ESCAPE PLANS

■ Claude Monet was inspired to create over 250 oil paintings for his Water Lilies series during the last thirty years of his life in the little Normandy village of Giverny. Arena Rail Holidays offers the chance to visit the Impressionist artist’s garden, pictured, at different times throughout the year, from springtime colour to the golden hues of autumn on a four-day tour, with departures May to October. Also included in the itinerary are visits to the incredible Palace of Versailles, as well as the medieval streets and iconic cathedral of Chartres, and time in the beautiful Loire Valley. Priced from £599 per person. Visit arenarailholidays.co.uk or call 01858 435 644.