2 Sep

“Synesthesia“ is often described as a “crossing of the senses”, a concomitant sensation, a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated….

Would anyone be tempted to actually live the definition of “synesthesia” ? If the answer is yes, then we invite the willing ones to just enjoy… a walk in the Gardens of Étretat from France.

It might sound common as being in the middle of nature is always a way to boost the spiritual self, but after getting there anybody would conclude that the place is simply a “wonderland” experience.

Situated in Normandy, on the Alabaster coast, Étretat with its white beaches, cliffs and stone arches has been an inspiring place for Claude Monet.He pictured its beauty in his work ” The Beach at Étretat ” between 1885-1886. And being inspired by Monet, the French actress Madame Thébault bought a house on the clifftop of Étretat at the begining of the 20th century and created an idyllic and unique garden full of orchids.

*” The Beach at Étretat ” by Claude Monet*

The Gardens of Étretat have been brought back to life in 2017 by the Russian-born artist Alexandre Grivko, the co-founder and chief landscape architect of the international garden design company Il Nature.

With a full respect for the local bio-diversity and historic fabric of the site, Alexandre succeeded in creating an unusual, experimental and avant-garde garden made of seven sections where the local nature and traditional style are blending harmoniously with works of art and innovative techno ellements.

Grivko was awarded in the 2019-2020 by the European Garden Award in “Best restoration or development of a historic park or garden” category for his work.

A sensory adventure, a romantic escape from the day-to-day life, a step back in time, a place where past and present coexist, an experimental garden with “living sculptures” – The Étretat Gardens are listed among “Great Gardens of the World” and have also received a star from the Michelin Green Guide.