What if Normandy were one of your next destinations?
We’ve listed C. Discover the events and novelties and plan your trip!
Normandy Impressionist Festival
The Impressionist Festival is a cultural event that highlights the Impressionist art, an artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century. Impressionism is known for its loose brushstrokes, innovative use of light, and focus on everyday scenes.
The festival will take place between spring and summer in Normandy, and this year in 2024, it coincides with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Impressionist movement.
Renowned Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro are often featured during the festival. Exhibitions of their works, as well as other Impressionist artists, are held in museums, galleries, and cultural spaces.
The festival provides visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of Impressionism, explore the landscapes that inspired these artists, and participate in interactive art-related activities. It may also include performances, concerts, and gastronomic events, creating a comprehensive cultural experience.
Normandy stands out as one of the settings immortalized by the artists, much like its neighbouring region, Île-de-France. Along these Impressionist journeys, travellers will feel like they are strolling through the paintings of the great masters.
They will be transported to the intimacy of Claude Monet’s house in Giverny and his iconic water lilies, under the special light of the early seaside resorts, Deauville and Trouville, which inspired Eugène Boudin, or in front of the impressive Cathedral of Rouen immortalized by Monet.
Trouville : source of impressionist inspiration
Trouville is a coastal town located in the Normandy region, France. Its connection to Impressionism is related to being one of the favorite destinations for Impressionist artists during the 19th century.
In the late 19th century, many artists sought inspiration outside the traditional city environments.
Trouville, with its calm beaches, maritime landscapes, and lively atmosphere of seaside life, became an ideal location for Impressionists to capture the light, colors, and fleeting atmosphere of everyday scenes.
Artists such as Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet often visited Trouville to paint maritime landscapes, fishermen, port activities, and seaside life. The town and its surroundings provided a rich backdrop to explore Impressionist techniques of capturing natural light and reflections on the water.
Monet stayed with his family in Trouville in 1870. Following in the footsteps of Eugène Boudin, he sketched beach scenes representing the emergence of a leisure society where seaside pleasure triumphed.
Among these paintings, the splendid “Sur la plage à Trouville,” representing his wife Camille and “Le Hôtel des Roches Noires,” can be admired in the Marmottan Monet and Orsay museums. Strolling in the atmosphere of the late 19th century along the planks of Trouville offers a timeless moment, and you’ll fall under the charm of this beach full of magnificent villas popular among the elite of that era.
Visiting sites such as Villa Montebello or rediscovering Villa du temps allows us to understand the development of the resort on the Côte Fleurie, a source of artistic passions. The nearby seaside resort, Deauville, also hosts since 2021 a new multicultural space, Les Franciscaines, which regularly exhibits its Impressionist collection from the Peindre en Normandie collection, including some works by the young Monet.
80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy
The D-Day Festival in Normandy, France, is an annual event that celebrates and honours the Normandy landings, one of the most significant landmarks of World War II. This festival takes place in June, coinciding with the D-Day date, which was June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy.
2024 will certainly mark the last major anniversary of D-Day in the presence of veterans, the last direct witnesses of history. The event will be punctuated by nearly a hundred commemorative and popular events. The international ceremony will take place on June 6 in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, in the Omaha Beach region.
The festivities will begin in March and last until October. An opportunity to come and pay homage to those, both soldiers and civilians, who fought in Normandy to bring peace.
Mont Saint-Michel Celebrates 1000 Years
Mont Saint-Michel is to France what the Great Pyramid is to Egypt,” wrote Victor Hugo. The monument attracts nearly three million visitors every year, making it one of the busiest tourist sites in the country.
A millennium has passed since the construction of the abbey church of Mont Saint-Michel began in the year 1023.
Between sky and sea, Mont-Saint-Michel has played with contrasts for a thousand years. In the year 708, a sanctuary in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel was erected on the Norman rock. A sacred place where the monument continues to evolve over the centuries, becoming the Gothic ensemble that survives today. A fortress during the Hundred Years’ War, a prison during the French Revolution, the rock finally became a tourist attraction.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris promise to be a spectacular celebration of sports, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. As the city prepares to host this grand event, the Olympic flame takes center stage, carrying with it the symbolism of peace and fair competition.
In the midst of this excitement, it is thrilling to announce that the majestic Olympic flame will illuminate the iconic Mont Saint-Michel on its journey, adding a magical and historical touch to the trajectory of this Olympic symbol. Mont Saint-Michel, with its thousand years of history, will become an integral part of the Olympic narrative, blending tradition and modernity in a unique and unforgettable celebration.
Les Nocturnes of Mont Saint Michel
Les Nocturnes du Mont Saint-Michel refers to a special night-time event held at Mont Saint-Michel in the summer, between July and August.
During this event, the historic site is uniquely illuminated, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere as night falls over the rocky island.
During the “Nocturnes,” visitors have the opportunity to explore Mont Saint-Michel under special lighting that highlights the architectural details and the unique beauty of the location.
In addition to the special lighting, the event may include light projections, thematic performances, and other nighttime activities that enrich the experience.
These nighttime events provide a different perspective of Mont Saint-Michel compared to daytime visits, adding a touch of magic and romance to visitors’ journey.
It is a unique opportunity to experience Mont Saint-Michel in a special way, immersing oneself in its historical and mystical atmosphere during the pleasant summer nights.
Strolling on the French Walk of Fame and Celebrating the Seventh Art in Deauville Deauville
Located on the coast of Normandy, France, is a charming seaside town known for its elegance and sophistication.
Founded in the 19th century, it has become a renowned vacation destination, attracting visitors in search of golden beaches and Belle Époque architecture. Deauville’s history is intertwined with social and cultural events, such as the annual American Film Festival.
Additionally, Deauville is famous for its horse racing facilities and casinos, adding a touch of glamour to its coastal atmosphere.
With luxury boutiques, stylish hotels, and a welcoming ambiance, Deauville remains a charming destination for those seeking a seaside retreat with a touch of class.
In 2024, Deauville celebrates two significant milestones: the centenary of Les Planches in July and the 50th edition of the American Film Festival from September 6 to 14.
Les Planches, an iconic seaside promenade with a length of 656 meters, is a must-visit for those exploring Deauville.
Over the years and with the hosting of the American Film Festival since 1975, this promenade has transformed into a kind of French “Walk of Fame.”
Located facing the sea and adorned with Art Deco-style beach cabins, Les Planches has witnessed the presence of numerous film stars who left their marks by inaugurating their names.
Whether it’s the dynamic energy of the Olympics, the enchanting nights at Mont Saint-Michel, or the timeless elegance of Deauville, 2024 unfolds as a year of immersive experiences and unforgettable memories on the shores of Normandy.
