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Small group journeys
A Spring Journey Along the Normandy Coast
with Amy Kupec Larue
- May 19th - 24th 2027
- 5 nights / 6 days
- 12 guests (max)
Small group journeys
A Spring Journey Along the Normandy Coast
with Amy Kupec Larue
Overview
The tour is led by garden expert and historian Amy Kupec Larue, whose knowledge and perspective bring an added depth to each visit, offering a deeper understanding of the places we experience along the way.
We begin just outside Paris, with a first stop in Giverny, before continuing towards Honfleur, which becomes our base for the week. From there, each day takes us in a different direction, towards the coastline, through the countryside, and into some of the region’s most beautiful estates and gardens.
Throughout the journey, we explore a mix of places: from iconic sites like Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, to more intimate visits of châteaux and carefully curated antique shops. The rhythm of the itinerary allows for both discovery and slower moments, with time to enjoy the landscapes.
A small-group experience
A maximum of 12 guests, allowing for a more intimate and personal journey.
Privileged access
Private gardens, historic homes, and encounters with owners and creators.
Expert-led travel
Hosted by Amy Kupec Larue, whose knowledge of French gardens brings depth to every visit.
The MFCH touch
Beautiful hotels, thoughtful meals, elegant pacing, and carefully curated details throughout.
Highlights
- Explore Normandy’s most iconic sites, from the gardens of Giverny to the extraordinary Mont Saint-Michel.
- Discover a mix of historic châteaux and refined gardens, each offering a different perspective on the region’s heritage.
- Experience the D-Day coastline, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, in a meaningful and thoughtful way.
- Enjoy time in local antique shops, coastal towns, and countryside settings, capturing the quieter charm of Normandy.
In north-west France, Normandy has a very particular presence. The landscape is open, shaped by wide skies, green fields, and a coastline that feels both powerful and calm.
Normandy is a region that has long attracted artists, gardeners, and writers, drawn by its changing light and understated beauty. The same atmosphere that inspired Claude Monet continues to shape Normandy today, not in a dramatic way, but quietly, through colour, reflection, and mood. Gardens thrive here thanks to the climate, developing patiently over time rather than demanding attention.
Grand châteaux sit alongside working farms, abbeys rise unexpectedly from the countryside, and coastal towns carry layers of stories shaped by trade, travel, and conflict.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
La Maison de Lucie
For our stay in Honfleur, we have chosen La Maison de Lucie, a small and intimate property tucked away in the heart of the old town.
Behind its discreet façade lies a house full of character and history. Once the home of Lucie Delarue-Mardrus, a poet, writer, and artist, it still carries a strong sense of personality, which has been carefully preserved and reinterpreted over time.
Following a thoughtful restoration, the house has been transformed into a unique place, where each room and salon feels different. The interiors are layered and eclectic, with a mix of antique furniture, textiles, artworks, and collected objects that create a warm atmosphere.
What makes La Maison de Lucie special is not just its design, but the feeling of staying in a private home rather than a traditional hotel. Its central location also allows us to fully enjoy Honfleur on foot, whether for a walk through its streets or dinner in town.
THE TOUR LEADER FOR THIS JOURNEY
Amy Kupec Larue
Amy Kupec Larue has had the wonderful opportunity to live, work, and travel throughout France for the past 30 years. Her passion for flowers, plants, and the French Art de Vivre has led her to a career that combines her keen interest and vast experience with plants & gardens together with her knowledge and understanding of France.
Since 2005, she has been guiding individuals and groups, including the Pacific Horticulture Society and the New York Botanical Garden, on tours through public and private gardens in Paris, Normandy, Brittany, the Loire River Valley, the South of France, and Tuscany. A true rose-lover, she has also had the honor of becoming a permanent jury member of the Bagatelle Rose Commission in 2009.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Normandy
- All meals
- Private chauffeur transport
- MFCH digital magazine subscription
- MFCH welcome gift
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Minibar items & spa treatments
- Your flight into Paris
- Any personal purchases
- Trip insurance
Frequently asked questions
Our journeys are designed for small groups, with a maximum of 12 participants. This ensures a personalized and intimate experience for everyone.
Absolutely! Many of our participants are solo travelers like yourself. Our small group setting fosters a welcoming environment where everyone easily connects and feels at home.
Our tour hosts are knowledgeable experts in their respective areas, carefully chosen to enrich your experience. Each tour is led by two hosts/guides who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to ensure you have an unforgettable journey.
Our journeys are designed to be enjoyable for participants of various fitness levels. However, some activities may require moderate physical activity. Please check the specific details for each experience, and feel free to contact us with any concerns.
Airport transfers are not included in the experience price, but we are happy to arrange them for you with our drivers. Please contact us to schedule your transfer.
Absolutely! We are happy to provide recommendations for hotels and restaurants to enhance your stay before the experience begins. Feel free to reach out to us for personalized suggestions based on your preferences.
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