extensive restoration works have been carried out for 40 years. Since 2011, the château has been opened to the public.

In a natural environment on the banks of the river Seine, make the most of the peace and quiet to watch birds, amphibians and insects. Along the bank of the river Seine, the fluvial terraces in Courcelles Bouafles are listed a Sensitive Natural area. These flat areas shaped by the river during the ice age have been largely remodelled by the quarry workers in the last century for the extraction of stones. Nowadays they hold a diversity of dry and wet habitats which are rich in biodiversity. You can walk around this natural area by following the "Sentier des Rossignols" (Nightingales' Path) to observe an exceptional array of fauna and flora. Education panels and tools will help you observe and recognize numerous bird species that gather in these two bodies of water. As dusk falls, you might hear the peculiar call of the Eurasian stone curlew. This funny bird looking surprised with long yellow legs is threatened by the urbanisation of the fluvial terraces where it builds its nest on unobstructed grounds to be able to spot intruders. The protection of these natural habitats contributes to its conservation.

In the heart of a meander of the river Seine, go and explore the fluvial terraces and the remarkable wildlife it holds. Created by the sediments deposited by the turbid water of the river millions of years ago, the fluvial terraces of the river Seine are flat areas with sandy and calcareous soil. Less known than their neighbouring hills, they are nevertheless also home to remarkable natural habitats ideal to attract numerous species. Want to know what lives there? Which plants to look at? Why and how to protect these habitats? Follow the "Sentier du Criquet" (Grasshopper Path) along 1.7 km (0.6 miles) and discover the fauna and flora of this Sensitive Natural Area! Look up and you will see the cliffs of the river Seine in the background that tower over these fluvial terraces. The white limestone outcrops, topped by the medieval fortress of Château-Gaillard, can be seen from afar.

Malowe Nature is an educational farm producing permaculture vegetables and fruit, with 3 fishing ponds for all ages ! In a shaded natural area, come and discover the many farm animals in semi-freedom at the foot of the Vaucouleurs: ponies, goats, alpacas, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, etc. You can get close to them, observe and feed them. All the farm's feathered, furry and woollen animals are waiting to be petted and cuddled. Between fishing in the ponds, pony rides and outdoor games, your little ones will be able to have fun in an exceptional environment: the wooded countryside of the Vaucouleurs Valley. The farm's permaculture vegetable garden is located in a pastoral setting. Let the smells and tastes enchant you. Discover the original plants with the help of the explanatory panels that punctuate the visit to the educational vegetable garden to familiarise yourself with the plant world. The organic vegetable garden hosts permaculture workshops and training courses throughout the year.

Since its opening, the Wind Instruments Museum (the MIV) preserves, promotes and keeps alive the memory of the instrument makers, companies, men and women who have worked in the region. Created in 1888 by the village's wind instrument makers, the MIV displays an exceptional collection of flutes, oboes and clarinets from the 18th century to nowadays. Workshops, machines and tools that have been used to make music instruments present the art of wind instrument making that has been perpetuated in La Couture-Boussey since the 17th century. To learn more about it, themed tours, encounters with musicians and instrument makers as well as live music events are organised all year round.

In Ivry-la-Bataille can be seen the remains of one of the first stone castles built in Normandy circa 1000 AD. When you visit the ruins you can imagine the size of the fortress and the magnitude of the keep that testify to the strategic importance Ivry had for centuries. Ivry's name evolved into Ivry-la-Bataille after the battle of 1590 won by Henry IV of France against the Duke of Mayenne. A pleasant walk provides a view over the town and the Eure river dotted with watermills and waterworks that remind us of the important industrial past. Along the streets with evocative names, "rue des belles femmes" (pretty women's street), "rue de la porte à bateaux" (boats' door street), or the "rue de la prison" (Jail street), admire Norman half-timbered houses and take a look at the door of the former abbey. Do not miss: Calvados Morin and the visit of the troglodytic cellars.

Close to Evreux, learn more about the history of an important Gallo-Roman city. Two thousand years ago, Gisacum was an exceptional city due to its size and its impressive monuments. This archaeological site allows you to explore this city thanks to the interpretation centre that explains the history of its foundation and the discovery made by archaeologists. The ruins of the public baths have pride of place in the archaeological garden, an original and educational setting as well as a pleasant place for a walk. With an antique city covering 250 hectares (618 acres), the site of Gisacum is still being excavated by archaeologists. The site organises activities and events for all audiences throughout the year (visits of excavation sites, workshops, exhibitions, etc.).

If you are looking for an unusual place to visit, Calvados Morin is the place to go in Ivry-la-Bataille. Calvados Morin is one of the oldest calvados producers, renowned throughout the world and specialized in the blending and ageing of up-market Calvados. The tour, guided by the cellar masters, starts with a little bit of history about the industry and a presentation of Calvados. You will then get to the originality of the place: troglodytic cellars hollowed out of the hillsides of the Eure Valley where hundreds of casks are stocked. A unique setting in Normandy, ideal for Calvados and alcohol ageing. After the tour that lasts about 1 hour, time for a tasting session with the cellar master.

