Claude Monet, a founding father of French Impressionist painting, crafted art that was not solely confined to canvas. His masterpiece extended beyond framed compositions and spilled onto a natural canvas in Giverny, creating the masterpiece known to the world as Monet’s Garden.
If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip from Paris, head to Giverny!
This charming village is home to the famous Claude Monet’s Garden, which is definitely worth exploring.
Visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny
Intricately designed and meticulously maintained, the garden is divided into two main parts: the Close Normand, located in front of the artist’s pink-plastered house, and the Japanese-inspired Water Garden situated across the street.
Monet was an avid gardener, and his love for horticulture is evident in the care and attention he put into his garden.
Each section is filled with brilliant color and is a testament to Monet’s dedication to his artistic ability to capture the beauty of nature.
History of Monet’s Garden
When Monet and his family settled in Giverny in 1883, he began working the land procuring flowers and fruit trees in elaborate displays of beauty.
Ten years later, he acquired adjacent land on which he had several small ponds dug to his neighbor’s dismay.
As time went on, Monet added weeping willows and bridges that were inspired by his love of Japanese gardens.
Just like the beauty Monet created in his paintings, his garden is a true work of art.
Touring Monet’s House
While visiting Monet’s Garden, you will also get to tour his family home.
Claude Monet lived in his home at Giverny for forty-three years, from 1883 to 1926.
The house was designed not just for living, but for working and entertaining.
With its colorful rooms, there is no doubt that Monet himself artistically designed each room.
You will find the bedrooms for Monet, his wife, and children on the upper level.
His bedroom has beautiful views of his garden.
Along with the main house, the barn next to the house was Monet’s studio and was eventually connected to the main house with a set of stairs.
How to Get From Paris to Giverny
Driving from Paris to Giverny
The easiest way to get to Giverny from Paris is by car. You will find plenty of onsite parking that is a short walk to the Giverny Garden.
Getting to Giverny from Paris by Train
From Paris, you will want to take the train from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station. Buy a ticket for Vernon (the closest stop to Giverny).
Train tickets can be purchased on-site at the station or on the SNCF website.
Once in Vernon, you can take the Vernon-Giverny-Vernon shuttle or a taxi to the ticket entrance.