The Christian Dior garden

Go to the end of the seafront promenade and climb the stairs by the cliff to reach the Dior garden.

Go right in and bask in the peace and quiet; rest in the shade of the pergola. Stroll around the Dior garden in spring to see the rose garden created by Madeleine Dior, mother of the famous fashion designer Christian Dior. Breathe in the subtle, heady fragrance of roses, seasoned by the fresh sea air that makes this garden so charmingly unique. Take part in summer workshops in the intimacy of Madeleine DIOR's reading room, with its splendid view over the sea. And, of course, enjoy the exhibitions displaying the magnificent art of Maison Dior.

The Musée Christian Dior, once the famous fashion designer's childhood home, is now dedicated to the memory of his life and work, from his childhood in Granville to the worldwide success of the Dior fashion house. "Les Rhumbs" villa is set in a remarkable clifftop garden, looking out towards the Channel Islands. Created between 1906 and 1930 by Madeleine Dior and her son Christian, it became a major source of inspiration for the designer. Every year since 1997, a temporary exhibition is held here on the theme of Christian Dior's fashion creations and the fashion house that bears his name.

Discovering the whole new Dior exhibition with my daughters, marvelling at the dresses on display. Wanting to try them on and, thanks to the photos on display, finding out the history of French fashion design all over again. Then going round the garden, with its breathtaking view over the coast and Granville, saying hello to the Koï carp and admiring the roses in full bloom, breathing in their lovely fragrance. Sheer delight.

Estelle, quality control manager