Monet’s Gardens and Home at Giverny

Impressionist painter Claude Monet chose a little town near Vernon, a small village in the country outside of Paris, as his residence in 1883. Here at his home in Giverny, the gardens would become the subject of many of his great works. And you can visit these gardens today, planting yourself in essence in the middle of a Monet masterpiece. This experience is one to enjoy if you are anywhere near the area.

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We first scheduled our trip to Paris in the spring and put a visit to Monet’s house high on our priority list. When we had to postpone until October, we considered skipping this, as I thought maybe the flowers would not be worth noting. Thankfully, we went anyway, and the garden couldn’t have been more beautiful, with all the fall colors of blooms. Go whenever you can. You won’t be disappointed!

NOTE: The gardens are open from the end of March to November 1. Check the website for exact dates.

Your visit will include three parts of Monet’s home: the gardens, the water garden, and the home.

Tour Monet’s personal gardens

From the time Monet and his family moved into this place, he redesigned and updated the gardens. He employed a full-time gardener to assure the beauty of this sprawling wonderland. And of course, he painted here, exploring the light and reflection at all times of the day, through the seasons. He created and lived in his own palette. The yellows, purples, and reds of fall filled the garden on the day we visited.

Enjoy the Water Garden

Monet took such pride in his water garden, with its willows, maple trees, and bamboo, that he often received guests here. In his later life, he worked on the massive paintings of this garden, which are now displayed at the L’Orangerie in Paris, near the Louvre.

When asked why he filled the pond with lilies, Monet replied: “I love water, but I also love flowers. That’s why, once the pond was filled with water, I thought of embellishing it with flowers. I just took a catalogue and chose at random, that’s all.”

See the house where the Monet family lived

Here Monet lived for 43 years until his death in 1926. His family included eight children, so you can imagine how full of life this home was for so long. Today several of the rooms are renovated with period furniture and colors to show how it looked when Monet lived here. Reproductions of his paintings are found throughout the house.

Practical information

Giverny is an easy ride from Paris by train to Vernon. Once in the village, a shuttle bus drives you to Giverny. Be sure to note the times that the bus returns to pick you up in Giverny so you can get back to the train station on time. Giverny is open from March into the fall each year. Check the website for specific dates.

Staying in Paris? Here are a few of my favorite hotels

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.

A Latin Quarter gem: Hotel Serotel Lutece is a lovely hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter, You can walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.

Consider a side trip to visit the D-Day Beaches and Normandy

History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.

Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.

Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.

Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service. 

Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.

FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris

Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower

Exploring the Rodin Museum

5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens

Paris Gardens to Enjoy

The D’Orsay Museum in Paris

A Walk in the Latin Quarter

Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle

Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers

A Few Hours in Paris

The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive

Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison

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