What am I doing here? At least if you know me at all, this question is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Monet’s Gardens? Michelle? The two don’t immediately pair.
I’ve got two potted plants on top of our borrowed piano in the front room only because someone told me that would make the backdrop to my travel interview videos look homier. I’m not sure if the brown leaves show up in the shot but if they do you get a sense of what it’s like to be vegetation in the Silva house. If it’s not the type you eat, we don’t know what to do. I’ve given up on the front patio, those are all fake (maybe I should host my Zoom meetings out there).
My mother on the other hand probably invented the “green thumb” phrase carrying on the tradition from her mother. And because of this affinity for plant life, she is the reason our Paris adventure had to include a day trip to Giverny and these famous gardens. She’s had a replica of Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies up on a wall of our house for as long as I can remember. So when we planned to go to Paris this had to be included in the itinerary.
Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. With its centuries-old architecture, impressive museums, amazing culinary scene, and vibrant culture, there’s no shortage of things to eat, see or do in the city. But if you’re looking to get out for a day, Giverny is a great option. The beauty of the grounds really did win me over. As did the ease of getting there from the city. Just an hour outside of Paris, Giverny is home to Claude Monet’s gardens and house – two attractions that are definitely worth a visit. So if you’re looking to explore more of France beyond Paris, be sure to add Giverny to your list!
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Best Time to Visit
The Monet Foundation opens the grounds from April 1st to November 1st. And in April the blooms of spring abound. The colors evolve with the seasons. The beautiful gardens and water lily pond highlight different blooms across the year and the Claude Monet Foundation shares the majesty of each season with the public.
We chose to visit in the spring and were not disappointed. It’s definitely the kind of space you want to return to again and again as flowers are planted to bloom across the length of each season. So if you can come multiple times during various parts of the year you will never find a lack of color on display.
How to Get to Giverny from Paris
Whether taking public transit or a private tour you have many options to get from Paris to Giverny. Choosing to go by train, you will leave from Gare Saint-Lazare to the town of Vernon. This is the closest traing station to Monet’s Gardens. Then a taxi or shuttle bus can take you the short distance, 4 miles, to the tiny hamlet of Giverny. Check for bike rentals if you are fit and up for the ride! Transportation options are clearly described at the Paris to Giverny website which I’ve linked for you.
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You can also join a bus tour. The trip to Giverny will take up just a half-day. You’ll get a tour guide to explain Monet’s history on the journey there then walk with you to see both Monet’s house and gardens before your return to Paris. Or you can couple the trip to Giverny with a lunch and continue on to explore the opulence at the Palace of Versailles. That will make a full-day trip.
We were happy with the half-day tour and had time to grab a snack at Les Nymphaes, the restaurant closest to the exit from Monet’s Gardens. I enjoyed their outdoor seating and had a cheese plate with their house hard cider.
Visit Monet’s House
A short walk from the bus drop-off brings you to Monet’s house. Take a moment to appreciate what almost was lost. Monet died in 1926 and due to a lack of interest from family members and then a lack of funds for much-needed maintenance, the space was almost abandoned.
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It finally opened to the public after generous donations and the care of the Claude Monet Foundation. Through the lens of appreciation for the hundreds of people who keep this monument to Impressionism alive, we began our tour.
Monet lived in the house for over four decades and enlarged it as he needed for his growing family. The barn served as his studio, the gardens his inspiration.
There are explosions of color in each section of the house, all chosen by Monet. Guests walk in the footsteps of the artist through his blue sitting room, the yellow dining room, a stunning tiled kitchen, and various upstairs bedrooms. Be sure to enjoy the views of the gardens and French countryside from the upstairs windows.
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The large studio that housed the famous water lily paintings is now the gift shop. And replicas of famous works by friends as well as books on impressionist painters are available for purchase. You can even find recipe books inspired by amazing dishes cooked in his kitchens and served in the vibrant dining room.
Visit the Gardens and Water Lily Pond
The front garden, called Clos Normand, is divided by flower-lined paths and flowerbeds that show a riot of color no matter the season. We enjoyed the tulips lined along the path.
In the water garden, the land which he bought later, you can see the famous Japanese bridge, weeping willow trees, and water lilies that begin later in summer in July. You can get a complete calendar of what blooms and when by clicking here.
When considering a day trip outside of Paris, be sure to check out Giverny. Claude Monet’s gardens and house are definitely worth a visit! For more travel information, be sure to sign up for our weekly Travel Goals Newsletter.
You can see a detailed post on how to get the most out of your visit to Paris here. Or considering a romantic getaway for just the two of you? Read our top 10 romantic recommendations for Paris here.
Explore more of Europe here with posts on destinations from Spain, Italy, Portugal, and more!