The town of Granville, on the Lower Normandy coast in France, is home to designer Christian Dior’s childhood hood. Perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea, the Belle Epoque villa—called “Les Rhumbs”—was transformed into the only French museum “dedicated to a couturier” in the 1990s. Visitors get to gawk at haute couture creations displayed on three floors, and also the beautiful garden, landscaped as an English park by Madeleine Dior (the designer’s mother).
This summer the museum will stage an exhibit examining the connection between the French fashion label and the Impressionist movement. Taking place from May 4- September 22, the “Impressions Dior” exhibit will showcase 70 dresses and many masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Morisot- on loan from the big museums in Paris. Open every day from 10am until 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.musee-dior-granville.com.