This post has been years in the making. I guess we could technically go back to my childhood when I first visited, but more recently, for my 40th birthday in 2022 my girlfriends and I went to France and I came home and added “write a blog post about Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny” to my to-do list. Yes, it is 2 years later and only now am I finally addressing it. But honestly, it’s worth the wait! I promise! I’m including it as a part of our series, Lars Bucket List because there are some things in life that you just can’t miss!
Now, to write about Giverny I first have to talk about what a mega Claude Monet fan I am and have been since I was a girl. It seems like an obvious choice as a favorite artist, but the heart wants what the heart wants. My mom had a big book of Impressionism and I fell in love hard. I loved Monet’s use of color, his brush stroke, his subjects. We had his art posters hanging in our house. The real test of my loyalty came in college when I studied art history. I grew to love many others, but remained steadfast.
Back in middle school, I found out that the Orange County Junior Orchestra was planning on going on tour to France and England and performing AT Monet’s Gardens was on the itinerary. I knew exactly where my years of babysitting money needed to go. I auditioned and got in. Nevermind that the rehearsals were 45 minutes away. I still can’t believe my mom drove me up there once a week. Shout out to supportive parents everywhere.
Going on tour with 65 middle schoolers couldn’t have been a walk in the park. In fact, I know it wasn’t because I had to lug around a cello. You’ve travel with lugguage before, right? Add on a 5 foot monster. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking with 1) picking the cello and 2) going to Europe. Not a great combo (especially when it came off the airline with a crack around the neck of the case and a gash in the side). REGARDLESS, we got to play in some of the most magical places on earth–right in front of the Eiffel tower, in cathedrals and yes, in Monet’s Gardens.
Now, if you’re familiar with his home and gardens, Giverny is a small town and there is no place for an orchestra to set up other than the parking lot. And that’s right where we played. For me, it was all the same. It was the most charming parking lot, there was an ice cream stand in it, there were trees overhanding–I couldn’t have been happier. A heat wave hit us while we were in France and it was so hot that my end pin melted into the asphalt. One might think that it was a problem, and it absolutely was, but also, don’t forget that wet asphalt turns into dry asphault and for me it was the ultimate memento.
Over the years I’ve had more opportunities to visit France and I ALWAYS make it a priority to visit Giverny for the gardens and house tour because it’s absolutely transformative. His use of color was shocking and bold and yet so perfect. Spend some time looking at the flower choices and the layout. They’ve done an incredible job of maintaining it for us all to enjoy. You don’t even need to be a fan of Monet to enjoy it (although why wouldn’t you be!?!). Let get into the nitty-gritty!
Visiting Monet’s House and Gardens at Giverny
Giverny is nestled in the serene countryside of Normandy, France, about 75 km west of Paris. The ride through the countryside is enough to visit but there’s so much more.
1. Planning Your Visit:
A journey to Giverny requires careful planning to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. The gardens are typically open to the public from April to October, with the peak bloom season occurring during late spring and early summer. To avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends. Additionally, be mindful of French public holidays, as these may affect opening hours and availability.
Before setting out, I would check the official website for any updates on ticketing, guided tours, and special events. Purchasing tickets in advance, either online or through authorized vendors, can help streamline your entry process and minimize wait times upon arrival. Keep in mind that Giverny is a popular destination, particularly during the peak tourist season, so booking accommodations and transportation well in advance is recommended.
In fact, believe it was my friend, Eva Jorgensen, who leads design trips to Paris and the South of France who recently told me that Giverny has become a stop for cruise lines in recent years so they are more packed than ever, unfortunately. I wouldn’t let that deter you, it will be worth. I would suggest going first thing in the morning.
One of my FAVORITE parts to this trip was riding bicycles from the train station to Monet’s house. The bike rentals are right there at the train station. Make sure to test them out before you head off as we learned. Such a core memory.
When to go to Monet’s Gardens
The house and gardens are only open April to October. I’ve visited in June, September, and October. The photos you are seeing here were all taken in September. The expert gardeners make sure that something is ALWAYS in bloom so anytime you visit you will see something gorgeous. That said, when I visited in October, I did feel like things were on their way out. In spring you’ll see more spring time flowers–irises, poppies, etc. Personally, I love spring flowers and it’s not as hot as summer months so if I had the ability to select the perfect time I’d probably go in April or May. Summer gets more touristy too. There were more people than I thought would be there when we were there in September but it wasn’t as crazy as I’ve seen it.
