For those of you with a passion for art, particularly impressionist art, this summer you have the ultimate festival to make your Normandy holiday that extra bit special this year. From April to November Normandie Impressionniste 2010 offers an amazing programme of events to celebrate Normandy’s Impressionist heritage. Most people know that Monet’s Giverny house and garden is in Normandy, but few realise that Normandy was a central focus for many Impressionist artists. Many lived in the region, and others frequently visited the cities, such as Rouen and Le Havre, and the coastline – the striking white cliffs being a favourite subject. But, it is not just a festival of museum exhibitions, there really is something on the programme for everyone, even the children.

Specifically with children in mind Parc de Clères has a great range of events planned for dates from June through to September. Parc de Clères is a great ‘zoo’ near Basse Copette, which is a specific favourite for our younger guests; and the older ones who need to find something to keep the younger ones entertained. One of these events will be a ‘guingette‘, a traditional open air café and dance.

Outdoor eating and picnics was a frequently painted theme of the impressionist artists. Many towns, villages and attractions are organising outdoor picnics, many of which will include outdoor concerts; and Bastille day, 14 July, is going to be a day not to miss! Another great outdoor event that is perfect for the great long summer evenings, is the sound and light show in front of the Rouen Cathedral, the one Monet painted 30 times, and the Museum of Fine Art. The photograph above is the cathedral during the sound and light show of 2009, and the photograph below is the Museum of Fine Art. If the promotional material is anything to go by the show in 2010 will be great!

There are over 150 events planned for the festival this summer throughout Normandy. Basse Copette is ideally located in Upper Normandy for these events, and other great attractions. On offer is B&B and self catering accommodation with a heated swimming pool, and all the attractions to make your Normandy holiday one to remember for all the right reasons. If you are interested in knowing more about Normandy’s Impressionist heritage, and further details about the events that make up Normandie Impressionniste 2010, visit the Monet, Giverny & Normandy website.