Giverny

Givernya charming little village nestled in the Seine valley in the south of France. Normandyhas gained worldwide renown thanks to Claude Monet, pioneer of theimpressionism. Monet made Giverny his home from 1883 until his death in 1926, during which time he immortalized the beauty of the place through his works, making the village an epicenter of art.

Monet's home and gardens, famous for their water lilies and Japanese bridge, embody the very essence of Impressionism and continue to attract visitors from the four corners of the globe. Located near Vernon and just an hour from Paris and Rouen, Giverny promises a rewarding getaway where art, nature and Norman authenticity meet.

The Monet Museum: immersion in the world of the master of Impressionism

The history of the museum: a house transformed into a memory

The house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, abandoned after the artist's death in 1926, were restored in the late 1970s. It was thanks to the Académie des Beaux-Arts, which inherited the property from Claude's son Michel Monet in 1966, and under the leadership of Gérald Van der Kemp, that this resurrection took place. The restoration has faithfully preserved the original atmosphere of the house and gardens, immersing visitors in Monet's authentic world.

Discovering Monet's gardens

Monet's gardens, a veritable living work of art, embody the artist's love of nature and gardening. Between the Clos Normand, a lush flower garden, and the water garden, famous for its Japanese bridge and water lilies, these spaces greatly inspired Monet's work. With the expertise of renowned surveyors and gardeners such as Georges Truffaut, Gustave Caillebotte and Octave Mirbeau, the gardens offer a continuous parade of blooms throughout the year, providing an ever-renewed scene.

Masterpieces at the Musée Monet

In addition to the house and gardens, the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, a stone's throw away, enriches the visiting experience. This museum unveils the history of Impressionism and its currents through avant-garde temporary exhibitions. Visitors discover works by Monet and other Impressionist figures, as well as special exhibitions such as "Hiramatsu Reiji, Symphony of Water Lilies", which explores themes dear to Monet.

Norman charm through Giverny

Architecture and local culture

Giverny is distinguished by its traditional Norman architecture, taking visitors on a journey through time. Nestled on the right bank of the Seine, close to the Epte river, the village's thatched roofs and half-timbered facades are emblematic of the region.

At the heart of the village, Sainte-Radegonde church, with its distinctive Romanesque architecture, is a precious testimony to the local heritage and contains Claude Monet's tomb, eternally adorned with flowers in his honor.

Cultural and artistic activities in Giverny

A sanctuary for art and culture enthusiasts, Giverny invites visitors to discover Monet's home and gardens. The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, a stone's throw from the painter's home, enriches the experience with its high-quality temporary exhibitions tracing the history of Impressionism and its currents. This museum offers a unique window onto the works of Impressionist artists and the influence of this movement on the region.

Discover regional gastronomy

Another of Giverny's attractions is its rich Norman gastronomy. Gourmets can sample local specialties at the Hôtel Baudy, a former artists' rendezvous now transformed into a café-restaurant, where the decor is reminiscent of the place's artistic era.

Establishments such as La Musardière, housed in an 1880 building, offer dishes prepared using local produce, perpetuating the authentic Norman culinary tradition.

Practical tips for organizing your visit to Giverny

When to visit Giverny

The best time to visit Giverny is from April to October, when Monet's gardens are decked out in a thousand colors. For the best experience, choose May and June, when the flowering season is at its peak.

If you're looking for more peace and quiet, opt for the low season, from November to March, to discover the peaceful charm of the winter landscape.

How to get to Giverny

Getting to Giverny from Paris is child's play: take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Vernon-Giverny, a journey of around 45 minutes.

On arrival, a shuttle bus will take you directly to Claude Monet's house for a return fare of 10 euros, with timetables adjusted to coincide with train arrivals. Although the village is pleasant to explore on foot, hiring a car may be a good way to explore the surrounding area.

Where to stay

Giverny offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Le Clos Fleuri, nestled in the heart of the village, welcomes you in picturesque surroundings for around 130 euros a night in high season. For a more affordable alternative, consider moving slightly further away and opt for accommodations such as Le Havre de paix on the banks of the Eure, 30 km away, where rates start at 45 euros a night.

Nearby Hôtel La Musardière offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms for a pleasant stay in Giverny.

Giverny and Monet: Journey to the heart of Impressionism

Located in Normandy village of Giverny is world-famous as the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. This enchanting place, with its lush gardens and picturesque house, inspired some of the artist's most famous paintings. The present day, Giverny and Monet remain inseparable, attracting thousands of visitors every year to admire the landscapes that gave birth to the Water lilies and Rouen Cathedral series.

