NORMANDY MAKES A BIG IMPRESSION!

Impressionist Festival
June – September 2010
Rouen, Normandy
One of the cultural highlights of Europe this year – and the first event of its kind – is the three-month-long celebration of the Impressionist painters in Upper and Lower Normandy whose beautiful, atmospheric and moody countrysides gave birth to this revered school of painting.

An incredible array of events occurs during the festival whose centerpiece is the exhibition: A City for Impressionism: Monet, Pissarro and Gauguin in Rouen, at the Rouen Fine Arts Museum. Paintings shown will come from international collections and galleries, many seen in France for the first time. In addition, concerts by works of Impressionist contemporaries, such as Debussy, Ravel and Satie will provide an ongoing soundtrack, and other regional art institutions will spotlight Impressionist art.

Other highlights will be films, theater performances, photography, fireworks and light shows, river cruises along the Seine and outdoor events, including grand picnics.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROUEN: Integrated into a beautiful 16th-century building, the new Hotel de Bourgtheroulde in Rouen (opening in March 2010 especially for the big festival) offers superb 4-star accommodations with 80 rooms and suites, a fine restaurant, brasserie and bar. There is also a huge indoor swimming pool, wet and dry saunas, fitness center and Spa. Its location is excellent – right in the center of historic Rouen, within walking distance of all the famous monuments.