Back from Israel/Egypt (great trip!) and now planning to self-drive thru Normandy and the western Loire Valley. I can't decide what time of year to go. I'd like to go in late spring or early autumn and avoid the crowds but don't want to miss Giverney in bloom. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Joliefleur:

We just visited Giverny May 5th. The gardens are in full bloom from the wisteria on the Japanese bridge to the roses and all the other lovely plants.

We found we needed a raincoat along the Normandy coast. Our temperatures varied from mid 40's to high 60's. Our coats had hoods but we also had hats, gloves scarves and waterproof walking shoes.

I guess you have to decide if you want Spring foliage or Fall. Another thing to think about is the Apple trees are ripe and there are festivals in the Fall for the Calvados. You might want to read up on that if it is of interesst to you.

Happy travels,
Di

My friends and I went on Labor Day weekend, 2006. The weather cannot be better, except for a little shower in Rouen.

You can see our pictures here:

rkkwan.zenfolio.com/p299457843/

It may not be top season for Giverny, but still a lot of flowers and very very pretty. Not crowded either.

It was so comfortable in the Loire that the highlight of the trip was laying on the lawn across Chambord in the early evening. It was absolutely magical.

Normany in Novemeber, chilly, wet, deserted, awesome....... would do it again and again

Dawn on June 6.

Stand in the surf as the sun rises, and remember...

<i>Vivent les Alli&eacute;s!</i>

I visited in late spring (June 1st to be exact) when the weather was chilly, partly cloudy and a bit rainy, none of which spoiled the sight of the fully-flowered gardens, glorious beaches, and various villages. It was also special to be in Caen and Bayeux on D-Day, with the celebrations, commemorations and decorations. I would highly recommend a visit during this time of year. Have a wonderful time and make sure to tour Giverny's gardens and former home of Monet!

Normany weather is always changeable and often wet and blustery, so I don't think you can peg a particular time when it will be perfect. At the same time, Giverny is a couple-hour thing and Normandy is a few-day (at least) visit, so I'd plan the trip around Normandy, not what flowers are in bloom in Giverny.

My personal preference would be Normandy in September - early enough that there would be blooms still in Giverny.

Thanks! You've given me something to think about. Still haven't made a decision but I'm not quite so worried about picking May.

Average rainfall in Honfleur on the Seine estuary in Normandy is highest in June, July and August. May and September are next highest, about equal. And as St. Cirq said, Normandy weather is notoriously unpredictable. It also is prone to change during the day.

Fixing that absurd, middle of the night blooper. Of course I was reading the wrong chart. Rainfall in Honfleur is highest October through January. Oddly, to me at least, March is a relatively low-rainfall month.

We were at Giverny in the middle of May last year. The wisteria and rhododendrons were gorgeous, but, of course, the waterlilies were not blooming. That was my favorite day of our trip to Paris and Normandy. The weather at the Normandy beaches was rainy and quite chilly.

Hmmm...guess I'll have to make sure to bring a raincoat and long pants. I really think May will be the month. I don't think I can wait until autumn. Thanks so much for all the input!