Wednesday 16 May
Join the coach at Portsmouth Ferry Terminal at 8am in order to board the 9am departure for the fast ferry crossing with Brittany Ferries to Cherbourg arriving 1pm local time.* (Parking in available at the Terminal).  Continue to Rouen, check into the Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedral time to enjoy the city before a short walk to dine in a restaurant on the old Market Square.

The Hotel Mercure Rouen (3 star) is adjacent to the Cathedral. All rooms are of a good standard, en-suite and have telephone, mini-bar, hair dryer and television.  The hotel has a bar and lounge area with a restaurant for breakfast.  Situated within the pedestrian area surrounding the cathedral, there is 5/7minute walk from where the coach drops, but the Mercure organise transport to take luggage to and from the hotel.

Rouen has a wealth of historical buildings that include the Cathedral, the Joan of Arc Church, and the City Art Gallery, there are numerous good restaurants near the hotel and in the old Market Square.

Thursday 17 May: Gardens within a short distance of Rouen. 
Jardin d’Angelique – This wonderful garden surrounding a Normandy farmhouse with an incredible collection of plants and shrubs was originally created by the owners in memory of their daughter, but today it continues to be an inspiration for all who visit.

Jardin Agapanthe – A garden for all seasons despite its name. Monsieur Alexander Thomas trained as a landscape designer and has created this unusual garden in just over an acre plus an additional new garden across the road. Topiary, water, fountains, sculpture and urns with the need “to fill with as many plants as possible” constant views and surprises make this garden a delight to visit.
 
Break for lunch or picnic in the nearby market town of Buchy

Jardin de Valarianes - Garden created in 1982 by Michel and Marily Tissait – wide herbaceous and shrub borders linked by pergola and paths, a fantastic collection of planting for colour and effect and then across the road the new garden planted with specialist trees and shrubs around a lake.  Lovingly created and maintained by the owners and winners of one of the highly coveted prizes awarded by the Nationale d’Horticulture de France.

Return to Rouen late afternoon, time to explore the city and enjoy dining independently or join others.

Friday 18 May: Les Journées des Plantes – Courson
Early departure for Courson, which is southwest of Paris and depending on traffic takes 2/2 ½  hours.  It opens at 10 am and the morning is normally reserved for the “professionals.” so you can enjoy the show before the general public.   “The French Chelsea” is far more relaxed and less crowded but chic compared to its English counterpart.  There is no restriction on buying and bringing plants back to the UK, and many of Europe’s best-known gardening specialists exhibit at the show. The grounds surrounding the Chateau and lake are also well worth exploring planted with pines, ash, cedars and magnificent oaks.  Rhododendrons and azaleas add brilliant colour.

Leave early afternoon to return to Rouen, stopping to visit Monet’s Garden, at Giverney. Despite the popularity of these gardens; the wealth of colour, the intense planting and world-famous water-gardens still make it possible to visualise what made them such an inspiration for Monet. There should be time to enjoy the garden for a couple of hours in the late afternoon when it should be quieter before continuing to Rouen.
Dine independently or join others at the numerous restaurants in the centre of the city.

Saturday 19 May: Gardens around Dieppe

Check out of the hotel.  Drive north towards Dieppe to visit Le Bois des Moutiers.  This unique Arts and Crafts house and formal gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in collaboration with the owner William Mallet and designed in consultation with Gertrude Jekyll.  There is also an extensive woodland garden planted with masses of rhododendrons and azaleas.  There will be tour of the house normally with a member of the family and an early light lunch. Continue then to Chateau de Miromesnil.  Surrounded by a park containing magnificent beech groves and lime trees the walled kitchen garden is planted with clematis, shrubs, vegetables, flowers for cutting and perennials. Refreshments before continuing to the ferry port at Le Havre and the return crossing on LD Lines.  The 5 pm ferry departure arrives 9.30 pm Portsmouth before continuing to Itchen Abbas.

	Executive coaching and ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and returning from Le Havre.
	3 nights bed and continental breakfast in the Hotel Mercure, Rouen Centre
	City tax, porterage and local tolls
	Entry to all garden visits, Courson tickets and light lunch at Miromesnil
	One 3 course set dinner at restaurant in Rouen on Wednesday evening
	Heritage Touring guide and representative

It is necessary to have a valid passport to go on this tour and we would strongly recommend personal travel insurance.