Monet’s Garden in Springtime
“Beyond painting and gardening, I am good for nothing”
Claude Monet
The Water Garden, Clos Normand, Giverny
Claude Monet is one of my favourite artists. I adore his use of colour to capture the outdoors and especially his paintings of his beloved garden. Monet was a passionate gardener and I am very lucky to have visited his magnificent home ‘Le Clos Normand’ twice. The property is situated in the small village of Giverny, which is located in Normandy, France. Claude Monet lived here for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926.
Springtime in Monet’s garden
It’s an easy drive from Paris and there is information on the website, which I have included below, on how to travel by train. It is also possible to take an organised tour from Paris and this may be combined with a visit to the Palace of Versailles. I recommend, however, that these two magnificent historical masterpieces be visited on separate days, if possible. It will definitely be worth your time!
Monet’s Garden is splendid in Spring
It is springtime in France and we have been looking back over the photos of our last trip, which was in April 2019. We loved Monet’s Garden so much the first time that we decided to visit again. Although it was much cooler than our preferred summer visits, there were wonderful benefits. I hope that you enjoy these photos, yet again provided by my talented husband, Chris.
Setting off from Paris, we arrived in the small village of Giverny. After purchasing our tickets, we made a beeline for the Water Garden, which is accessed by a tunnel under the road separating the two parts of the property (see link to map at the end of the post).
The Japanese Bridge in Monet’s Water Garden
Although it was not the right season for the famous water lilies, we enjoyed a quiet meander around the pond, watching the reflections on the water. The Japanese Bridge is a favourite with tourists but there are also many smaller paths and a side stream to explore. The weeping willows are a delight and bring back happy memories of growing up with a huge willow tree in my garden, the centre of many imaginary games.
Willow tree by the Water Garden
Returning to the flower beds by the house, we were absolutely dazzled by the stunning display of bulbs and the variety of colours and shapes. The garden was like a rainbow.
The garden is set out to optimise views
View through to the house
Rainbow coloured flower beds
Monet’s house sits beautifully amongst the colour. Like a rose, the pink house with green shutters is stunning in the sunlight. We didn’t go inside Monet’s house this time and, so, I will save those details for a future post.
Monet’s house
Of course, I couldn’t go past the gift shop and I enjoy every rainy day when I pull out my Water Lilies umbrella.
http://fondation-monet.com/en/
If you click on this link you will have a map showing you the layout of Monet’s Garden.
We spent a little time in the village of Giverny on both visits. On this occasion, we enjoyed a delicious morning tea of Tarte Normande au Calvados and coffee at ‘Les Nymphéas’ Restaurant – Salon de Thé, which is just opposite Monet’s House and Garden.
C’est moi enjoying morning tea of Tarte Normande au Calvados and coffee at ‘Les Nymphéas’
Stunning spring bulbs
A few of tips for planning your visit:
· Arrive as close to opening time as you can
· Head straight to the Water Garden for a photo of the Japanese Bridge without the crowds
· Don’t rush your visit … spend time afterwards in the village and surrounds
· If you are driving, continue along the picturesque Seine Valley and visit Les Andelys
In a couple of weeks, Chris and I will visit the ‘Monet and Friends’ exhibition in Sydney with our family. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the sensual works of these renowned artists in this interactive experience and introduce our grandchildren to their beautiful art.
