Le Havre Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Giverny, Rouen and Honfleur

Explore the timeless Normandy region with this private shore excursion from Le Havre to Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur. Priced at $810.35 per person, this 8-hour tour offers a personalized experience visiting two of these three iconic locations. Known for its Monet-inspired gardens, medieval architecture, and picturesque port, this tour provides a deep dive into the artistic and historic heart of Normandy. With pickup included and the convenience of a private vehicle, it impresses with its flexibility and rich highlights, making it ideal for those seeking a customized, intimate day trip.

While the price might seem premium, the private nature ensures a personalized itinerary, tailored pacing, and detailed guiding. The most common booking occurs 125 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among cruise visitors and independent travelers. This tour is especially suited for art lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone eager to enjoy the Normandy coast with minimal hassle and maximum comfort.

Key Points

• Private tour with a professional guide and private vehicle for a personalized experience.
• Visit two of the three highlights: Giverny, Rouen, or Honfleur—choose based on your interests.
• Giverny features Monet’s former home, stunning gardens, and water lily pond.
• Rouen is known for its Gothic cathedral and the site of Joan of Arc’s execution.
• Honfleur offers a charming port, St Catherine’s Church, and Côte de Grâce viewpoint.
• The tour includes passenger pickup from Le Havre port and guarantees timely return.

Exploring Monet’s Giverny and Its Gardens

The tour begins at Fondation Claude Monet, where admission is included. Visitors walk through Monet’s expansive gardens, which inspired some of his most famous paintings, including the Japanese bridge and water lily pond. A visit inside Monet’s house, now a museum, displays his collection of Japanese prints, giving insight into his artistic influences.

The garden’s beauty at Giverny is a standout, especially when the flowers bloom, and the water features are at their best. The guided commentary emphasizes Monet’s connection to this landscape, making it a highlight for art enthusiasts. The tour lasts about an hour at this stop, and timing is flexible to allow for enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

Discovering Rouen’s Medieval Charm and Joan of Arc’s Memorial

The Rouen segment of the tour takes you to one of the most significant medieval cities in Europe. The Gothic Rouen Cathedral is a central focus, with its tall spire and 13th-century stained glass windows. This cathedral drew Monet’s attention for its changing light and shadow, which he captured in several paintings.

Beyond the cathedral, the Great Clock (Gros Horloge) stands as a symbol of Rouen’s historic significance. The square where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431 is also a key stop, providing a poignant glimpse into the city’s dramatic past. The walk through cobbled streets enriches the experience, offering a sense of Medieval France with plenty of photo opportunities.

The one-hour stop allows visitors to absorb Rouen’s architecture and history, with admission not included for some attractions. The guide’s storytelling makes the visit engaging, especially when recounting Joan of Arc’s brave journey across France.

Honfleur’s Picturesque Port and Its Artistic Heritage

The final stop on this tour is Honfleur, famous for its old port, wooden St Catherine’s Church, and Medieval fortifications like the Caen Gate. The port, with its colorful houses and boatyard, offers a classic Norman seaside atmosphere.

St Catherine’s Church, known as the largest wooden church in France, stands out for its distinctive architecture. Visitors can also walk up to the Côte de Grâce, a pilgrimage site dating back to the 10th century, with impressive views of Honfleur and the Normandy Bridge.

This stop is particularly appreciated for its scenic vistas and historical charm. The timing here allows for a relaxed exploration, with ample opportunity for photography and soaking in the port’s atmosphere.

Practicalities of the Private Transport and Pacing

The tour features transport by private vehicle, ensuring comfort and efficiency. The driver-guide provides pickup and drop-off directly from Le Havre port, saving time and avoiding crowds. The pacing is flexible, with the option to choose any two locations out of Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur—giving you control over your day.

The tour starts at 8:30 am, giving ample time to cover two highlights comfortably within the 8-hour duration. The worry-free guarantee ensures timely return and full refund if the ship departs early or if weather causes cancellations.

Customization and Tour Options

Travelers can select from three combinations: Giverny & Rouen, Giverny & Honfleur, or Rouen & Honfleur. This flexibility allows tailoring the day to interests—whether art, history, or seaside scenery. Each option offers a different balance of the tour’s key attractions, allowing a personalized experience.

The Guide’s Role in Enhancing the Experience

The guides on this tour are highly praised for their knowledge, personability, and storytelling skills. Reviews highlight guides like Adrian, Gwen, Roman, and Karin as exceptionally attentive, sharing insightful historical anecdotes and local tips.

Visitors note that guides manage the pace well, often recommending less crowded times for the gardens or scenic viewpoints. Their enthusiasm for Monet’s work and local history adds depth to the experience, making each stop more meaningful.

Booking, Pricing, and Refund Policy

The cost is $810.35 per person, reflecting the exclusivity and personalized service of this private tour. Bookings are generally made 125 days in advance, indicating its popularity among cruise passengers. The cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled at least 6 days before; later cancellations incur partial or no refunds.

The tour offers a worry-free experience with port pickup and drop-off, and the option to reschedule if weather or unforeseen circumstances arise.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This private shore excursion is ideal for travelers seeking a customized, intimate day in Normandy. It suits art lovers wanting to visit Monet’s gardens, history buffs interested in Rouen and Joan of Arc, or picturesque scenery enthusiasts heading to Honfleur. The flexibility to visit two locations makes it adaptable to different interests and physical pacing needs.

Final Thoughts on the Normandy Day Trip

This tour combines art, history, and seaside charm into a well-organized, private experience. The expert guides and comfortable transport elevate the visit, while the ability to choose your destinations adds a personalized touch. Although priced higher than group tours, the customization and exclusivity justify the investment for many travelers.

For those eager to explore Normandy at their own pace, especially if visiting Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur is on your wish list, this private tour offers a memorable, high-quality option. It balances cultural discovery with relaxation, making it a rewarding way to spend a day in this historic region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which two stops to visit?
Yes, the tour allows you to select any two out of Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur during booking.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No. It is a private tour, ensuring only your group participates, which enhances personalization and comfort.

How long is each stop?
The stop at Giverny lasts about 1 hour, while Rouen and Honfleur are also approximately 1 hour each, giving ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers professional driver/guide, private transport, port pickup and drop-off, and admission tickets for Monet’s house and gardens.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan for lunch during the day.

What if my ship is delayed or cancels?
The worry-free guarantee ensures timely return or full refund if the tour cannot be completed due to ship timing or weather cancellations.