Normandy in 2026: Following Monet’s Light

Rouen and the Birth of Modern Vision

Few places are more closely tied to Monet’s artistic breakthrough than Rouen. Between 1892 and 1894, Monet painted over thirty versions of Rouen Cathedral, capturing the façade at different times of day and in changing weather. These works became a defining moment of Impressionism, proving that light and atmosphere could be as important as subject matter.

Today, Rouen preserves this legacy through its historic center, riverfront views along the Seine, and museums that situate the city within the broader Impressionist movement. Walking through Rouen is, in many ways, walking through the environment that shaped modern art.

Normandy in 2026: A Region in Focus

The year 2026 marks the centenary of Claude Monet’s death, and Normandy will host exhibitions and cultural events across the region in recognition of his legacy. From Rouen and Le Havre to Caen and Giverny, museums and cultural institutions will highlight the landscapes, gardens, and coastal light that defined Monet’s work.

Regional Highlights to Know

• Giverny remains the most direct link to Monet’s life and vision, with his house and gardens offering insight into how nature shaped his painting.

• Mont-Saint-Michel continues to draw visitors year-round, especially during seasonal high tides when the island is completely surrounded by water.

• D-Day beaches at Omaha and Utah will host annual June commemorations honoring the Allied landings of June 6, 1944.

• Bayeux Tapestry: The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is closed for renovation during 2026, meaning the original tapestry is not on public display. Visitors can still explore Bayeux through alternative exhibitions and digital installations. This preserved tapestry (11C.) depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Whether you are drawn by art, history, or the rhythm of everyday life in northern France, Normandy in 2026 offers a rare moment when past and present come together with unusual clarity.

Watch the full Rouen series HERE if you're relocating to Normandy.

Or here:

https://youtu.be/aTDbw3XaRiA

https://youtu.be/n7OxiODG3-U

Image Credits:

Claude Monet, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Spedona (Spedona), CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons

Lynx1211, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sarah Villegas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

https://iceland-views.blogs.sapo.pt/12522.html, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons