Just as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, so they continue to enthrall countless visitors more than 90 years after his death. The lovingly restored gardens give a vivid impression of Monet's favourite subjects. The gardens are filled with poppies, lupins, delphiniums and peonies, and throughout the year the atmosphere is of abundant colour and luxuriant growth. Arched bridges, painted an acid apple green, are festooned with wisteria and the draped fronds of weeping willow frame the water lilies - Monet's paintings brought unnervingly to life.

The perfect complement to Giverny is the Orangerie Museum in Paris, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2006. The centerpiece of this outstanding collection is Monet’s breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas. Housed in two vast elliptical rooms, the 2-metre high murals extend to almost 200m in length and provide a moving and unforgettable testament to the genius of a painter at the height of his powers.

Besides Giverny, we visit the Château de Chantilly, with its extensive collection of fine art and its gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and the pleasant market town of Senlis.

Our tour is based at the 4-star Château de Montvillargenne, the largest château hotel in France, set in a 15 acre park. The hotel is noted for the quality of its food and wine is included with dinner each evening, making for a very convivial atmosphere.