In Normandy, stroll along a trail that reveals the beauty of the Seine Valley landscapes. Dotted with information panels, the walk invites you to become familiar with the fauna and flora found in the calcareous grassland and learn more about the measures undertaken to preserve this biodiversity. Keep your eyes wide open to try to spot grassland butterflies or wild orchids (such as the bee orchid which mimics the shape of the animal), and listen carefully to hear the birds singing… The site, listed a "Sensitive Natural Area", is also part of the network of Natura 2000 protected sites Fun fact: to prevent the grasslands where orchids grow wild from being invaded by brambles and young trees, sheep and goats are the best allies. You might be lucky to see them…

Halfway between Classicism and Romanticism, the green park of the Château d'Acquigny is the setting for a Renaissance chateau. Enjoy the shade of ancient trees, recharge your batteries wandering through the streams, serpentine paths and waterfalls rustling all around. An Orangery also houses a collection of citrus trees and a Mediterranean garden. You will also see flowering plants blooming all year round and a surprising "Potager" (kitchen garden) and orchard with an espaliered pear tree, listed "Remarkable Tree of France".

Restaurant located at the foot of the Château de Gaillon on a little street below with a pleasant terrace. The chef serves traditional dishes made with local produce and ingredients.

The restaurant La Terrasse is located on the bank of the river Eure. The Chef invites you to enjoy his cuisine made with local and seasonal produce while taking in the view of the water. You can also take time to enjoy a canoeing trip, try SUP boarding, play bubble football, etc. The restaurant also caters for events (weddings, christenings, birthdays, business meetings, etc.) whether for a buffet, group dining or a bucolic barbecue.

The restaurant "Le Clos du Pétillon" welcomes you to Théméricourt in the department of Val-d'Oise. We suggest you tasting fresh products of season through our traditional and local French food. And also traditional Corsican food. In a friendly atmosphere, taste our specialities house as the terrine of kako in the foie gras cloth. To the restaurant, you will find a beautiful wine list of Grand Crus which will accompany your entrances, dishes or desserts. Ask advice for the perfect agreement between dish and wine.

The Clos Saint André Restaurant serves up refined dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The owners provide a friendly welcome and a warm atmosphere in a "handmade", craft-inspired decor that evolves throughout the year.

In a simple setting that perfectly combines the charm of old beams, contemporary furniture and modern colours, Xavier Buzieux offers relevant seasonal dishes with surprising flavours. Known as one of the best restaurants in Evreux, food lovers are sure to spend a delicious time in a pleasant and elegant setting. By the reception, there is a little shopping corner where the chef sells a selection of local products.

For a stay in the Parc du Marais and near the D-Day beaches. Located 10 minutes from Isigny sur mer, you can discover the landscapes of the Bessin and Cotentin marshes. We welcome you to our guest rooms in a peaceful natural setting. In the owners' home, a family suite upstairs with two bedrooms (1 bedroom with 1 x 160 cm bed and TV, and 1 bedroom with 2 x 90 cm beds). Possibility of gourmet evening meals with advance reservation The owners will be delighted to show you their animals (donkeys, goats, llamas).

For a stay in the Parc du Marais and near the D-Day beaches. Situated 10 minutes from Isigny sur mer, for exploring the landscapes of the Marais du Bessin and the Cotentin. We welcome you to our guest rooms in a peaceful natural setting. In the owners' house, on the ground floor, there's a room for people with reduced mobility with a 160cm bed and a BZ sofa bed, bathroom for people with reduced mobility, access ramp to the room and access ramp to the living room for breakfast and books available. Possibility of gourmet plate for the evening with advance reservation. The owners will be delighted to show you their animals (donkeys, goats, llamas).

This motorhome service point is conveniently located for touring visitors. It allows you to fill your tank up with fresh water and dump waste water between two stops. Before driving to your parking area for the night, take time to visit the Château de Gaillon, the first Renaissance building in France, and make the most of the numerous leisure activities nearby.

In the Seine Valley, a stone's throw away from Gaillon, between Les Andelys and Giverny, Château Corneille awaits you for a charming getaway in Normandy, in the heart of a 1.5-hectare park. Built on the ruins of a former coaching inn, which Corneille regularly used for a break on his way to King Louis XIV's court in Paris, Château Corneille now welcomes you to its 20 contemporary and elegant rooms and suites. The former stables have been turned into a fine dining restaurant called “La Closerie”, which will pleasantly complete your stay.

Located near the cities of Gaillon, Giverny, Vernon and Les Andelys, our restaurant with a capacity of 60 covers welcomes you around its large fireplace and offers you a menu of regional products as well as a fantastic wine menu.

Located in a green setting, Ivry-la-Bataille is located at the meeting point of 2 rivers (the Eure and the Vesgre), 3 departments (the Eure, the Eure-et-Loir and the Yvelines) and 3 regions (Haute-Normandie, Centre, Ile-de-France). The Camping du Petit Pont campsite has 75 pitches and offers an introduction to fishing in the surrounding lakes.

The campsite in Ezy-sur-Eure, with 52 pitches, welcomes you to a pleasant and green setting close to a river, where fishermen are sure to find a tranquil natural site. The town centre with its numerous shops is within easy reach which makes it easy to do your daily shopping and make the most of the markets on Thursdays and Sundays to stock up on good local produce.

A stone's throw away from the Seine Valley, make the most of a functional stopover in Normandy. Located not far from the former textile town of Louviers and close to the meanders of the river Seine, the motorhome service point of Heudebouville is a practical place to stop for a break in Normandy. In the area, there are many things to see and explore for motorhome owners: Louviers and its vast array of historic and cultural heritage sites, Les Andelys and its Château-Gaillard founded by Richard the Lionheart, the remarkable garden of the Château d'Acquigny, etc. not to mention the numerous local producers to fill your basket with terroir products!