Reading about... Giverny and Monet

“I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers.” - Claude Monet

I’m currently reading Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell and inevitably, the painter’s house at Giverny is mentioned. This reminded me that last year I finally had the opportunity to visit this place. I’m not normally a fan of the Impressionists, except for some particular paintings, but the Nympheas collection by Monet always fascinated me, especially after seeing some of these works at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

Giverny is a small village in Normandy, North of France. To get there from Paris it was quite easy, I took the train to Vernon (about 75 km) and there I had several ways to join the village: by renting a car, taking the bus who stops right next to the train station (but you almost have to fight the crowd during the Spring and Summer season) and finally, my favorite, by bicycle, especially if you have a bunch of friends with you or even your kids. I chose the last one!

It’s not a short ride if you decide to go there by bicycle but the landscape is well worth it and you can always stop at your convenience and enjoy the countryside or any interesting spot you might find (and there are a lot!). After one hour, I arrived at Giverny. I was expecting a small quiet village and definitely less crowed... A modern museum dedicated to the Impressionists was built not far from Monet house and many, many restaurants and cafés use the painter’s image to sell about anything. The several huge buses filled tourists of all nationalities parked just beside the house was a little outputting... But despite all this, it was still a pleasant location and there was a nice atmosphere. After waiting 45 minutes in line, I was finally able to buy my ticket and visit Giverny.

Colorful is the right word for Monet's house. Rose and green in the exterior and a different but tasteful palette in the interior of the house. Everything was simple, but surprisingly cozy! I wasn't allowed to take any photos inside, but I do remember one thing: the rooms were small (except for Monet's atelier transformed later into the studio-sitting room) or maybe there was too many people there... Somehow, I believe it's the latter impression the most correct. 

- the blue sitting room
- the dinning room (another photo)
- kitchen
- Monet's room


While visiting the house, your eyes are often drawn to the gardens and the view was breathtaking. I immediately decided to leave and explore the gardens.

I could spend hours walking trough all those flowers, enjoying the sun and all the colors mixed up together in perfect harmony. My favorite spot was the Water Garden. I was eager to see what inspired Monet to paint The Nympheas.

The Water Lily Pond and a Japanese bridge which inspired several paintings.

In the end, if sometimes you can feel a little bit crowed, visiting Giverny is certainly a must-do for everyone, even those who are not particularly fans of Monet. The gardens alone are a jewel! But one thing is sure, I highly advise you to visit in early Spring (I was there late August) when the gardens are in full bloom and the village is less crowed, or at least it's what I was told.

I hope you enjoyed this small visit as much as I did!

More information about Giverny:

http://www.fondation-monet.fr/uk/

http://giverny-france.com/

http://www.giverny.fr/

http://giverny-impression.com/
http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm