The places of Impressionism

Impressionism was born in places with majestic, iridescent landscapes: visit them and immerse yourself completely in their atmosphere. You will relive the same sensations as the Impressionist artists in front of their canvases: Normandy, Provence and Île-de-France are waiting to enchant you with their beauty and reveal the origins of Impressionism, in a cultural weekend that will remain in your heart. It is not only a journey to physical places, but also an emotional journey, a return to the roots of creativity, an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of those who painted it with new hues and shades.

Normandy: Where Light Inspired Monet

Normandy is a land of great contrasts and extraordinary light, the same light that inspired Monet to paint his famous water lilies and the cathedrals of Rouen. The Normandy coast is dotted with imposing cliffs and picturesque villages like Honfleur, which captured the imagination of artists with their iridescent reflections on the water. The imposing cliffs of Étretat, with their fascinating natural forms, were also a great source of inspiration for Monet and other artists.

Giverny, the garden where Monet spent many years painting, is a must-see: walking among the flowers, crossing the Japanese bridge and admiring the lily pond is like stepping into one of his paintings. You can see the wisteria in bloom, hear the leaves rustling and understand the power of nature that permeates each of Monet's works. The atmosphere is almost magical, a symphony of colours that changes with the seasons, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the master's vision.

There is more to Normandy than gardens and cliffs: the villages, with their lively harbours and wooden houses, will make you feel like part of a moving painting. Rouen, with its Gothic cathedral that Monet painted countless times, is a perfect example of how light can transform even architecture into pure poetry. Stop and observe the cathedral at different times of day and let its profile change in your eyes, just as it changed under the painter's brush.

Provence: The Colours of Van Gogh and Cézanne

Provence is the beating heart of the South of France, a region of intense colours that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne. In Arles, sunflower fields and Mediterranean atmospheres were the muse of Van Gogh, who painted some of his most famous works here. To walk through the streets of Arles is to step into his canvases, with the blue sky blending with the vibrant yellow of the fields. The famous Café la Notte is still there, testifying to the deep connection between Van Gogh and this extraordinary place.

Aix-en-Provence, the city of Cézanne, is a place where the golden light reflects off the facades of buildings and where the hills of Sainte-Victoire seem to come alive in his canvases. The Montagne de Sainte-Victoire is a perennial symbol of this region: its profiles silhouetted against the horizon, transforming with the light and showing the infinite facets of the landscape. Following in the footsteps of Cézanne is a journey that will take you through the vineyards, olive groves and hillsides that he so loved to paint.

Provence is a triumph of colours, scents and flavours. Spending a weekend here means strolling through the local markets, savouring the scent of lavender and admiring the fields of poppies and sunflowers swaying in the wind. You can visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh spent time in a psychiatric hospital and painted some of his most moving works. Provence is also cuisine: be seduced by the local flavours, Provençal herbs, olive oil and rosé wine as the sun sets behind the hills.

Île-de-France: Paris and Surroundings, the Heart of Impressionism

Île-de-France is the region surrounding Paris and is where the Impressionist movement was officially born. Paris, with its cafés, gardens and busy streets, was the setting for many works by Renoir, Degas and Monet. The Luxembourg Gardens, the banks of the Seine, the Montmartre district: every corner of Paris tells a story linked to this artistic movement. The Musée d'Orsay, located in an old railway station, now houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist works in the world and is definitely worth a visit. Here you can take a close look at masterpieces that marked the history of art, feeling the throb of an artistic revolution that changed the world.

On the outskirts of Paris, the village of Barbizon is famous for being home to the so-called 'School of Barbizon', a group of painters who anticipated Impressionism. Walking through the streets of Barbizon is like stepping back in time, to a place where artists lived in harmony with nature, inspired by the surrounding forests and fields. Not far away, the forest of Fontainebleau offered artists natural landscapes from which to draw inspiration. A walk through the surrounding forests and villages will make you feel part of that timeless artistic history, among ancient trees and clearings that seem to come straight out of an Impressionist canvas.

The small village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent the last days of his life, is also a place with a special charm. The church of Auvers and the fields surrounding the village were immortalised by the artist in his final works, full of emotion and intensity. Visiting this place means coming into direct contact with the final brushstrokes of a genius who left an indelible mark on the history of art.

A Weekend that Touches the Soul

A weekend at the places of Impressionism is more than just a trip out of town: it is an experience that allows you to see the world through the eyes of the artists who revolutionised modern art. Let yourself be carried away by the lights, colours and unique atmosphere of these enchanting places. Each place has its own particular magic: the changing light of Normandy, the vibrant colours of Provence, the romantic energy of Paris and its surroundings.

It is not just about visiting museums or admiring landscapes: it is about feeling part of a movement that has redefined the very concept of beauty, artistic freedom and visual exploration. You will feel how the power of nature and the creativity of artists have intertwined to create a timeless experience.

Plan your trip and discover how the beauty of French landscapes inspired one of the most beloved artistic movements of all time. Find out more about Mediterranean destinations with OrmaTour Let art and nature take you on an emotional journey, capable of touching the heart and soul of anyone who experiences it. Every moment, every glance, every brushstroke of colour will be an opportunity to discover something new not only about the places you visit, but also about yourself.