Versailles & Monet's Garden (Timing to be confirmed)

Versailles & Monet's Garden - Join us for five days and four nights stay in the Novotel Saclay in France. 

Dating from the 17th century, the Palace of Versailles was first a hunting lodge, then a seat of power, and finally, from the 19th century onwards, a museum. Today, the Estate of Versailles spreads over more than 800 hectares and includes the palace and gardens, the park, the estate of Trianon and several buildings in town.

Louise XIV considered the gardens to be just as important as the palace, and in 1661 he entrusted André Le Nôtre with their creation and renovation. Work on the gardens lasted for nearly 40 years and each project was reviewed in detail by the king. Today, the gardens have been fully re-planted and resemble the landscapes Louis XIV would have admired.

It is said that the history of France is written in her gardens, and this is reflected in the many different horticultural styles found across the country.
Particularly delightful are the gardens of the famous French Impressionist Claude Monet in Giverny. He planted and painted here from 1883 until his death in 1926, gaining inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounded him.

Explore the artist's flower garden, Clos Normand, as well as the Japanese-style water garden. These two areas are a beautiful contrast to one another, yet are equally wonderful to explore.

The most famous feature is the lily pond, from which Monet gained so much inspiration, and his series of water-lily paintings is revered throughout the world.
As you stroll through the enchanting gardens don't miss the exquisite wisteria-covered Japanese bridge - it too is depicted in many of Monet's greatest works of art.

We'll take you to France and bring you back to Walton Hall.
This trip is provided by Success Tours.

Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge
Image: Wikipedia

Meaux Cathedral 
Image: Wikipedia 

Monet Water Lilies
Image: OU Trips

Chateau Versailles
Image: Wikipedia 

What's included?

• Coach travel throughout
• Four nights accommodation in the Novotel Saclay (Half Board) - This modern hotel has been built around a renovated farmhouse and
  courtyard and equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities.
• There is a modern restaurant and a lounge/bar area, as well as gardens, an
  outdoor swimming pool and a large terrace area with plenty of seating.
• The hotel has a lift.
• Breakfast at the hotel and evening meal on three of the four night
• Executive touring coach throughout
• Return short sea ferry crossings (Dover - Calais)
• 4 nights half board accommodation
• Porterage on arrival & departure (Coach-Room-Coach) - available from 07:00-19:00 only
• Welcome soft drink on arrival
• Set menu on arrival night
• 3 course served dinner with fixed starter, choice of 2 mains plus vegetarian option, fixed dessert 
• Dinner choice made on arrival night for remaining nights
• Tables of 8 & 10 in the banqueting room
• Jugs of water on the table for dinner
• Tea/coffee after dinner included
• Note - Dinner can be exchanged with lunch on request with the hotel
• Hot/cold buffet breakfast
• City tax - new for 2027 - €6.50 per person per night - included
   
• Giverny
  Admission to Monet's House & Gardens (self-guided)
  Visit to Le Verger de Giverny for a tour of the cider hour and tasting of cider, apple juice, aperitif and Calvados
   
• Meaux
  Time to explore the town
  Admission to the Maison du Brie de Meaux with tour & tasting
  Vineyard visit & tasting (The original home of Brie. Vineyards nearby and in the centre there's a little museum where you can learn more and enjoy a brie tasting. It offers a rich mix of history, scenic riverside walks, and world-famous local food without the heavy crowds of major tourist destinations)
   
• Chateau de Versailles
  Admission to the Chateau de Versailles
  Local guide & whisper sets for tour of the Chateau and time to explore
   

Prices

Costs – per person and based on sharing a twin/double room: (depending on fuel costs, these prices might go up slightly) 
£749 per person based on a minimum of 40 full paying members travelling
£785 per person based on a minimum of 35 full paying members travelling
£829 per person based on a minimum of 30 full paying members travelling
£895 per person based on a minimum of 25 full paying members travelling
£995 per person based on a minimum of 20 full paying members travelling

Single Supplement:
Single rooms: Not available at this hotel
Twin / Double for sole occupancy: £160 per person

Extras: Single Supplement
Gratuities

Dates and Times

Thursday 6th May to Monday 10th May 2027

Places available

40 places

Booking deadline

I will be confirming numbers to the travel company on 9th September 2026. If you need to cancel or change your request you MUST do so by email to [email protected] by noon on 23rd October 2026

WAITING LIST OPERATING: BOOKING FORM 

To request places

By submitting your booking you are confirming you have read and will abide by our terms and conditions. Please note, you are responsible for the full payment once the place request deadline date is past. OU Trips does not have any reserves to cover cancelled places.

PLEASE NOTE:

Do not submit your request more than once. We would ask you to remember that we are all volunteers, therefore, please don’t be offended if you don’t receive an immediate response.

Payment Deadlines

Deposit payment of £100 per person due by 6th November 2026

Final payment due by 26th January 2027

Contacting us

If you need to contact us regarding a event and your question cannot be answered through our booking information page, please email and ensure that you include the name of the event you are contacting us about in the subject line of your message.