Just a few wingbeats from the Seine, in the enchanting heart of Giverny, lies a true jewel for gourmets: The Garden of Feathers. This Neo-Norman house, guided by the creative boldness of starred chef David Galienne, invites you to a culinary getaway timeless in nature, where each dish celebrates the generous bounty of Normandy and the spirit of conviviality cherished by this passionate chef.
The Garden of Feathers, nestled in Giverny just steps from the Seine and close to the famous home of Claude Monet, invites you to an unforgettable experience: a culinary getaway in the heart of Normandy. Led by the starred chef David Galienne, a winner of Top Chef, this place blends family traditions, passion for the land, inventive cooking, and refined accommodations for a timeless stay. Join us in this universe where conviviality, generosity, and excellence come together at every stage, from the plate to the room.
The Garden of Feathers: The Birth of an Exceptional Address #
It’s in Giverny, amidst a bucolic setting, that David Galienne brings his vision of contemporary Norman gastronomy to life. Inspired from childhood by his grandfather, who introduced him to simple pleasures like hunting and fishing, the chef decided at a young age to make cooking his vocation. After an illustrious hospitality education, he carved out a place in the French culinary landscape, eventually earning the coveted Michelin star at the Garden of Feathers and triumphing on “Top Chef.”
Thanks to pivotal encounters, particularly with Éric Guérin, he fully immerses himself in the restaurant and gradually imprints his identity: a touch of audacity, sincerity in the product, an incredible talent for showcasing the region, and a constant willingness to share. Moreover, to extend the culinary experience to your home, Ô Plum’Store, the gourmet shop in Vernon, offers exceptional products selected or created by the chef.
A Warm House with a Unique Atmosphere #
From the moment of arrival, The Garden of Feathers enchants with the beauty of its park and the Neo-Norman façade, a blend of family manor and refined dwelling. Inside, a decor oscillating between Art Deco, contemporary furniture, and nods to Asia creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming. A fun detail: each guest receives a personalized napkin ring as they enter the hall, initiating an experience where every detail matters.
The restaurant features a room with minimalist decor, punctuated by intimate alcoves and banquettes reminiscent of old train cars, perfect for private conversations and moments of wonder.
A Kitchen Open to Creativity
In the dining room, the spectacle is complete: the open kitchen animates every meal and offers a view of the team at work, revealing the chef’s passion and expertise. In collaboration with artist Olivier Masmonteil, the tableware echoes local Impressionist works, creating the illusion of dining on a canvas.
At the table, flavors burst forth: the Moussette (soufflé crepe, Bao, cuttlefish, and kaffir lime), the Norman Asparagus (sorrel, pistachio, caviar), or the sublime chicken with morels unveil the taste of travel, audacity, and generosity dear to David Galienne. Local products reign, treated with respect for life and the seasons; even the fisherman adapts the Japanese Ikéjimé method here to ensure the impeccable freshness of the fish.
Conviviality and Sharing: The Chef’s Creed
Behind each dish lies the love of sharing. The chef fosters a privileged relationship with his producers: flour from a local mill, seafood from Dieppe and Veules-les-Roses… Even a yuzu producer near Falaise is part of this virtuous circle.
The experience goes beyond the meal. A table shaped like a painter’s palette invites privileged exchanges with David Galienne; the chef reveals his inspirations, challenges the taste buds, and shares anecdotes about his eco-responsible and creative philosophy. The service team embodies this desire to transmit and to relax, for an experience that is as professional as it is carefree.
A Refined Stay to Extend the Magic #
The Garden of Feathers is not just the promise of a feast: it also offers eight light-filled rooms and suites, spread across the main house and the adjacent workshop. The rooms, named after chicken breeds in homage to the history of the place, combine Art Deco furniture, Asian inspirations, modern comfort, and views of the garden.
High-end bedding, large bathrooms, a desk area, and state-of-the-art equipment ensure comfort worthy of the finest French getaways. The workshop even offers two duplexes with a pop spirit, perfect for family stays or gourmet get-togethers. For immersion lovers, an adjacent house offers six other rooms with rural charm, just a few minutes’ walk from the restaurant.
Inspiration to Take Home
Want to multiply discoveries? This visionary chef’s efforts to promote local producers, responsible practices, and unexpected flavors remind of other treasures waiting to be explored along the Atlantic coast or during post-vacation getaways. For the more curious, feel free to explore other preserved villages in France or Europe, or even seek out hidden beaches in secret Mykonos.
In summary, The Garden of Feathers presents itself as an enchanted interlude where Normandy cultivates its taste for modernity and the joy of welcoming guests. A haven for aesthetes, gourmets, and travelers in search of the exceptional, it should be added to the list of future unforgettable getaways.
