A short day trip from Paris lies a hidden garden of inspiration.
Are you a fan of classic art? Have a trip to Paris planned?
If you answered yes to either of these things then you CANNOT miss visiting Monet’s home and garden in Giverny. Just a mere 40-50 minutes outside the city center lies Giverny- home to the quaint town that the world-renowned French artist, Claude Monet retired to.
Here you can not only tour his home with monochromatic and themed rooms, and view some of his original and unpublished paintings, but you can stroll through his garden and see the very spot where he found his inspiration for the well-known ‘Water Lilly’ series. His garden at Giverny was not just a sanctuary but also a living canvas where he meticulously arranged flowers, plants, and water features to create harmonious compositions.
Monet was a pivotal artist in the impressionist movement. From a young age, he showed an exceptional talent for drawing and painting. His early works were characterized by his keen observation and ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and color, which would later become the hallmark of his style. In the 1870s, Monet and a group of like-minded artists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and Camille Pissarro, began to diverge from traditional artistic conventions. They held their own independent exhibitions, which led to the birth of the Impressionist movement. Monet’s painting “Impression, Sunrise” (1872) gave the movement its name and showcased his innovative approach to capturing the essence of a scene rather than its precise details.
After following his exhibits for many years in the States and studying his work extensively during my time in art school, when I booked my trip to Paris in 2023, I knew that this was a must-see for me. I went in July, which led to the water lilies blooming. If you want to see the garden in its full glory July – August is when most of the plants are flourishing.
I booked with a tour company that offered full or half-day excursions to Giverny. The pick-up was just 2 blocks away from the Eiffel Tower, so I took advantage of the earlier morning pickup (8:30 am) and decided to head to the Eiffel Tower early to get the place all to myself while I enjoyed a cup of coffee and a gluten-free croissant.
I chose the half-day tour, which offered plenty of time to stroll around the garden, take in the sights, appreciate the beauty, and then be back in time to catch a late lunch in Paris. The full-day tours allow time to take in the sights and culture of Giverny as well as view the church where Monet’s final resting place is, something I wish I scheduled time for. They supplied audio guides, transportation, and a personalized guide for the day, as well as admission to Monet’s home. Prices start at $90 and go up from there depending on which tour you decide to go with. I booked through Viator, and they offered the most options and choices to fit my budget and timeline. You can click the link below to see what options are offered. I booked my trip about 3 weeks out, but I know there were still some spots left on my tour the day of, so even if it is a last-minute decision, if you have a free day, book the tour!
Have you been on any fabulous day trips from Paris?
Drop your hidden gems in the comments below!
Cheers,
Kaitlin & Ally