Monet's House and Gardens at Giverny

A place of creation and inspiration

Claude Monet settles in Giverny in 1883in search of a setting conducive to his art. He lived there until his death in 1926transforming this Norman house into a veritable open-air workshop.

The house, painted pink with green shutters, has remained unchanged ever since. true to the times. Inside, visitors can discover its workshopits roomsas well as an exceptional collection ofJapanese printswhich influenced his work.

The flower garden, a living masterpiece

Visit Monet's gardendivided into two parts - the Clos Normand and the water gardenis a breathtaking spectacle.

Visit Clos Normandlocated in front of the house, is a garden bursting with color, where poppies, peonies and dahlias flourish in a wild, free composition.
Visit water gardeninspired by Japanese prints, is home to the famous Japanese bridge and the basin covered with water liliesthe inspiration for the legendary Water lilies.

Each season transforms these gardens, offering visitors a unique experience depending on the time of year.

Giverny's influence on Monet's work

The birth of the Water Lilies

Monet, fascinated by water and its reflections, laid out his water lily pond to experiment with a new approach to light and movement. He paints over 250 paintingscapturing the infinite variations of sky and water. These works, now exhibited in the world's greatest museums, such as theOrangerie in Parisare a testament to his artistic genius.

A play of light and color

In Giverny, Monet perfected his Impressionist technique, playing with light and colours. atmospheric changes. He painted at different times of the day, capturing the evolution of colors as the hours passed. This approach led to his famous serieslike those of Grinding wheels or Poplarswhere he explores the perception of time through painting.

A major artistic legacy

Thanks to Monet, Giverny becomes an art center. Many Impressionist painters, particularly Americans, settled here to work alongside the master. Even today, the village preserves this heritage with museums and art galleries dedicated to Impressionism.

What else is there to see in Giverny besides Monet's house?

The Musée des Impressionnismes

Located a few steps from Monet's house, the Musée des Impressionnismes highlights the history and evolution of the Impressionist movement. Works by Sisley, Renoir, Pissarrobut also contemporary artists influenced by this aesthetic.

Walks in the village

Giverny, with its flower-filled lanes with its stone houses, is a picturesque village where you can take a leisurely stroll. Not to be missed:

Sainte-Radegonde churchwhere Monet is laid to rest.
Art gallerieswho exhibit works inspired by Impressionism.
Restaurants and tea roomsto enjoy local cuisine in a bucolic setting.

Landscapes that inspired Monet

The area around Giverny is full of natural sites that inspired Monet and his contemporaries. A stroll along the Seine or a visit to the cliffs of Étretat allow you to appreciate the same play of light that fascinated the Impressionists.

Practical tips for visiting Giverny and Monet's gardens

When to visit?

Spring (April-June) The gardens are in full bloom, offering a dazzling display of color.
Summer (July-August) Very busy period, but ideal for admiring the water lilies in bloom.
Autumn (September-October) Fewer visitors and a peaceful ambience with golden hues.

How do I get there?

By car 1h30 from Paris via the A13 freeway.
By train From Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then by bus or cab to Giverny.
By bike A great way to discover the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

Tickets and reservations

To avoid long queues, we advise you to book tickets online for the Monet's house and the Musée des Impressionnismes.

Conclusion

Giverny and Monet form an inseparable duo, symbolizing the Impressionist movement and an artist's passion for nature. Visit Monet's house and gardensdiscovering the village and its gallerieswe plunge into a universe where art and nature come together harmoniously. Whether you're a painting enthusiast or a lover of bucolic landscapes, a visit to Giverny is an essential experience for understanding the legacy of Claude Monet.

📌 To find out more about the artist, visit the Wikipedia page dedicated to Claude Monet.

Vernon and Giverny: A journey to the heart of Impressionism

Located in Normandythe cities of Vernon and Giverny offer an idyllic setting for nature and art lovers. Vernon, with its rich historical heritage, serves as the gateway to Givernythe village made famous by Claude Monet. Together, these two destinations offer immersion in the impressionist worldThis is a great way to discover the region's unspoilt landscapes and remarkable heritage.

Vernon: A town of medieval charm

A preserved architectural heritage

Vernon, crossed by the Seineis distinguished by its half-timbered housesits cobbled streets and its historic monuments. Not to be missed:

Le Vieux-MoulinVernon's landmark, perched on the piers of an ancient medieval bridge.
Notre-Dame Collegiate ChurchThe church is an impressive Gothic structure with sublime stained-glass windows.
Château de Bizynicknamed the "Little Versailles", with its magnificent formal gardens.

