Giverny: A Journey Through Monet’s Gardens
Celebrated impressionist painter Claude Monet spent nearly 43 years– from 1883 to his death in 1926– living in a house he constructed in the peaceful locality of Giverny, about an hour from Paris and at the edge of the Normandy region of France. Today run by the Claude Monet Foundation, the painter’s house and breathtaking gardens attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, who come to witness the iconic water garden and bridge which inspired some of Monet’s most-loved paintings (including the water lilies series), enjoy the artist’s collection of Japanese prints, or explore the brightly-painted and decorated rooms of the house. An excursion to Giverny represents an ideal opportunity for a memorable day trip.
Claude Monet Foundation: Information & Tips For Your Visit
A visit to the Fondation Claude Monet, site of the iconic house and gardens, offers an ideal and convenient day trip from Paris. Be aware, however, that the Foundation (including the gardens) is closed between November and the end of March.
Getting There, Location and Contact Information:
The Fondation Claude Monet is located 88km/56mi from Paris and is accessible by train and shuttle or by car. To visit from Paris by train, get to the Gare St-Lazare train station (metro lines 3, 12, 13, 14) and take the “SNCF” regional train to Vernon station. A shuttle regularly transports tourists from Vernon to Giverny; you can also take bus #240 to the house and gardens or opt for a taxi.
Address:
84 rue Claude Monet
Giverny
Tel: +33 (0)2 32 51 28 21
Visit the official website
Accessibility information: The gardens are accessible to disabled visitors through the group entrance. Unfortunately, most parts of the house are not accessible at this time. For more information and to make special arrangements, call the museum at the above-listed number.
Opening Times and Tickets:
The Foundation is open from April 1st through November 1st, including bank holidays, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (ticket office closes at 5:30 pm).
Tickets: Check current admission prices here. Admission is free for children under the age of 7.
Eating and Drinking Around the Gardens:
The restaurant “Les Nympheas” is conveniently located across the street from the Fondation Claude Monet (at 109 rue Claude Monet), serving hot and cold dishes, snacks, and a daily fixed-price menu.
Tel: +33 (0)2 32 21 20 31
Monet’s House and Gardens: Visit Highlights
Visiting the house and gardens at the Fondation Claude Monet takes about an hour and a half to two hours– and maybe a bit more if you’re an avid photographer. These are the main areas we recommend you explore during your visit:
The Gardens
Monet’s world-famous gardens are divided into two main sections: the “Clos Normand” and the “Water Gardens”.
The Clos Normand is a romantic-style garden featuring elegant metal archways adorned with climbing plants and flowers. Walk along the central path to enjoy countless varieties of flowers (including irises, poppies, daffodils, tulips, and peonies) and trees (primarily apricot and apple). In the spring and summer, bees noisily pollinate the flowers, providing a sensory delight amid the warmth of the sun.
The Water Garden is instantly recognizable for its graceful Japanese-style footbridge, poetic willows, and picturesque water lily ponds. Monet designed these elements to create a subtle interplay of light and shadows, painting them at different times of day for his celebrated Nympheas series.
A passionate collector and admirer of Japanese art and gardens, Monet constructed the green footbridge to connect to the Clos Normand. In the Water Garden, you will find a plethora of Asian plants, including maples, bamboo, Japanese peonies, willow trees, and, of course, the iconic water lilies.
Monet’s House and Japanese Prints Collection:
The gardens are undoubtedly the main attraction at Giverny; however, for those who wish to glimpse how Monet lived, a tour of the house is essential. Admire the blue sitting room, the kitchen, the artist’s studio, and private apartments. Monet’s exceptional collection of Japanese prints graces the walls of the house, offering visitors insights into the styles and aesthetics that deeply influenced his artistic work.
Read more about the house here
Pictured above: This breathtaking shot shows one of the waterlily ponds and dramatic willows at Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny.
Detail of Water Lily at Giverny
When visiting Giverny, ensure you take plenty of time to admire the numerous varieties of plants, flowers, and trees planted here. The Water garden is a place for contemplation and meditation, where even the smallest details, like a water lily, can draw inspiration.
Climbing Plants and Vines in the Clos Normand
This detail of the “Clos Normand” garden at Giverny offers another glimpse into the vibrant spectrum of colors visitors encounter within Monet’s gardens. It is common to see aspiring painters gather for workshops here, focusing on the interaction of color and light in the garden, while attempting to capture their own Impressionist visions.
