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Autumn Days in Normandy: Gardens, Flowers & Inspiration
©Janne Ford
This September, we returned to Normandy for another My French Country Home Tour, led by Sharon Santoni and Janne Ford.
This September, we gathered a wonderful group of guests for another My French Country Home Tour, led by Sharon Santoni and Janne Ford. Together, we explored gardens at their most beautiful season, when dahlias are in bloom, the air is soft, and every path seems to glow in shades of gold and rust.
As always, our days unfolded gently, between gardens and countryside, flowers and laughter, creative workshops and delicious meals shared around the table. Each stop had its own magic, from the quiet poetry of Monet’s gardens to the natural drama of Jardin Plume.
It’s hard to put into words just how inspiring these moments were, but here’s a little glimpse into the week we spent together in this beautiful corner of France.
©Janne Ford
Giverny – Monet’s Autumn Light
Our tour began with one of France’s most beloved gardens, Monet’s Giverny. Visiting in early autumn felt like stepping into a painting brought to life. The sunlight filtered through golden trees, illuminating the water and casting a soft glow over the house and garden.
It wasn’t crowded, which allowed us to move slowly through the pathways, taking in every shade of colour. The dahlias were the stars of the season, rich reds, soft pinks, and bold oranges, alongside the salvias and nasturtiums that draped themselves along the central path. Sharon said it herself: this might just be the most beautiful time of year to see Giverny.
©Janne Ford
A Floral Workshop at Primard
One of the highlights of the week was our floral workshop held in the greenhouse of Domaine de Primard, our home during the tour. The day before, we had visited Sharon’s garden to pick baskets of fresh flowers, especially dahlias, which filled the space with colour and scent.
That morning, the greenhouse was bright and calm as everyone began creating their own floral arrangements with guidance from Sharon and Janne Ford.
Janne captured the atmosphere perfectly through her photos, it was a lovely way to start the day and one of those simple moments that stay with you.
©Janne Ford
A Visit to Jardin Plume
Visiting Jardin Plume is always a highlight, and this time was no exception. The garden was at its best, full of autumn colour and texture. The owner, Patrick, gave us a wonderful tour and explained his approach to design. The clipped hedges curve like waves, the grasses sway in the wind, and the colours shift from gold to red to rust.
It’s one of those gardens that looks wild and natural but has an incredible structure behind it. Everyone loved it, it’s a place that makes you want to stay a little longer just to take it all in.
©Janne Ford
Sharon’s House
A visit to Sharon’s home is always special. The house is so full of personality and warmth, the kind of place that feels instantly welcoming. We explored the garden, gathered a few more dahlias, and enjoyed seeing the corners that so often appear in MFCH photos. It’s always inspiring to visit spaces that truly reflect the French way of life we love to share with our guests.
©Janne Ford
Montperthuis
At Montperthuis, we were welcomed by the owner, Philippe Dubreuil, a talented landscape designer who has created gardens all around the world. His own garden is a reflection of everything he loves, a mix of French structure and English softness, designed with both passion and precision.
He told us how it all began with a simple empty field with a few empty farm buildings,, and how, over time, it has grown into a beautiful home, with an extensive garden full of trees, paths, and quiet corners. Walking through it with him was inspiring, you could feel how much heart and effort had gone into it.
©Janne Ford
Domaine de Primard
Days at Primard began with an early morning mist that turned the whole estate into something magical. The fog slowly lifted to reveal soft light over the lawns and river, and for a few moments, everything looked still and perfect. Janne, who never misses a beautiful moment, was up early taking photos and caught the light just as it changed.
This tour was everything we love about Normandy, beautiful gardens, meaningful moments, creative inspiration, and a wonderful group of guests. There’s a certain feeling you get during these tours, of slowing down, connecting, and truly appreciating beauty in everyday life.
A big thank you to Janne Ford, who captured it all so beautifully through her photographs. Her images tell the story better than words ever could; the colours, the light, and the warmth of this unforgettable week in Normandy.
And a special thank you to our clients. We may spend days poring over itineraries for our tours, making reservations, tweaking timelines, and seeking out new spots to visit. We aim for perfection, but… without the presence and enthusiasm of our amazing guests from around the world, these efforts would be pointless. We are blessed to welcome such remarkable clients on our tours, and our biggest point of pride is the number of guests who return to tour with us, again and again!
Merci!
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