2. Exploring Monet’s House
Begin your Giverny adventure by stepping into Monet’s meticulously preserved home, where every room exudes the warmth and charm of a bygone era. The French also have a reverence for Monet so every detail has been preserved as much as possible. Built in the traditional Norman style, the pink facade of Monet’s house welcomes visitors with open arms, inviting them to delve into the intimate spaces where the artist lived, worked, and found inspiration. That pink, contrasted with a bright grass green, make for a visual feast.
As you wander through the various rooms, from the blue and white tile-clad kitchen to the elegant drawing-room adorned with period furnishings and vibrant textiles, you’ll gain insight into Monet’s personal life and artistic journey. I reference his color use all the time for my own home especially his yellow dining room and brass–accessorized kitchen, which I adore.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Monet’s studio, where the artist spent countless hours immersed in his creative process, surrounded by his cherished collection of Japanese prints and eclectic objets d’art.
3. Wander Through the Gardens
The true highlight of any visit to Giverny is undoubtedly the breathtaking gardens that served as Monet’s living masterpiece. Divided into two distinct areas—the Clos Normand and the Water Garden—these meticulously landscaped grounds offer a sensory feast of color, fragrance, and natural beauty at every turn.
In the Clos Normand, Monet’s passion for gardening is on full display, with meticulously arranged flower beds bursting with vibrant blooms in a kaleidoscope of hues. Follow the meandering pathways lined with irises, tulips, and poppies, and marvel at the profusion of colors that dance in the dappled sunlight.
There are two main portions to the gardens. The first is right in back of the house with the aisles. Then you pass under the road through a tunnel (with the coolest green lattice against pink) and emerge out the other side to where the iconic Japanese bridge and gardens are. After crossing the Japanese bridge, adorned with climbing wisteria and framed by weeping willows, you’ll enter the tranquil oasis of the Water Garden.
Here, the iconic lily ponds, adorned with graceful water lilies and reflected in the shimmering surface of the water, offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Take a moment to linger by the water’s edge, where Monet himself once found solace and inspiration amidst the ever-changing play of light and shadow.
4. Tips for Photographers
For photography enthusiasts, Giverny is a veritable paradise of visual inspiration, offering a myriad of opportunities to capture the essence of Monet’s artistic vision. To make the most of your photographic experience, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon hours, when the soft, golden light casts a magical glow over the gardens and lends an ethereal quality to your images.
It’s only in recent years that you are allowed to photograph inside the house so make sure you take advantage of all the details!
5. Practical Information
Before embarking on your journey to Giverny, here are some practical tips to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:
- Location: Giverny is located approximately 75 kilometers west of Paris, making it an ideal day trip destination for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s a train stop in Giverny, which is my favorite way to travel in Europe because you can admire the beautiful countryside. I’ve also taken a car, but there are tolls so beware.
- Admission: Tickets for Monet’s house and gardens can be purchased on-site or online in advance, with discounted rates available for students, seniors, and groups. Be sure to check the official website for the latest information on ticket prices and availability.
- Facilities: The site offers a range of amenities for visitors, including restrooms, a gift shop featuring an array of Monet-inspired souvenirs and memorabilia, and a charming café where you can relax and recharge amidst the beauty of the gardens.
Other things to do in Giverny
We ate at the nearby restaurant, Les Nymphéas, which was delicious and beautiful. Go use their restroom to see the beautiful courtyard.
I might also suggest making time to walk around the village and visiting the nearby Impressionist Museum, which always has great features of Impressionist arists. There are some more formal gardens here that are a lovely walk through.
Teaching kids about Claude Monet
When I visited the gift shop when I was a kid, I brought home a 3D paper replica of his house that I gave to my mom. I adored this little replica so much that when we did our Great Artists! course, where we teach kids about important artists throughout time, we made sure to do a lesson on Monet and even included a printable mini replica of the house. I have to say that the course is really good if you want your kids to immerse themselves before or after the trip! You can find the Monet course here.
While I’m not an expert of all things Monet, I would love to fancy myself one someday so feel free to ask a question or leave a comment. Have you been? Anything to add here?