The Musée de Vernon: A tribute to the Impressionists

Visit Vernon Museumhoused in a former town house, is home to collections ofimpressionist artincluding works by Monet and his contemporaries. It also features paintings by Pierre Bonnard and temporary exhibitions on the history of the region.

How to visit Vernon and Giverny

By train From Paris, take a train to Vernon-Giverny (approx. 50 minutes), then take the bus or bike to Giverny.
By car 1h30 from Paris via the A13 motorway.
By bike A cycle path links Vernon to Giverny along the Seine, offering a beautiful ride in the heart of nature.

A combined tour of Vernon and Giverny allows you to discover the history, art and landscapes that inspired theimpressionismfor an unforgettable cultural getaway.

Fondation Monet in Giverny: A landmark of Impressionism

Visit Claude Monet Foundation à Giverny is one of the most visited sites in NormandyEvery year, it attracts art and nature enthusiasts. Located in the Impressionist painter's former home, it offers visitors the chance to discover his work. intimate universe as well as magnificent gardens that inspired his masterpieces.

Monet's house: A journey through time

Claude Monet settles in Giverny in 1883 and lived there until his death in 1926. His carefully restored house retains its period furniturehis workshopand a remarkable collection of Japanese prints. The visit allows visitors to enter into the intimacy of the painter, his blue lounge to its yellow dining rooma testament to his taste for bright colors.

Gardens: A living work of art

The real treasure of the Monet Foundation lies in its gardens. Divided into two parts, they reflect the painter's love of nature and light:

Le Clos NormandThe garden in front of the house is bursting with brightly colored flowers.
The water gardenwith his famous Japanese bridge and its water liliesIt inspired many of Monet's iconic paintings.

Practical information

Visit Monet Foundation is open fromApril to Novemberand it is advisable to book in advance due to overcrowding. Accessible by train from Paris to Vernonand then by bus or bicycle, it is an ideal a must-see getaway for everyimpressionism and nature.

Weather in Giverny: What's the weather like in Monet's village?

Located in Normandy, Giverny benefits from temperate oceanic climateThe region is characterized by contrasting seasons and regular rainfall. Before visiting Monet's House and Gardensit is essential to consult the weather in Giverny to make the most of this iconic destination.

The seasons at Giverny

Spring (March - May) Temperatures vary between 8°C and 18°Cwith sunny spells and occasional showers. It's the perfect time to admire the gardens in full bloom.
Summer (June - August) : Pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°Csometimes more during heat waves. The days are long and bright, perfect for a visit.
Autumn (September - November) Temperatures between 10°C and 20°Cwith magnificent golden colors. Some rain, but a peaceful atmosphere.
Winter (December - February) Moderate cold, with temperatures between 2°C and 10°C. Giverny is less crowded, so it's a quiet period, but Monet's house is closed.

Weather tips for visiting Giverny

Think of an umbrella in any season, as Normandy is prone to unexpected showers.
Prefer spring and summer to see Monet's gardens in all their splendor.
Check the weather forecast in advance to adapt your outfit and make the most of your Impressionist getaway.

Whether you come in the sunshine or after a light rain, Giverny and its landscapes remain enchanting all year round !

Conclusion

Giverny proves to be an essential stopover for those who cherish art and nature. Monet's home and gardens offer a fascinating plunge into the heart of Impressionism, revealing Claude Monet's muses.

The gardens, faithfully restored, and the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny significantly enrich this visit. We highly recommend scheduling your visit to enjoy a moment of tranquility and radiance in this typically Norman village.

Board a train from Paris, follow our expert recommendations for an enriched experience, and succumb to the picturesque charm of Giverny.

FAQ

What's the best day to visit Giverny?

The ideal time to visit Giverny is from April to October, when Claude Monet's house and gardens are open to the public. For a more pleasant experience, it's best to visit on weekdays, to avoid the crowds at weekends and during school vacations.

Where to go in Giverny?

Claude Monet's gardens offer wonderful walks, including the famous Clos Normand. Don't miss a visit to the artist's house with its green shutters. For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding hillsides and forests, as well as the walks along the Seine near Vernon, are also recommended.

When should you visit Monet's garden?

Visit Monet's gardens between April and October to admire an uninterrupted succession of blooms. This period guarantees a veritable explosion of color thanks to the diversity of the flowers present.